Belair National Park Adventure Playground revamp set to begin in coming months – but what about the tunnels?
A multistage upgrade is soon to begin at Belair Adventure Playground – with one burning question on every local’s lips. What about the tunnels?
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The hugely popular tunnels at Belair National Park’s Adventure Playground will be removed and replaced with new ones under a refresh for one of Adelaide’s most popular playgrounds.
Known for its darkened, connecting concrete tunnels and wooden fort, the Belair adventure playground has been a Hills icon for more than 50 years and likely boasts some of the oldest, old-school equipment in Adelaide.
But the iconic equipment is nearing the end of its life, and work will start in the coming months on an upgrade - costing $300,000 for stage one.
Now local Labor MP Catherine Hutchesson has revealed a multistage revamp of the playground structure – but said the tunnels themselves will eventually be replaced by new ones.
“I love the tunnels, I know how much fun we used to have in them and my son had in them, so I advocated strongly that we keep the tunnels and the department are looking at somehow having tunnels,” she said.
“They won’t be the same tunnels, because the concrete, the actual structure are getting old … nearing the end of their life.”
Upgrades to the tunnels and fort are not part of stage one of the upgrade, and they will remain open during construction of the new playground.
Ms Hutchesson said the fort would be updated to improve accessibility, user access and safety – but wouldn’t lose its charm.
“I’m really glad (our playground) is getting this upgrade and we’re able to make some new memories for families who use it, just like mine,” Ms Hutchesson said.
Costs for the new tunnels and fort upgrades are yet to be confirmed.
“The fact that we are going to be able to get some new equipment in there will hopefully encourage more people to go to the park and utilise the equipment, but also look around at all the other beautiful things there are to see.”
Works are set to start on-site as early as late August depending on the winter weather with stage one completion expected around November this year.
Belair National Park is the oldest national park in the state and the surrounding area around the playground boasts associated toilets, shelters, BBQ spaces and parking.
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