Kensington Gardens Reserve Project

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Construction has concluded

** UPDATE 19 JULY 2022 **

New satellite imagery shows the construction of the site - before and after.  

***

** UPDATE January 2022 **

The Kensington Gardens Reserve Project located in Kensington Wama was officially opened by Premier Steven Marshall on 17 January 2022.

Find out more in KGR news below.

The wetland

While the wetland is open, planting will continue throughout January 2022 and in autumn and winter season. It will take 2-3 years for the plants in and around the wetland to fully establish. For that reason, there will be temporary fencing in place to protect the

** UPDATE 19 JULY 2022 **

New satellite imagery shows the construction of the site - before and after.  

***

** UPDATE January 2022 **

The Kensington Gardens Reserve Project located in Kensington Wama was officially opened by Premier Steven Marshall on 17 January 2022.

Find out more in KGR news below.

The wetland

While the wetland is open, planting will continue throughout January 2022 and in autumn and winter season. It will take 2-3 years for the plants in and around the wetland to fully establish. For that reason, there will be temporary fencing in place to protect the plantings as they mature.

The seating on the round deck that is located over the wetland, will be completed in early 2022.

Kensington Wama Mukangka / nature play space

This space has been designed for children aged 3 to 7 years. It complements the existing Adventure Playground in the north western corner of the Reserve, which is suited to children aged 5 to 12 years.

Natural play spaces encourage creative and imaginative play, allowing children to engage and explore all senses and increasing their ability to think critically. Nature play is intended to be challenging unstructured outdoor play and is not designed to be risk free. This play space has been designed to provide children with an opportunity to take measured and age‐appropriate risks, while gaining an appreciation for the environment and cultural heritage through sculpture and play items inspired by Kaurna Traditional Owners.

The stepping stones through the creek and wetland are intended to provide children and their carers with an ‘immersion experience’.

The slide in the nature play space will open in early 2022 after a soft-fall mound is installed.

The rope play elements will be completed in early 2022.

Children should be supervised at all times while using the nature play space and stepping stones.

Paths

In early 2022 final work on some of the paths and the installation of rubber soft-fall material at the fitness stations will be completed.

Tennis courts and clubrooms

The upgrade of the tennis clubrooms will also continue throughout January/February 2022. This is part of a separate project that will provide new public amenities in the south east corner of the reserve - men’s, women’s and disabled access bathroom with parents room facilities.

A new acrylic surface will be installed on the community/club tennis courts in mid January 2022.

The construction compound that is located in the south east corner will remain in place until the early 2022 works are completed.

Art installation

'Figures in the Bush' is a new art installation that will be completed in mid-January.


OTHER INFORMATION

New co-name

The community and Council have supported the suggested name for the reserve, Kensington Wama/ Kensington Gardens Reserve . The proposed name for the nature play space that will be created as part of the Kensington Gardens Reserve Project, Kensington Wama Mukangka, was also supported.

Kaurna place of reflection

Kaurna Traditional Owners have developed concept designs for a place of reflection that will feature carvings of fauna that are associated with this location. The carvings are created from trees that were removed to allow for the construction of the new wetland.

Path lighting

New fitness stations will be installed in the northern and southern parts of the reserve. They will be linked by a shared use path that can be used as a walking or running circuit.

To extend the hours that during which the shared use path and fitness stations can be used, the path will be lit with solar path lights. The lights will be mounted on 6 m high poles and installed at approximately 35-40 m spacings alongside the path.

The lighting will operate on a ‘lights out’ curfew. On days with low light conditions, such as cloudy days in winter, the lights may turn off earlier due to the reduced charge of the solar batteries.

The solar lights that will be installed are similar to those currently in use at the Conyngham Street Dog Park, Glenunga.

***

BACKGROUND

The Kensington Gardens Reserve Project will deliver significant environmental and recreational benefits to the reserve and the surrounding creek ecosystem.

The overall project will include an extensive revegetation program with more than 40 trees, 1,450 shrubs and 4,300 groundcovers to be planted in the area surrounding a new wetland.

The Kensington Gardens Reserve Project, Project Steering Committee recently awarded the construction contract for the project to Camco SA.

Camco is a South Australian civil construction company with proven track record in delivering significant projects.

