Image: Render of Splash and Play
Whyalla’s foreshore is about to get a very big, splashy upgrade, with construction officially kicking off on the new Splash and Play Plaza.
Lead contractor, Outside Ideas, broke ground on August 5, meaning it won’t be long before the plans that have been taking shape on paper start becoming a reality.
If the list of attractions is anything to go by, local kids are going to have a very good reason to make the foreshore their new favourite hangout.
Think water buckets, sprays and a water curtain, a five-metre-high slide, flying fox, climbing nets, in-ground trampolines and even a half-court basketball court. There’s also set to be a giant play tower with spiral stairs and a spiral slide, plus a ‘Skywalk’ leading to the big slide.
In other words, parents might want to start preparing themselves for the inevitable “Can we go to the plaza?” every weekend.
Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone, said the foreshore would be his second home for the coming months as he eagerly watches the project come to life.
“This is the news the community’s been waiting for since we received Australian Government funding for this project last year,” he said.
“Seeing the huge slides and other play equipment going up should put a smile on the faces of local families, especially those who helped shape the final design.”
The new space has been designed with all ages and abilities in mind, with accessible play equipment, plenty of shade and seating, a large undercover play area and a wave lawn complete with a bike and scooter track.
The design will feature a distinctly Whyalla look, taking inspiration from the city’s iconic steelworks and weaving elements of the industrial landscape into the play space.
The project has been made possible thanks to $3.14 million in Australian government funding through the Growing Regions Program, with the community also having a hand in shaping what will eventually become one of the foreshore’s biggest attractions.
Local parent Dani Bentley was among those who contributed ideas during the planning process and said it was exciting to see some of those suggestions make it into the final design.
Now, after months of planning, we’re finally heading into the construction phase.
Outside Ideas has been appointed to bring the project to life, with the company behind other public projects including Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Airport and the playground at Mofflin Reserve.
Director of Outside Ideas, Aaron Superina, said it was great that the beautiful stretch of land is getting an exciting update.
“Our team has a strong track record of delivering high-quality public spaces across South Australia, and we’re committed to building a plaza that’s fun for kids and adults of all abilities to enjoy for years to come,” Aaron said.
“We can’t wait for the plaza to be completed and to see our children and other local families enjoying such an exciting play space.”
The team will spend the next few weeks completing preliminary works before the site is fenced off and major construction gets underway. It will also aim to work with as many local contractors and suppliers as possible along the way.
Construction is expected to wrap up in June 2027, with the Splash and Play Plaza forming part of a bigger series of foreshore upgrades still to come.
So, Whyalla, consider this your warning because the countdown to slides, splashes and serious playground fun is officially on.
Whyalla Splash Play Plaza
When: expected June 2027
Where: Whyalla Foreshore
For more updates, click here.
