The last article I wrote about the Kensington Gardens Reserve upgrade was all the way back in June, and so much has happened since then that I felt it was time to update you all.
Our most recent development involves us securing $8 million in government funding to rebuild the clubrooms on the Reserve. The current clubrooms have been used by our rugby and cricket clubs for years, but have unfortunately fallen into disrepair. The rebuild will see us develop this site into a state of the art community hub that can be used for a multitude of purposes.
Council has also toyed with the idea of setting up a ParkRun track on the Reserve. A ParkRun would provide an amazing opportunity for people to both improve their health and fitness while strengthening community bonds. However, despite an initially successful motion in favour of the ParkRun, Council eventually rescinded the decision, with the intention to return the idea following completion of the Reserve.
We’ve also undertaken research to assess how our car parking has been used throughout the year in order to make any changes necessary to improve functionality for our residents.
Research has also been conducted into biodiversity in the area and measures have been put in place to maintain and grow the native plant population there. More than 40 trees, 1450 shrubs, and 4300 groundcovers will be planted around the new wetland. A dedicated ‘biozone’ will also see another 4800 Indigenous plants being put in, all designed to complement the SA Blue Gum ecosystem unique to this region.
The upgrade will also see extensive redevelopments of the infrastructure to improve the safety, quality, and disability access of the area. This will ensure that the Reserve becomes a safe and accessible recreation area for all members of our community.
Overall, there is so much happening with the Kensington Gardens Reserve upgrade, and with work beginning on it very soon, this is just the start of a process that will see Kensington Gardens Reserve become THE natural recreational hub of Burnside.
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