SA’s largest nature-based playground takes shape at Glenthorne National Park

Work on South Australia’s largest nature-based adventure playground is underway with the Mayor of Marion Kris Hanna and the Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs inspecting the site at Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta today.

The multimillion-dollar nature playground is a key feature of Adelaide’s newest national park with the City of Marion contributing $2 million towards the project. The State Government has provided funding to build trails, roads, car parking, and toilets.

Mayor of Marion Kris Hanna said it was exciting to see the first stage underway with works on the creek line completed and large tree trunks and feature rocks placed in position.

“As a former President of Friends of Glenthorne and long-time campaigner for open space in this locality, it’s great to see the playground taking shape,” Mayor Hanna said.

“Glenthorne is a special part of the City of Marion, and the council has welcomed the opportunity to work collaboratively with the State Government on this nature-based adventure playground.

“Our community is looking forward to seeing this area developed and I know it will become a popular attraction for families in Marion and right across Adelaide.”

Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said it was good to see works roll out in the visitor hub and the nature play space.

“This will be the largest scale nature play space in South Australia and will have a range of challenging elements designed to be interactive and inclusive for all ages and abilities,” Minister Speirs said.

“Early works include securing large trees and rocks that are important components of the nature play space which will complement the natural play spaces and trail networks across Glenthorne National Park which will further enhance the visitor experience.”

Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta at O’Halloran Hill incorporates the former 208ha Glenthorne Farm property and connects into the Marino Conservation Park, Hallett Cove Conservation Park, Happy Valley Reservoir, and areas of the Field River Valley.

Minister Speirs said the State Government was committed to improving South Australia’s national parks and had committed record funding to boost conservation and improve the visitor experience and create jobs.

“Glenthorne is one of the jewels in the crown of our plan to provide South Australians with better access to green, open space and I look forward to seeing this site thrive for generations to come,” Minister Speirs said.

"We want this to become the St Kilda of the South and we will be looking at other successful nature play areas such as the one at Morialta to make sure this becomes South Australia’s premier adventure playground.

“The City of Marion’s contribution demonstrates the confidence that the community has in this project and the excitement with which people are awaiting its creation in the coming months and years.”

For more information visit www.glenthorne.sa.gov.au

Image gallery: Includes photos of work underway in Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta and artist impressions of the nature-based playground.

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