Arnie’s Kiosk owner Paul Harding green with anger after algae forces closure of Rymill Park lake

AN algal outbreak in the Rymill Park lake has forced its closure, as aerial video reveals just how green the once clean water has become.

AN algal outbreak in the Rymill Park lake has forced its closure, prompting calls from the owner of Arnie’s Kiosk for a permanent and quick fix.

Seasonal reasons are being blamed for the deterioration of water quality and high levels of green algae in the lake, confirmed by tests this week.

Its closure is the latest blow for Arnie’s Kiosk owner Paul Harding, who says his Rymill Park business lost 75 per cent of its trade during recent O-Bahn tunnel works.

An Adelaide City Council spokesman said professionals will take water samples again on Monday and then treatment, including dosing of the waterway to improve the bacteria present, will begin. It could take several days before the lake is reopened for “secondary contact”.

“At this early stage we expect the lake to be opened again in early February,” he said. “In the meantime, access to the lake will remain closed.”

Council documents reveal trials of “solar-powered algae controller” will also be used.

Signs have been put up around the lake edge to advise the public. The council spokesman apologised for any inconvenience caused.

But after three years, Mr Harding has had enough.

“It’s really frustrating and tough,” he said.

Rymill Park kiosk owner Paul Harding. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“We have struggled through the O-Bahn (construction), lost virtually 75 per cent of our trade.

“The lake is in dire need of repair but the Adelaide City Council has let us slowly deteriorate into this now, instead of doing the work while the O-Bahn works were done.”

Mr Harding said although they finally had the park back, this month he was forced to cancel boating on the lake because the major attraction was not safe.

“The lake is obviously going to have to be drained and fixed,” he said.

“There is parts of the side crumbling in, the lining is lifted up and the water quality went from being a relatively clear thing where you could see the bottom to getting worse and worse and now that horrible green.”

On Tuesday, the council will be presented with a petition of 105 signatures calling for it to fix up the park.

But Mr Harding said it needed to happen quickly, as council documents show a longer-term strategy for the lake will be included in a masterplan for Rymill Park, which is nearing completion.

“Now there is the likelihood of having another 12 months of very crappy business, trying to keep a family-run business that we love,” he said. “We love being in the park and we love serving Adelaide, and they’re making it so tough to keep the doors open.”