Camco will be partnering with Consolidated Landscape Services for this project and construction works began onsite on Monday 4 January 2021.

What is happening?

ABOUT TREE REMOVALS

Tree removals are commencing

An independent arborist and fauna expert will work alongside Camco in the removal of trees and vegetation as part of this project.

All trees removed will be reused, where possible, for habitat features, biozone edging, Kaurna sculptures and mulch.

Along with some exotic pest species and shrubs growing in the location of the future wetland, tree removals will include seven regulated mature trees and ten non-regulated mature trees – some that have been assessed by an independent arborist as having poor health, or are dead, and requiring replacement. A plan of the trees to be removed as part of this project can be seen in the diagram below.

Three of the regulated mature trees are to be removed to accommodate the new wetland. The size and location of the wetland is necessary to adequately treat the polluted water entering the reserve from the Wattle Park catchment before it is discharged into the downstream Stonyfell Creek system.

The site will be revegetated with more than 40 trees, 1,450 shrubs and 4,300 groundcovers to be planted in the area surrounding a new wetland.

***

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Kensington Gardens Reserve project will deliver significant environmental and recreational benefits to the reserve and the surrounding creek ecosystem.

The overall project will include an extensive revegetation program with more than 40 trees, 1,450 shrubs and 4,300 groundcovers to be planted in the area surrounding a new wetland.

A dedicated ‘biozone’ area will feature 2,400m2 of plantings across three distinct areas that will complement the remnant SA Blue Gum ecosystem at the reserve.

Native species will be used exclusively for all new plantings, 4,800 new ‘biozone’ plantings will be locally sourced and indigenous to the reserve.

The wetland will benefit existing trees by removing the existing lake walls and feature over 10,000 new plants that will improve the quality of stormwater that enters Stonyfell Creek.

Revitalisation work includes:

• replacing the unsafe artificial lake with a functional wetland to treat urban water pollution entering Stonyfell Creek.
• visual, recreational and environmental improvements to Stonyfell Creek and the surrounding environment.
• eight reconfigured tournament standard tennis courts with lighting available for club and public use.
• nature play features and biodiversity education elements.
• northern and southern fitness stations and a running circuit around the reserve via a shared-use path.
• new bridges over the creek, viewing decks and a boardwalk over the wetland.

 Above: Artists' impression of the new nature play space.

Find out more about the project in the Project Brochure in the document library above. You can also find the concept design in the document library as well.

Construction has concluded

  • Share Three trees were removed to build the bridge near the playground on the western side of KGR. These trees were not identified for removal as part of the Master Plan. The fencing on the adjacent community courts was damaged during construction and the dense indigenous shrubbery was bulldozed and left in a pile to the side of the new track. The earth works for the track are already failing (sloping banks) and it is looking dry, dusty and unkempt. When will the fence be fixed? Are mature trees going to planted to replace the three trees chainsawed? How is council going to ameliorate the damage to this part of the park for example with new tree and shrub plantings and new grass plantings on the track banks and purple pipe tracks? on Facebook Share Three trees were removed to build the bridge near the playground on the western side of KGR. These trees were not identified for removal as part of the Master Plan. The fencing on the adjacent community courts was damaged during construction and the dense indigenous shrubbery was bulldozed and left in a pile to the side of the new track. The earth works for the track are already failing (sloping banks) and it is looking dry, dusty and unkempt. When will the fence be fixed? Are mature trees going to planted to replace the three trees chainsawed? How is council going to ameliorate the damage to this part of the park for example with new tree and shrub plantings and new grass plantings on the track banks and purple pipe tracks? on Twitter Share Three trees were removed to build the bridge near the playground on the western side of KGR. These trees were not identified for removal as part of the Master Plan. The fencing on the adjacent community courts was damaged during construction and the dense indigenous shrubbery was bulldozed and left in a pile to the side of the new track. The earth works for the track are already failing (sloping banks) and it is looking dry, dusty and unkempt. When will the fence be fixed? Are mature trees going to planted to replace the three trees chainsawed? How is council going to ameliorate the damage to this part of the park for example with new tree and shrub plantings and new grass plantings on the track banks and purple pipe tracks? on Linkedin Email Three trees were removed to build the bridge near the playground on the western side of KGR. These trees were not identified for removal as part of the Master Plan. The fencing on the adjacent community courts was damaged during construction and the dense indigenous shrubbery was bulldozed and left in a pile to the side of the new track. The earth works for the track are already failing (sloping banks) and it is looking dry, dusty and unkempt. When will the fence be fixed? Are mature trees going to planted to replace the three trees chainsawed? How is council going to ameliorate the damage to this part of the park for example with new tree and shrub plantings and new grass plantings on the track banks and purple pipe tracks? link

