Diprotodon sculpture climb to be unveiled at Hallett Cove reserve

A life-size, climbable model of a Diprotodon, a giant wombat-like megafauna, is being officially unveiled next Tuesday as part of a free community event celebrating the upgrade of Cormorant Drive Reserve in Hallett Cove.

The sculpture climb is just one feature of the new playground in the reserve which is famous for the 1992 discovery of fossil remains of a juvenile Diprotodon.

Other features include a megafauna interactive search-and-find game and a Diprotodon-inspired sandpit.

All the new features can be explored at a free community event being hosted by the City of Marion at the reserve at 10 am on Tuesday, July 18.

Local Federal Member for Kingston and Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, will conduct an official opening with the Mayor of Marion, Kris Hanna.

The Cormorant Drive Reserve Upgrade project was made possible through $182,900 in funding from the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia.

“The Diprotodon is the largest-known marsupial to have ever lived, 10,000 to 150,000 years ago, and to have found fossil remains of this rhinoceros-sized wombat in our own backyards is pretty special,” Mayor of Marion Kris Hanna said.

“The City of Marion thought it was a fitting gesture to pay tribute to this ancient creature in this playground upgrade and we hope the wider community can enjoy it as well and will come to this hidden gem of a reserve and enjoy the fun.”

Minister Rishworth said: “It’s fantastic to see this funding being used to create such imaginative, engaging spaces in our local area – I’m sure this reserve will be well-loved by local children for many years to come.”

Features of the upgrade Reserve include:

• Diprotodon sculpture climb
• Diprotodon sandpit
• Hill slide
• Swings
• Megafauna interactive search and find game
• Nature play rocks and logs
• Extension of existing rubble path
• New picnic table and bench seat
• Drinking fountain.

A free school holiday celebration to mark the opening of the reserve is being held from 10 am to 11.30 am on Tuesday, July 18. Families can enjoy art and craft activities and free dinosaur-inspired biscuits for morning tea.

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