The largest playspace in Adelaide’s south is now open for families to explore at Wilfred Taylor Reserve in Morphett Vale.
The new $2.2 million nature-based playspace has been designed for people of all ages and abilities to explore, roam and enjoy the reserve’s gorgeous natural environment.
Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson said the project was an exciting new drawcard for the region.
“The new playspace will be fantastic for families in Onkaparinga and beyond,” she says.
“We know that being outdoors and engaging with nature has huge benefits on the cognitive, emotional and physical development of children, but most of all it’s fun!
“I’d like to thank the hundreds of residents that provided feedback on the proposal and concept designs, and I can’t wait to see the playspace teeming with smiling faces.”
Highlights include a Hills to Beach Creative Sand and Water Play area, Possum Hangout Rope Challenge and Slide Tower, Sensory Discovery Garden, Cultural Nature Trail along Christie Creek and a Junior Nature Play area.
Farm and nature themes are featured as a tribute to the site’s importance for Kaurna people, and the site’s history as a working farm from the 1840s to 1960s.
Stunning public art by local Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna and Yankunytjatjara artist Allan Sumner is scattered throughout the playspace, which also includes a “Farm Village” with farm-themed play equipment such as a huge ride-on tractor and sheep rockers.
Inclusive play opportunities including basket swings, a bucket seat on the flying fox, wheelchair-accessible carousel, raised sensory garden beds, a raised sand play table and a vertical xylophone.
There are also grassed open spaces for events and ball games; pathways for children’s bikes and scooters; and amenities such as bike racks, barbecues, picnic facilities, drinking fountains, seating, lighting, carparking and shelters to complete the playspace.
The City of Onkaparinga first envisioned a new playspace at the site in 2017, with the State Government later contributing $1.3 million towards its construction, and council committing $900,000 for supporting infrastructure such as carparking, access roads and lighting. The Rotary
Club of Morphett Vale also generously contributed towards the wheelchair-accessible carousel.
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll says the SA Government is investing millions of dollars across Adelaide to green our city and create more green space.
“Projects like the Wilfred Taylor nature playspace are exactly the ones the community want to green their neighbourhood and provide more open and public space for them to enjoy,” he says.
Visitors to the playspace are encouraged to observe current social distancing restrictions and good hygiene practises.
The playspace is just one part of council’s wider Wilfred Taylor Reserve Master Plan, which was approved in November 2019 and charts a long-term vision for the popular 60+ hectare site. Wilfred Taylor Reserve is located on the corner of Wheatsheaf and States Roads.
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