A significant upgrade of the western Park Lands near Bowden will begin within weeks — providing an array of new facilities for the community.

The upgrade of the north-western Park Lands opposite Bowden was given the green light after approval from Adelaide City Council.

The plans include play areas, a youth space featuring a skate area, barbecues, tennis and basketball courts, upgraded paths and lighting and a community garden.

This $4 million Adelaide Park Lands Upgrade project will be funded and led by the State Government through Renewal SA, with support from Adelaide City Council and the City of Charles Sturt.

The City of Charles Sturt is contributing $150,000 towards the cost of the youth space / skate area.

Deputy Premier John Rau said the upgrade will encourage more people to use the north-western Park Lands next to Park Terrace.

“The Park Lands opposite Bowden are well used for soccer but this project will add a host of new facilities and significantly improve the landscaping, encouraging many more people to make the most of the space,” he said.

“With tennis and basketball courts, a community garden, skating facilities and landscaped areas with shade and seating — there will be something for everyone.

“Through support from the City of Charles Sturt we have included a dedicated youth space and skate area, with design input from local skaters to ensure we got the design right.

“The community garden will also be designed with input from the community who will be using this space.”

City of Adelaide Lord Mayor Martin Haese said that Adelaide City Council was pleased to collaborate with the State Government and the City of Charles Sturt on this community project.

“As more people move toward medium and higher density living, our Park Lands can provide important social, cultural and recreational opportunities for these new communities — essentially the Park Lands will become their back yard.

“We need to provide spaces that support activity, that cater for all age groups, and that give the local community a place to socialise, exercise or just relax and enjoy the outdoors. This project will achieve that for people living across the road in the newly developed Bowden area, North Adelaide residents, as well as the broader community,” said Martin.

Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Keneally said the parklands upgrades would complement the new Bowden residential development.

“We are seeing a significant influx of new residents into the eastern end of our City with this major development at Bowden, and our Council is committed to ensuring they are provided with the necessary space and infrastructure to enjoy active, vibrant lifestyles,” Mayor Keneally said.

Renewal SA has appointed Dig-It! Landscapes to undertake the project. As part of Renewal SA’s Works Program, Dig-It! will employ at least one additional person and offer four work experience placements for people from the western suburbs.

The Adelaide Park Lands upgrade project includes:

• A car park with about 40 spaces to serve the soccer club and other park visitors
• An area of community gardens
• An avenue of large gums along Park Terrace
• A multipurpose youth space with, skating facilities
• Tennis and basketball courts
• Shared use pathways connecting Bonython Park to North Adelaide Railway Station
• Recreation areas with shade and seating.

Renewal SA expects the first stage of landscaping works on Park 27b to commence in the week commencing 17 August and to be completed in summer 2016.

Masterplan

View a copy of the plan here.