Burnside, Campbelltown councils discuss regional wheel park plans with UniSA
On again, off again plans for a skate park in Burnside are back on the agenda – with a new report suggesting UniSA land at Magill as a possible location.
East, Inner Suburbs & Hills
Don't miss out on the headlines from East, Inner Suburbs & Hills. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A regional “wheel” park could be built on UniSA land at Magill.
A report to Burnside Council, which is yet to be formally tabled or discussed by members, suggests Burnside and neighbouring Campbelltown “progress discussions” with the university to buy or negotiate a long-term lease for land on St Bernards Rd, on the border of the two districts.
“The University of South Australia has responded that they are open to discussions going forward which will occur over the coming months,” the report said.
Burnside has been in discussions with Campbelltown, as well as Norwood, Payneham & St Peters, Unley and Adelaide City councils, to find a suitable site for a regional park – servicing skateboarders, rollerbladers and scooter and BMX riders – since September last year.
The report said finding “the ideal location and final consensus from all councils is the most difficult aspect”.
“Norwood Payneham & St Peters have reported that they do not have a suitable site for a wheel park within their boundary, but they will continue to be involved in discussions on a regional facility,” the report said.
“Unley has two existing skate parks and is unlikely to pursue a third. However, they will continue to be involved in discussions.
“From the City of Burnside’s perspective, locations which are as adjacent as possible to our council boundary (if not then within), would be preferred to allow easy access for local youth, many of whom rely on public transport or riding to a facility.”
The report also suggested the development of a “satellite” park in the east parklands as a joint venture between Burnside and Adelaide City councils.
“Two regional wheel parks could potentially meet the demand for, and address the lack of, existing skating facilities within the east of Adelaide,” it said.
MORE NEWS
Booze ban call after councillor imbibes during official business
Citywide 40km/h speed limit proposed for Norwood, Payneham & St Peters Council
The collection of green and recycling bins could be halted under East Waste contingency plan
Adelaide City Council is designing a new wheel park for Gladys Elphick Park on West Tce, expected to be open later this year.
Burnside set up a $60,000 portable pump track in its Civic Centre carpark in late February.
Up to March 15, local riders had completed nearly 30,000 laps of the circuit, which has now closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In early 2019, Burnside considered four possible locations for a local wheel park – JB Ware Reserve, in Glen Osmond, Kensington Gardens Reserve, Mellor Reserve, in Beulah Park, and Penfold Park, in Magill.
It had also considered creating a skate park as part of an upgrade of Constable Hyde Memorial Garden, in Leabrook, but a petition opposing the move stymied that plan.
It is not known when Burnside will discuss the new report.