Playford Council seeking feedback for proposed sportsground at Riverlea Park near Catholic school
An Adelaide council would manage and share a new multimillion-dollar sports facility with a private school under a plan.
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Playford Council would manage and share a large new sportsground with a private school near the $3bn Riverlea housing development for nearly 50 years, under a plan now out for consultation.
The council is seeking community feedback for a planned district-level sportsground within Riverlea Park – which will one day be home to 40,000 people.
No budget has been set for the plan, which includes soccer pitches, ovals, recreational amenities and large open spaces, but such a project is likely to be in the millions.
The sportsgrounds – on land provided by Riverlea developers Walker Corp under its open space obligations – would be built near homes and a new $60m Catholic private school scheduled to open in 2027.
The council is considering a shared-used agreement with Catholic Education SA for the land for a 42-year term.
If signed, the operational costs would be split between council and CESA for the shared-use areas.
The community would have access to the sportsgrounds outside of school hours, the school during school hours, while the community could use the school’s indoor and outdoor recreational facilities during mutually agreed hours.
The agreement would give council a cost-effective way to develop and maintain required sporting infrastructure, it said.
It’s now seeking public feedback before it enters into any agreement with CESA.
The plan outlines how council will manage the community land, how it is accessed and how it is maintained for public enjoyment.
South Australia’s YMCA chief operations officer Andrew Mundy said the development would create more “accessible sports, recreation, leisure and open spaces” and increase the health and wellbeing of locals.
“The City of Playford is one the fastest-growing areas in that state and any additional community sporting infrastructure will provide opportunities for sports and recreational organisations to grow their participation, in turn creating healthier happier communities,” Mr Mundy said.
He said the proposed sportsground would give organisations such as YMCA SA a chance to “build healthy, flourishing South Australian communities”.
“(We) operate a diverse range of facilities, from large multipurpose sports stadiums, gyms and pools to seasonal aquatic facilities.”
Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said the sports facility would be a “vital asset” for the area – and not just for locals – and urged people to share their views.
“As our city grows, so does our responsibility to provide social and sporting infrastructure that connects people and supports active, vibrant lifestyles,” Mr Docherty said.
The community can share their view on the plans, and how the land should be accessed or used prior to the council receiving the land.
Public consultation is open until February 10.
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Originally published as Playford Council seeking feedback for proposed sportsground at Riverlea Park near Catholic school
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