    Three trees were removed to build the bridge near the playground on the western side of KGR. These trees were not identified for removal as part of the Master Plan. The fencing on the adjacent community courts was damaged during construction and the dense indigenous shrubbery was bulldozed and left in a pile to the side of the new track. The earth works for the track are already failing (sloping banks) and it is looking dry, dusty and unkempt. When will the fence be fixed? Are mature trees going to planted to replace the three trees chainsawed? How is council going to ameliorate the damage to this part of the park for example with new tree and shrub plantings and new grass plantings on the track banks and purple pipe tracks?

    Dot asked almost 3 years ago

    Hi Dot,

    The Kensington Gardens Master Plan endorsed by Council in 2017 is a high level vision for the Reserve rather than an accurate detailed design. The majority of vegetation removed from the creek were woody weeds and the project had an extensive revegetation program with at least 40 new trees, 1,450 shrubs, over 4,300 groundcover species, 4,800 new biozone plantings, and over 10,000 new plants in the wetland.

    As with any large project of this scale, there are a number of minor defects that will be repaired by the contractor during the 2 year maintenance period, including the pathways and tennis court fence. Thank you for bringing these to our attention.

  • Share Hello I’m writing in regards to Kensington park, I would like to know when/if the creek will be running with water as I was under the impressions that there would be a constant flow there. I am also requesting signs be put up around the wetland saying don’t feed the ducks, there could also be a sign explaining why it’s bad to feed them. on Facebook Share Hello I’m writing in regards to Kensington park, I would like to know when/if the creek will be running with water as I was under the impressions that there would be a constant flow there. I am also requesting signs be put up around the wetland saying don’t feed the ducks, there could also be a sign explaining why it’s bad to feed them. on Twitter Share Hello I’m writing in regards to Kensington park, I would like to know when/if the creek will be running with water as I was under the impressions that there would be a constant flow there. I am also requesting signs be put up around the wetland saying don’t feed the ducks, there could also be a sign explaining why it’s bad to feed them. on Linkedin Email Hello I’m writing in regards to Kensington park, I would like to know when/if the creek will be running with water as I was under the impressions that there would be a constant flow there. I am also requesting signs be put up around the wetland saying don’t feed the ducks, there could also be a sign explaining why it’s bad to feed them. link

    Hello I’m writing in regards to Kensington park, I would like to know when/if the creek will be running with water as I was under the impressions that there would be a constant flow there. I am also requesting signs be put up around the wetland saying don’t feed the ducks, there could also be a sign explaining why it’s bad to feed them.

    Dhh asked almost 3 years ago

    Hi there,

    The Stonyfell Creek is not a natural perennial stream. It typically only naturally flows after rainfall. The design of the wetland was always intended to preserve the natural status of the creek.

    We are monitoring the feeding of ducks at the wetland and considering whether signage is required.

    Thank you.

  • Share Hello, I work as the Homelessness Projects Coordinator for Adelaide City Council and I was hoping to get some further information about the "Kaurna place for recognition and reflection" What is entailed in this space and how is it envisioned to be utilised? on Facebook Share Hello, I work as the Homelessness Projects Coordinator for Adelaide City Council and I was hoping to get some further information about the "Kaurna place for recognition and reflection" What is entailed in this space and how is it envisioned to be utilised? on Twitter Share Hello, I work as the Homelessness Projects Coordinator for Adelaide City Council and I was hoping to get some further information about the "Kaurna place for recognition and reflection" What is entailed in this space and how is it envisioned to be utilised? on Linkedin Email Hello, I work as the Homelessness Projects Coordinator for Adelaide City Council and I was hoping to get some further information about the "Kaurna place for recognition and reflection" What is entailed in this space and how is it envisioned to be utilised? link

    Hello, I work as the Homelessness Projects Coordinator for Adelaide City Council and I was hoping to get some further information about the "Kaurna place for recognition and reflection" What is entailed in this space and how is it envisioned to be utilised?

