Hope Valley reservoir to be opened up to the public for the first time in 150 years

Adelaide’s oldest reservoir will be opened up to the public this summer for the first time in 150 years. See the artist impressions and watch a video fly-through of the plan.

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Adelaide’s oldest operating reservoir will be surrounded by walking and cycling paths for the first time in almost 150 years from this summer.

New concept plans for the Hope Valley Reservoir - a 25 minute drive from the CBD - were unveiled on Saturday.

The approved concept plans include a nature play area, a fitness station, picnic areas, toilet blocks, a bike station, picnic settings and bench seats.

An artist impression of the plans to open up Hope Valley Reservoir to the public. IMAGE: SA Environment Department.

Environment and Water Minister David Speirs said opening up the reservoir would provide a fun outdoor experience in the heart of suburban Adelaide.

“We are lucky in South Australia to have an abundance of open space available for people to be active and enjoy the fresh air with their families and friends,” he said.

“Construction works will soon get underway on creating a network of enjoyable walking and cycling trails throughout the reservoir linking up with the existing pathway alongside the O-Bahn Busway.

“The view across the reservoir itself is a sight to behold, and our concept plan will allow visitors access to the dam wall to take in the scenery over the water and across the Mount Lofty Ranges.”

Designs released Saturday by the SA Environment Department show how the reservoir wil look under plans to open it for public use this summer.

Hope Valley Reservoir Community Reference Group member Stephen Ross said the plans were exciting for people living around the reservoir reserve.

“Many in the community can’t wait to access this open space which has been closed off for so long,” Mr Ross said.

“It is great that the community, through the reference group, has taken such an interest in the

concept plan and design of the proposed facilities, and we look forward to having a beautiful open space that everyone can use.”

Hope Valley joins a list of other reservoirs that have been opened up by the State Government as part of a pre-election promise.

There are no plans at this stage for water-based activities at the reservoir.

Myponga Reservoir Reserve is open for land-based recreational activities and shoreline fishing with a permit.

On-water access for kayaking will be introduced in early to mid-2021.

Bundaleer, South Para and Warren Reservoirs are open for fishing, kayaking, walking, and cycling.

Happy Valley Reservoir will offer kayaking, fishing, walking and cycling opportunities by the end of 2021.