Published on 01 July 2024
Morphett Vale reserve upgrade officially open
Upgrades to Morphett Vale’s Wakefield Reserve on Acre Avenue are now open to the community.
The upgraded reserve includes two playground areas, comprising various swings, a flying fox, a play platform with slide, and a log scramble.
Additionally, there are three shelters with picnic tables, a drinking fountain including a dog bowl near the irrigated turf area (which includes both Aussie rules football and soccer goals), and a basketball and netball half court.
The reserve is connected with a footpath running through its centre, lit by solar lighting, and there’s even a citrus orchard and various new trees and garden beds.
City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said open spaces such as Wakefield Reserve play a vital role in the physical and mental health of the community, providing settings for play and exercise, relaxation and social interaction.
“We went out to the community for engagement on this project in September 2022 with a relatively blank canvas, and asked residents want they wanted to see at their reserve,” she said.
“It was fantastic to see so many great suggestions – from native plantings and citrus trees to solar lighting, and from a basketball court to Australian rules football and soccer goals – many of which were incorporated into the concept plan.
“I particularly loved the drawings submitted by local children about what they wanted included in their perfect playground!
“We went back to the community with the concept plan for further engagement in February 2023, and we were rapt to see a high level of community support, which allowed us to move forward with construction in November last year.
“Looking around at the finished product, it’s heartening to see our shared vision has become a reality.
“I’m supremely grateful for the local community’s feedback and patience throughout the engagement and construction period, and for the support of Katrine Hildyard MP with the state government contributing $250,000 towards the project, on top of the council’s $400,000 in funding.
“I hope the upgraded reserve brings joy, connection and smiles to local families for years to come.”
The City of Onkaparinga manages 494 developed reserves – which includes 248 playgrounds, landscaping, paths, furniture, barbecue facilities and seating – and 359 undeveloped reserves.
The council will deliver eight projects in 2024–25 to replace playgrounds and provide supporting facilities to meet service standards – including seating, shelters, irrigated turf and general landscape improvements – at:
- Old Noarlunga Tennis/Netball Club
- Balee Road reserve, Happy Valley
- Esplanade/Wembley Street, Port Noarlunga South
- Lance Hawke Park, Morphett Vale
- Callender Avenue reserve, Old Reynella
- Port Noarlunga oval, playground
- Richards Drive reserve, Morphett Vale
- Kings Court reserve, Hackham.
Planning, design and engagement will also be undertaken for a number of other playgrounds.