Katadaltilla releases future vision for parklands, lists Helen Mayo Park and upgrades to community buildings as high priority

A long-term vision for the Adelaide parklands, includes investigating future options for part of the North Adelaide Golf Course and converting Helen Mayo Park into a useable space.

Adelaide is surrounded by 932ha of parklands. Picture: Metric

The future use of the northern section of the North Adelaide Golf Course will be investigated as part of a “bold and ambitious” vision for the city’s parklands.

Kadaltilla, the Adelaide Park Lands Authority, on Thursday approved its long-term vision for the city’s 932ha of open space over the next decade.

It included investigating alternate parkland options for the 18-hole North Golf Course and opportunities for greater public use of the Torrens Parade Ground.

A golfer tees off at North Adelaide Golf Course. Picture: Mike Burton

The document deemed ‘high priorities’ as returning former sports courts, Helen Mayo Park and the old Adelaide Aquatic Centre back to parklands within 1-5 years.

The upgrade of unsafe community buildings in the parklands will be underpinned with 1.5 per cent of rates revenue being allocated to their renewal by Adelaide City Council.

Members of the Mercedes Old Collegiate Soccer Club in front of their derelict clubrooms in Park 21. Picture: Brenton Edwards

The 180-page document included an opening statement by presiding member Jane Lomax-Smith, who detailed it as being a “bold and ambitious vision” for the parklands.

“As stewards of this globally recognised open space, preserving and celebrating the Adelaide Park Lands is essential,” Dr Lomax-Smith wrote.

“As we look toward 2036, Kadaltilla recognises that the Adelaide Park Lands will become increasingly valuable as Adelaide’s population increases.

Dr Jane Lomax-Smith. Picture: Morgan Sette

“It is more important than ever to safeguard their natural, cultural, and historical significance, ensuring they remain vibrant and accessible for all.”

The Adelaide Park Lands Management Strategy – Towards 2036 was guided by the 3000 people who provided their ideas during public consultation.

Key themes included removing unused structures and returning sites to parklands, support for world heritage status, a five per cent reduction in car parks, and clearer `definition of the intention to redevelop the northern area of the golf course.

The strategy is legislatively required to be reviewed every five years and will be considered by the council at its November 12 meeting for adoption and provided to the Planning Minister.