New multimillion-dollar playground at Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta is now open

At 7000 square metres, this playground is one of the biggest nature play spaces in the state. And now, it is open to the public.

A new adventure playground at Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta has been opened to the public for the first time. Image: Russell Millard Photography

An inclusive new adventure playground and visitor hub at Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta have been opened to the public for the first time.

The playground, billed as the “St Kilda of the south”, features three slides, a seesaw, spinner, fossil dig area, Kaurna carvings and sculptures, rope and log climbing features, a pendulum swing, cubby building and a 25m-long flying fox.

There is a wide range of accessible equipment to ensure children of all abilities are able to enjoy the area, which at 7000 square metres is one of the biggest nature play spaces in the state.

A purpose-built visitor hub, which surrounds the playground, includes shelter, BBQs, toilets, picnic areas, carparking and heritage buildings.

Zoe, 8, with brother Samuel, 11, at the opening of Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta Adventure playground. Image: Russell Millard Photography

Zoe, 8, with brother Samuel, 11, at the opening of Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta Adventure playground. Image: Russell Millard Photography

The SA government contributed $13.9m towards the project, while the City of Marion gave $2.2m and the Commonwealth $. 85m under the Adelaide City Deal.

Deputy Premier Susan Close said the new playground and other attractions at the park, which is located 16km south of Adelaide at O’Halloran Hill, were a wonderful way for children and visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in nature.

“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,” she said on Sunday.

Federal MP for Kingston Amanda Rishworth said “it’s great to see all levels of government working together to make the most of this much-loved open space”.

Opposition Leader and southern suburbs MP David Speirs said the park was the former Liberal government’s “flagship environmental initiative”.

“To see this adventure playground come to life is a proud moment for the Liberal Party and for Glenthorne National Park to now have another must-visit attraction it will help further encourage our younger generations to engage with nature and enjoy our great outdoors,” he said.