    Mihiret Richards asked almost 3 years ago

    The Kaurna place of reflection is in the south east corner and features a seat that faces toward the Adelaide Hills.  The direction of the seating acknowledges the time when the Kaurna would travel to and from the Hills to the Kensington Wama area.  It is a place for quiet reflection on the importance of this place to the Kaurna.

  • Share How big is the nature play area going to be? It looks very small on the MP and it doesn’t look natural at all in the drawing. The wetlands development is too formal too un-natural looking, has too much concrete and iron infrastructure and the creek looks like an industrial drain. on Facebook Share How big is the nature play area going to be? It looks very small on the MP and it doesn’t look natural at all in the drawing. The wetlands development is too formal too un-natural looking, has too much concrete and iron infrastructure and the creek looks like an industrial drain. on Twitter Share How big is the nature play area going to be? It looks very small on the MP and it doesn’t look natural at all in the drawing. The wetlands development is too formal too un-natural looking, has too much concrete and iron infrastructure and the creek looks like an industrial drain. on Linkedin Email How big is the nature play area going to be? It looks very small on the MP and it doesn’t look natural at all in the drawing. The wetlands development is too formal too un-natural looking, has too much concrete and iron infrastructure and the creek looks like an industrial drain. link

    How big is the nature play area going to be? It looks very small on the MP and it doesn’t look natural at all in the drawing. The wetlands development is too formal too un-natural looking, has too much concrete and iron infrastructure and the creek looks like an industrial drain.

    Dot asked almost 3 years ago

    In addition to the new playspace which features natural materials, nature play elementscover the area behind the tennis clubrooms and include creek-play, salvaged logs, boulders, stepping stones and climbing elements.  

    The drawings of these elements are, as are all the drawings, artists impressions only.

    Landscaping for the wetlands is intensively underway with at least 40 new trees, 1,450 shrubs, over 4,300 groundcover species, 4,800 new biozone plantings, and over 10,000 new plants surrounding and within the new wetland.  This landscaping will take time to grow and will soften the structural elements.

  • Share Is the expansion of the car park near the Roundabout on West Terrace still part of the MP and if so what is the timeframe for it? Do Councillors and staff understand that the tennis courts are well used and that there is no demand for increased parking? What is the updated timeframe for finishing the wetlands etc? on Facebook Share Is the expansion of the car park near the Roundabout on West Terrace still part of the MP and if so what is the timeframe for it? Do Councillors and staff understand that the tennis courts are well used and that there is no demand for increased parking? What is the updated timeframe for finishing the wetlands etc? on Twitter Share Is the expansion of the car park near the Roundabout on West Terrace still part of the MP and if so what is the timeframe for it? Do Councillors and staff understand that the tennis courts are well used and that there is no demand for increased parking? What is the updated timeframe for finishing the wetlands etc? on Linkedin Email Is the expansion of the car park near the Roundabout on West Terrace still part of the MP and if so what is the timeframe for it? Do Councillors and staff understand that the tennis courts are well used and that there is no demand for increased parking? What is the updated timeframe for finishing the wetlands etc? link

    Is the expansion of the car park near the Roundabout on West Terrace still part of the MP and if so what is the timeframe for it? Do Councillors and staff understand that the tennis courts are well used and that there is no demand for increased parking? What is the updated timeframe for finishing the wetlands etc?

    Dot asked almost 3 years ago

    The master plan allows for an expansion of the car park in that location if there is a need / or an increase in demand for parking.  

    With the completion of the work at the wetland location, the community access to tennis courts, not including the two currently located at West Terrace / Quandong, will increase from nine to 12 courts (4 in the NW corner and 8 in the SE corner of the Reserve).  

    There is no timeframe for that element of the master plan as it is guided by community demand.

