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Adelaide’s newest Super Playground coming soon to Thorndon Park

By Rebecca Wilson

Posted on September 9, 2022

Once completed, the $2.5m super playground will feature swing zones, climbing structures, a ninja warrior area, a water zone, trampolines, and more.

Photo credit: Photo credit: Campbelltown City Council, developed by JPE Design Studio

Thorndon Park Reserve, situated between Newton and Athelstone, is currently undergoing a MASSIVE transformation, preparing to house Adelaide’s newest Super Playground.

Due to be completed in November 2022, the new play space will be approximately 3,500m² and expand on the current playground location adjacent to the Reserve’s Moonlight Market grounds.

Following the existing sloping topography down towards the Reservoirs, the play space will be a series of terraced play areas, connected by an accessible central path.

*Photo credit: Campbelltown City Council, developed by JPE Design Studio*

Four large bird-like structures, currently under development with Exhibition Studios, form the centrepieces of the grand project. The Heron Sculpture, standing up-right, has a climbing network within its body, and a large slide swirling down from its beak.

A wren sculpture, with swings outstretched, will operate as a low climbing net, while the crane sculpture holds a large swing in its beak. A large hen will also take centre stage.

As a tribute to Thorndon Park’s rich, cultural heritage, the park’s design revolves around birdlife, showcasing bird behaviour, habitat, and food to create a unique play experience.

The theme choice also offers educational opportunities for conservation and sustainability, with passive irrigation, biodiverse planting, and low volume water play elements incorporated into the design.

In addition to swing zones, slides and large climbing structures, the Super Playground will also feature a ninja warrior area, a half court with Basketball, Netball and Futsal goals, a table tennis space, a nest cubby, trampolines and more.

The $2.5m Thorndon Park Super Playground has been a long time in the making, with the Campbelltown City Council only just finishing up its consultation phases.

While plans are never set in stone and changes may be made down the line, Campbelltown City Council truly are dreaming big, and the plans look amazing.

If you explore Campbelltown’s City Council Design Development Report, you’ll be able to see some spectacular site plans, perspective views and equipment plans.

To learn more about the Thorndon Park Super Playground, visit the Campbelltown City Council website.