Adelaide’s cherished Rymill Park, a focal point of the Adelaide Fringe and many iconic South Australian events, is in the midst of an eagerly anticipated $6 million rejuvenation.
Aimed at enhancing the park’s usability while preserving its historical essence, the project has made significant strides since its announcement in August 2023.
One of the project’s cornerstones is the innovative redesign of the park’s lake. Unlike previous methods that relied on water from the Glenelg pipeline, the new design will see the lake filled with stormwater collected from Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi.
This initiative is coupled with the construction of self-cleaning rain gardens that use native aquatic plants to naturally filter the water. Such measures reaffirm the City of Adelaide’s commitment to sustainability and promise to keep the lake’s waters crystal clear for future generations.
As the need for a comprehensive overhaul became apparent over time, the updated plans include improved pathways to accommodate visitors of all abilities, enhanced seating, and upgraded lighting to ensure the park remains a welcoming space day and night.
Since April 2024, substantial progress has been made:
- Heavy vehicle access has been rerouted to Bartels Road to facilitate project logistics and minimize event disruptions.
- Pathways have been upgraded, improving park access.
- New weirs with “duck ladders” are under construction, ensuring wildlife safety.
- The lake’s contouring has been adjusted for ecological health.
- Development of two rain gardens is underway, enhancing filtration and biodiversity.
- Excavation for underground water storage tanks has been completed, setting the stage for stormwater recycling.
- A 1.7km stormwater pipeline is being installed to sustainably replenish the lake.
These updates are integral parts of the lake’s revitalization, underlining the City’s dedication to creating a sustainable and accessible park environment.
This collaboration between the City of Adelaide and CATCON, known for their involvement in landmark projects like Lot Fourteen and Tonsley, promises to uplift the park significantly.
Funded by both the City of Adelaide and the State Government through the Open Space Grant program, this redevelopment not only aims to improve local infrastructure and job creation but also to reinforce Adelaide’s attraction for major events and visitors, as noted by Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion.
Scheduled for completion in the mid to latter half of 2024, this revitalization is part of the broader Rymill Park/Murlawirrapurka Master Plan. The project, which has already seen the completion of various infrastructure upgrades and the introduction of the Quentin Kenihan Inclusive Playspace, is eagerly awaited by the Adelaide community and its visitors.
For further details and to track the progress of this project, visit the City of Adelaide’s page.
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