$2.2 million Wilfred Taylor Reserve nature playground opens at Morphett Vale
A new nature playground, which is set to rival the popular play area at Morialta Conservation Park, has opened at Morphett Vale.
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A new $2.2 million nature playground – which is double the size of Jubilee Park in Port Noarlunga – has opened at Morphett Vale.
The Wilfred Taylor Reserve play area, on Wheatsheaf Rd, features a sand and water play area, sensory garden, a 3m-tall tower and a cultural nature trail running alongside Christies Creek.
It is double the size of the wooden adventure playground Jubilee Park and has already been compared to the Morialta Nature Playground, which attracts visitors from all over the metropolitan area.
Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson said the playground would be a tourism drawcard.
“We know that being outdoors and engaging with nature has huge benefits on the cognitive,
emotional and physical development of children, but most of all it’s fun,” Ms Thompson said.
“I’d like to thank the hundreds of residents that provided feedback on the proposal and concept designs, and I can’t wait to see the playspace teeming with smiling faces.”
The playground also includes a farm-themed play area with a ride on tractor as an ode to the site’s past as a working farm from the 1840s to 1960s, and artwork from local Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna and Yankunytjatjara artist Allan Sumner.
Wynter and Willow, both aged five, had a sneak peek of the new playground earlier this week.
“The park is really big,” Willow said.
“There’s lots of things to play on and it’s so much fun.
“I like the tractor and I’m excited to go back and go on the flying fox.”
The playground was funded by a $1.3 million State Government grant and $900,000 from Onkaparinga Council for supporting infrastructure, such as additional carparking, a new access road, pathways, lighting, furniture and irrigation.
The Rotary Club of Morphett Vale helped fund a wheelchair-accessible carousel.
“Projects like the Wilfred Taylor nature playspace are exactly the ones the community want to
green their neighbourhood and provide more open and public space for them to enjoy,” Infrastructure and Local Government Minister Stephan Knoll said.