The concept plan for the Darlington playground includes new equipment, a shelter, footpath and an irrigation system to maintain a kickabout area, and residents are encouraged to provide feedback at council’s Your Say page until Monday 9 August.
The park upgrade is one of more than a dozen completed, under construction or coming soon across Onkaparinga, either through council’s Budgets 2020–21 and 2021–22, or through the federal government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program.
Park upgrades completed and ready to enjoy include those at Clarrie Eatts Reserve, Aldinga; Quadrant Terrace and Helmsman Terrace, Seaford; two playgrounds at Flagstaff Hill Sports Ground; Farnsworth Drive, Morphett Vale (LRCI-funded); and Clarendon Recreation Park (LRCI-funded).
Parks currently under construction include those at Bakers Green Reserve, Onkaparinga Hills; Babbacombe Drive, Moana (LRCI-funded); and Stillwell Park, Hackham (LRCI-funded).
Park upgrades will also commence over the next six months at Chilcomb Drive, Huntfield Heights (LRCI-funded); Hastings Avenue, Sellicks Beach; and Gerald Court, Christie Downs.
Council’s Budget for 2021–22 also includes designs of an additional 12 new playgrounds that are nearing the end of their life cycles.
City of Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson says the upgrades will provide idyllic spaces for local families to play, relax and socialise.
“Council maintains 1953 hectares of open space area and 242 playgrounds and these spots are crucial to the health and wellbeing of our communities,” she says.
“We upgrade these parks based on the condition and expected life of the equipment, ensuring they’re fit-for-purpose and meet the community’s changing needs.
“Make sure you check out the recently completed upgrades if you’re looking for a new spot to take the kids, and keep an eye out on our Facebook page as new ones are completed.”
The latest rounds of park upgrades come on the back of 2019–20 revamps at Ron Gill Reserve, Christies Beach; Pamela Street, Happy Valley; Myerhoff Street, Aldinga Beach; and Birman Crescent, Flagstaff Hill; and the construction of southern Adelaide’s largest nature-based playspace at Morphett Vale’s Wilfred Taylor Reserve.