  • Share The eastern playground was removed which my daughter and many other children loved and I see its replaced with rocks and logs that children can play on, my daughter was upset when she heard this, could we replace the real play equipment please. on Facebook Share The eastern playground was removed which my daughter and many other children loved and I see its replaced with rocks and logs that children can play on, my daughter was upset when she heard this, could we replace the real play equipment please. on Twitter Share The eastern playground was removed which my daughter and many other children loved and I see its replaced with rocks and logs that children can play on, my daughter was upset when she heard this, could we replace the real play equipment please. on Linkedin Email The eastern playground was removed which my daughter and many other children loved and I see its replaced with rocks and logs that children can play on, my daughter was upset when she heard this, could we replace the real play equipment please. link

    The eastern playground was removed which my daughter and many other children loved and I see its replaced with rocks and logs that children can play on, my daughter was upset when she heard this, could we replace the real play equipment please.

    Unknown 80 asked about 3 years ago

    Hi there,

    We can confirm that a brand new play space is being built on the southern side of the tennis clubroom.

    Thank you,

    Ella.

    playground,kgr
    playground kgr
  • Share Hi, Is the unsightly, non native, high maintenance and dangerous boxthorn hedge in the southeastern corner of the reserve being removed as part of this project? Thank You. on Facebook Share Hi, Is the unsightly, non native, high maintenance and dangerous boxthorn hedge in the southeastern corner of the reserve being removed as part of this project? Thank You. on Twitter Share Hi, Is the unsightly, non native, high maintenance and dangerous boxthorn hedge in the southeastern corner of the reserve being removed as part of this project? Thank You. on Linkedin Email Hi, Is the unsightly, non native, high maintenance and dangerous boxthorn hedge in the southeastern corner of the reserve being removed as part of this project? Thank You. link

    Hi, Is the unsightly, non native, high maintenance and dangerous boxthorn hedge in the southeastern corner of the reserve being removed as part of this project? Thank You.

    pwestern asked almost 4 years ago

    The removal of this hedge is not part of this project.  I have raised a request for you in our Customer Request system so that our team can advise you on the status of the hedge.  The Request Number is Res21/00042.  

    Cheers,

    Bernie

  • Share Hi there is the project on track with schedule and what are buildings focusing on completing first Thanks on Facebook Share Hi there is the project on track with schedule and what are buildings focusing on completing first Thanks on Twitter Share Hi there is the project on track with schedule and what are buildings focusing on completing first Thanks on Linkedin Email Hi there is the project on track with schedule and what are buildings focusing on completing first Thanks link

    Hi there is the project on track with schedule and what are buildings focusing on completing first Thanks

    Dhh asked almost 4 years ago

    Yes the schedule is on track.  Work will initially focus on the removal of trees and vegetation under the direction of an independent arborist and fauna expert. More information on this element of the work can be found in the Project Brochure and on the project information page: https://engage.burnside.sa.gov.au/kensington-gardens-reserve-project

    All trees removed will be reused, where possible, for habitat features, biozone edging, Kaurna sculptures and mulch.

    Then the earthworks required to transform the existing lake into the new wetland will get underway.

  • Share Hi there just wondering how many trees are being removed? Thanks on Facebook Share Hi there just wondering how many trees are being removed? Thanks on Twitter Share Hi there just wondering how many trees are being removed? Thanks on Linkedin Email Hi there just wondering how many trees are being removed? Thanks link

    Hi there just wondering how many trees are being removed? Thanks

    Cathy asked almost 4 years ago

    Hi Kathy,

    Along with some exotic pest species and shrubs growing in the location of the future wetland, tree removals will include seven regulated mature trees and ten non-regulated mature trees – some that have been assessed by an independent arborist as having poor health, or are dead, and requiring replacement. A plan of the trees to be removed as part of this project can be seen in the diagram below.  There is a larger version of this image in the Document Library that can be found top right of the screen on the project page: https://engage.burnside.sa.gov.au/kensington-gardens-reserve-project

  • Share G'day Bernie, when do you envisage the project will be completed? on Facebook Share G'day Bernie, when do you envisage the project will be completed? on Twitter Share G'day Bernie, when do you envisage the project will be completed? on Linkedin Email G'day Bernie, when do you envisage the project will be completed? link

    G'day Bernie, when do you envisage the project will be completed?

    asked about 4 years ago

    Hi there,

    Construction is expected to take less than one year for the full completion of the project which will include filling in the existing lake and completing the landscape and environmental preservation works on Stonyfell Creek.

    Kind regards,

    Bernie