New Playground Proposed for Montgomery Reserve

News Updates

Document Library

Extract of AMC Decision Report - 17 April 2023 - Playground Design
PDF (10.61 MB)
Community Engagement Report - Stage 2: Montgomery Playground Design
PDF (1.33 MB)
Extract of AMC Decision Report - 20 February 2023 - Montgomery Reserve Playground Proposal
PDF (14.53 MB)
Community Engagement Report - Stage 1: Montgomery Playground Proposal
PDF (1.67 MB)

Who's Listening

Have questions or want to learn more about this proposal?

Name	John Wilkinson, Open Space Planner
Phone	+61 8 8408 1203
Email	jwilkinson@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

Name	Caitlin Tierney, Community Engagement Officer
Phone	+61 8 8408 1132
Email	ctierney@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

About Montgomery Reserve
Montgomery Reserve stretches from Kanbara Street to Weemala Street in Flinders Park, along the River Torrens Linear Park. It currently includes grassed areas, garden beds, numerous trees and the shared bicycle and pedestrian path.
Other nearby playgrounds in/near Flinders Park include:
John Keeley Reserve (500 metres)
Tedder Reserve (800 metres)
Flinders Park Oval (850 metres)
Gerard Reserve (970 metres)
City of West Torrens playground, across the bridge at the end of Kanbara Street (460 metres)
Project Background

Following requests from our community, City of Charles Sturt has allocated funding in its 2022/23 budget to investigate the development of a new playground at Montgomery Reserve, Flinders Park.
The grassed area at the intersection of Gaskin Road and Weemala Street has been identified as the potential location for the proposed new playground. The results of this engagement will help us to understand the views of the community and inform further decisions regarding the proposal.
Out of Scope

While all feedback and ideas for improvements at Montgomery Reserve will be considered, the intent of this project is for a proposed new playground and park furniture that is in keeping with the size of the reserve. At this time, we will not be considering features such as shade structure, shelters, toilets, BBQs, a drinking fountain, or irrigation. These are outside of the scope and anticipated budget for this project.
Stage 1 - Playground Proposal Outcomes

We consulted with the community in September 2022. Overall, the community supported a new playground to be constructed. At its meeting of 20 February 2023, the Asset Management Committee noted the consultation outcomes and made a decision to consult with the community on the draft playground design included in the report.

Click here to see the playground proposal results
Stage 2 - Playground Design

Consultation on a draft playground design, as informed by the initial feedback about how you use the reserve, who you visit with, and what features you might like to see, is now closed. We are collating your feedback and preparing a final report to Council on the engagement outcomes and to seek a decision on the final playground design.

See the draft playground design we consulted on
Stage 2: Playground Design Outcomes

Community feedback on the draft playground concept design has been collated and support for the draft design was very high, with 90% support from respondents. It was also helpful to receive feedback about other equipment ideas, though they weren't able to be considered at this location.

View the playground design outcomes here
Playground Decision & Next Steps

At its meeting of 24 April, Council endorsed the decision of the Asset Management Committee (17 April 2023, Item 4.26) "That the final concept design for the proposed new playground at Montgomery Reserve be endorsed and funding for construction of the new playground be considered in Council's 2023/24 budget preparations."

Find out more

Proposed Playground Location

Timeline

Timeline item 1 - complete

Stage one consultation is open

From Friday, 23 September to Friday 14 October 2022 we will gather feedback to understand the community sentiment for a new playground on Montgomery Reserve and how it might be used.
Timeline item 2 - complete

Review of stage one consultation outcomes & report to Council

A report on the stage one consultation outcomes will be provided to the Asset Management Committee of 20 February 2023 (updated from 12 December 2022 as a result of the Local Government elections). At this meeting, a decision will be made as to whether the project will proceed to stage two design consultation, pending the results of the feedback received.
Timeline item 3 - complete

Budget bid submission for the construction of the playground

If the proposed playground is supported and proceeds to the concept design phase, a 'Budget Bid' to build a new playground will be submitted by staff for consideration in Council's 2023/24 budget.
Timeline item 4 - complete

Stage two consultation open

If proposal is supported, we will seek feedback on a play space concept design for Montgomery Reserve in March 2023, including an option to meet with us onsite.
Timeline item 5 - complete

Review of stage two consultation outcomes & report to Asset Management Committee

A report on the stage two consultation outcomes will be provided to the Asset Management Committee for noting in April 2023, and to seek endorsement of the final concept design for construction, as informed by feedback received and subject to 2023/24 budget approval.
Timeline item 6 - complete

Communication of final outcome

We will communicate the final, approved playground concept design to be delivered in the 2023/24 year, subject to budget approval, and provide indicative construction timeframes.