Smoking ceremony and art exhibition to celebrate upgraded Warradale reserve

A Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country by Kaurna Elder Uncle Tamaru and an art exhibition by children of Ballara Park Kindergarten are just some of the attractions at a free community event being held this Saturday morning (June 24) to mark the official opening of an upgraded Ballara Park Reserve at Warradale.

The event starts at 10 am and includes face painting, ‘come and try’ tennis with Council’s On@CoM Sports Program and a coffee van providing free hot beverages and morning tea.

The City of Marion worked closely with the Ballara Park Kindergarten community to develop the concept designs for this $500,000 reserve upgrade which has been funded by three levels of government.

Council provided just over $190,000 for the project with the Australian Government contributing $135,000 through the Investing in Our Communities program and the Government of South Australia paying for a $180,000 prefabricated public toilet through the Community Infrastructure Grants Program.

“The neighbouring kindy has given us plenty of feedback about what they want with this reserve and its new playground. Council has also worked with other community groups including the Trott Park Men’s Shed which made two book swap cabinets for us and the Southern Nunga Men’s Group who painted them,” Mayor of Marion Kris Hanna said.

“The reserve now has an in-ground trampoline and a slide plus a running track, resurfaced tennis court with netball ring and new line marking, a soccer kickabout area a drinking fountain and picnic shelter. The new features will suit children with a range of abilities.

“There is a range of different recreational activities to suit all ages and interests.”

Federal Member for Boothby Louise Miller-Frost said investing in local communities was a top priority for the Federal Government.

“The upgrade of Ballara Park Reserve is a great example of our commitment,” Ms Miller-Frost said.

“Through the addition of new facilities, including an Exeloo toilet, book swap cabinets, and a range of play equipment, we are creating a space that caters to the diverse needs and interests of the Warradale community.

“I am proud to see the joint efforts of the Federal Government, State Government, and the City of Marion come to fruition in the upgrade of Ballara Park Reserve.

“This project reflects our commitment to providing accessible and inclusive public spaces that promote active lifestyles and community pride.”

State Member for Gibson Sarah Andrews said she was delighted to be able to deliver on an election commitment.

“The local community during the election campaign were vocal about the need for the addition of a toilet as a part of the Ballara Park Upgrade Project,” Ms Andrews said.

“This park is co-located with the kindergarten and, as such, has high use by young families. Those of you who have cared for very young children will know that when a child needs a toilet, they pretty much need it now.

“I am passionate about the maintenance and improvement of green space in our communities.

“There are studies that show that children who engage in outdoor activities are healthier and happier than those who do not.

“Additionally, green space and urban tree canopies are proven to assist in the fight against the warming of our streets.

“It is fantastic that trees were able to be maintained and that the community was in support of measures to protect and enhance the existing trees.”

Features of the upgraded Ballara Park Reserve at Warradale include:

• Exeloo toilet – prefabricated, robust materials, self-cleaning public toilet – funded by State Government
• Two book swap cabinets made by the Trott Park Men's Shed with artwork by the Southern Nunga Men’s Group
• Accessible in-ground trampoline
• Running track
• Resurfaced tennis court with netball ring and new line marking
• Soccer kickabout area
• Picnic shelter
• SA Water drinking fountain
• Custom cockatoo slide
• Monkey bars
• Vertical climbing net
• Play panels
• Swings
• Seating logs
• Landscaping

The free community event is being held this Saturday, June 24, 10 am to 11.30 am, at the reserve.

Image: Artist Lorna Nickels puts the finishing touches to the cockatoo artwork on the new slide at Ballara Park Reserve in Warradale.

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