The adventure playground features three slides, a seesaw, spinner, fossil dig area, Kaurna carvings and sculptures set across 7,000 square metres, making it one of the biggest nature play spaces in South Australia.
There are also rope and log climbing features, a pendulum swing, cubby building, a 25m long flying fox and a wide range of accessible equipment to ensure children of all abilities can enjoy the space.
The adventure playground is surrounded by a purpose-built visitor hub that includes shelters, BBQs, toilets, picnic areas, carparks and heritage buildings.
Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta is 16km south of Adelaide in O’Halloran Hill.
Families and other visitors can explore the wider park on foot or bike using the trails that extend out from the visitor hub. The trails feature interpretive signs and an interactive app, which explores the Aboriginal and European history of the park, as well as its environmental restoration and activities for children.
The South Australian Government contributed $13.9 million towards the project including providing the land and funding for the main building works. The City of Marion contributed $2.2 million and the Commonwealth a further $0.85 million through the Adelaide City Deal.
The $698.6 million Adelaide City Deal is helping to create an innovative and vibrant city by growing the innovation economy, supporting population growth across South Australia and boosting Adelaide’s cultural and tourism economy.
As put by Amanda Rishworth
The southern suburbs of Adelaide have some really unique natural assets and Glenthorne National Park – Ityamaiitpinna Yarta is one of these.
It’s great to see all levels of government working together to make the most of this much-loved open space, and make sure the facilities and attractions are there for everyone to enjoy.
As put by Susan Close
The new inclusive adventure playground and other attractions at the park are a wonderful way for children and all visitors to immerse themselves in nature and explore the cultural and heritage experiences on offer.
Having a day out in our national parks is an affordable and healthy way to keep the kids entertained and the joint investment at Glenthorne will make it a go-to destination.
I’m sure the children are going to love the flying fox, climbing and swinging their way across the rest of the equipment and racing around the park’s trails.
As put by Erin Thompson
The southern community have been eagerly anticipating the completion of this exciting new play space.
The new facilities allow families to pack a picnic and spend the day exploring the national park along the trails by foot or bike.
Local kids are especially keen to check out the 25m long flying fox, giant slides and fossil dig area.
As put by Kris Hanna, Mayor, City of Marion
As a former president of Friends of Glenthorne and long-time campaigner for open space in this area, I am delighted that this much-anticipated adventure playground is now open to the community.
It is highly unusual for a council to contribute $2.2 million for recreational facilities on state government land, but it shows how different levels of government can collaborate to achieve a great outcome for the community.
We are also pleased to contribute financially towards a disability access toilet at Glenthorne in the coming financial year.
As put by Mike Williams, Executive Director National Parks and Wildlife Service
The adventure playground and visitor hub were an important part of the community’s vision for Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta.
The Department for Environment and Water has collaborated closely with representatives from the Kaurna community to develop some of the new attractions, including an interactive “Footprints of the Past” trail.
Extra National Parks and Wildlife Service staff will be on hand during the busy opening period to help visitors explore the park and have fun learning more about nature.
