The Roger Rasheed Sports Foundation (RRSF) and the City of Onkaparinga have teamed up with the state government and the local community to deliver a multi- million dollar sports and recreation hub in Adelaide’s south.
The $3.1 million Morton Road Sports and Community Hub in Christie Downs is expected to commence construction in early 2021. It will include a skate park, multi-use tennis/netball courts, adventure play space, seating, shelters, barbecue facilities, basketball half-court, irrigated lawns and new toilets.
“We’re passionate about healthy active lifestyles at the City of Onkaparinga and we don’t just want to transform this reserve, but strengthen a community, providing our residents with a place to play and explore,” says City of Onkaparinga Mayor, Erin Thompson.
“Another key part of the hub vision is to use its facilities as a base for the Roger Rasheed Sports Foundation’s free sports coaching and mentoring programs for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Roger Rasheed says he’s excited to bring his foundation’s life-changing programs to the City of Onkaparinga.
“We’re on the cusp of delivering something truly amazing for Onkaparinga,” says Roger.
“I’ve seen first-hand the difference sport can make to young people’s lives now, and in future.
“This is what my foundation is all about, giving kids access to a better life by giving them access to sport, and we’ve seen these programs have huge success in other parts of the state.”
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll said “As our city grows, we need to develop better greener open public spaces, and that’s precisely what Morton Road Reserve is going to do.
“Not only will it provide a skate park and other sporting amenities, it’ll create new green spaces for families to enjoy, helping grow our city in a way that’s beautiful and engaging,” he says.
The $3.1 million funding for the project includes $1.5 million from both the City of Onkaparinga and the state government, with $100,000 from the RRSF, but Mayor Thompson says additional funding will help deliver an even greater vision.
Elements that are yet to be funded include more tennis courts, lighting to extend the park’s hours of use, outdoor exercise equipment and a running track.
“We will be working with Roger and his Foundation in the coming months to look at ways we can fund additional courts and other improvements to support community sport and every-day exercise,” Mayor Thompson said.
A Morton Road Concept Plan is being used to guide the design, and the public is invited to provide their feedback via the City of Onkaparinga’s Yoursay page.
Find out more about the project at www.onkaparingacity.com/yoursay.
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