Toilet facility approved for delivery in 2023/24

We’re pleased to advise that on 22/05/2023, Council endorsed the decision of the Asset Management Committee (AMC 15/05/2023, Item 4.35) to approve the proposed automated public toilet facility (Exeloo) in Sam Johnson Reserve at Renown Park, subject to funding. Following the recent endorsement of the 2023/24 Annual Business Plan & Budget, we can now advise that this project is going ahead.

This decision follows consideration of the outcomes of community engagement, undertaken in February & March 2023 and available on this page, below. We'd like to thank everyone who participated in the consultation process and noted their support or objection toward this proposal.

We heard that 83% of participants supported the proposal, while 15% did not and 2% didn’t mind, and all feedback was noted and carefully considered in the decision making. You're able to view all the comments received and staff responses to those comments by viewing the "Extract of consultation comments and staff responses'" available in the document library to the right.

Where will it be located?

The facility was approved for installation in the location proposed - at the northern end of the reserve, near the playground and dog park (view the location & specifications). We acknowledge some concerns expressed about this location, but it was chosen to allow connection to infrastructure services including power and water. Moving it (eg in front of the dog park area) was not possible. These amenities have been extremely successful in deterring antisocial behaviours in other locations due to the automated features. There is a clear line of sight around the proposed block, with timers, lighting and automatic locking overnight.

When will it be installed?

At this stage construction is estimated to start around October/November 2023 due to ordering lead time, but advance construction notice will be given via onsite signage prior to the works commencing.

Be involved in the external artwork!

We are inviting the community to vote on their preferred artwork theme for the exterior of the toilet facility. We have some ideas, or you can share your idea for others to vote on, too. If you’re interested in contributing an idea or voting on your preferred theme, you can vote or share here. When we have a preferred theme, we will work with an artist on the creation of the artwork with input from the community.

Vote on your preferred artwork theme by 22 July 2023.

Community Engagement

We engaged with the community from Friday, 24 February 2023 to 12pm Monday, 20 March 2023 about the Sam Johnson Reserve Automated Public Toilet Facility Proposal, intended for installation at the northern end of the reserve along the pedestrian path that links the car park, dog park, soccer oval and playground.

The purpose of this engagement was to:

• Inform the community about the proposal to construct a single, automated, public toilet facility on Sam Johnson Reserve to service the local sporting communities and visitors to the dog park and reserve.
• Understand if the community supports the installation of a public toilet facility in the location being proposed.
• Understand how the community currently uses the reserve. Obtain information to be considered by Council when determining how the project will proceed.

Feedback in support of the proposal was very positive, with participants thankful that Council was considering this request for the many visitors to this reserve. Some provided additional comments about the design of/artwork on the facility or requested other reserve features that were not part of this consultation. Those that did not support the proposal generally cited the location or concerns about anti-social behaviour.

We received 46 contributors to the feedback form during the period of the engagement. Of the 46 respondents, 38 were in support of the proposal, 7 did not support the proposal and 1 did not mind either way.

The general sentiment from those participants who supported the proposed construction of a public toilet facility on Sam Johnson Reserve (83%) was that this is a great initiative and would be very useful to reserve visitors.

Themes or requests from the open comments from those in support of the facility were:

• Very thankful for initiating this project and how great it will be for visitors, particularly when the sporting club isn’t open.
• Monitoring and security suggestions - eg cameras, adequate lighting, no overnight access (time-controlled), vandal resistant features.
• Location comments – eg some support for moving the toilet to the other side of the car park/dog park to be more considerate to nearby houses, or suggestion to move to southern end car park where visitation is allegedly higher.
• Design comments – eg mural, local artists to paint, incorporate beautiful, culturally appropriate artwork.
• Request for signage to promote the location of the public toilet (and all public toilets in the city).

The general sentiment from those participants who did not support the proposed construction of a public toilet facility (15%) was concern for personal safety, security, antisocial behaviour, and the location proposed.

Recurring themes from the open comments from those in opposition of the facility were:

• Safety – concern about antisocial behaviour and congregation in the park with particular concern about drug dealing, drug & alcohol use and vandalism of private property.
• Location – to close to resident’s houses. It was suggested that the facility be moved next to the dog park or the football oval.
• Maintenance – concerns that cleaning and maintenance by Council will not be adequate.

Other feedback and requests received on reserve features that were not within the scope of this consultation for future consideration by Council were request for:

• BBQ (3)
• Paved pathway through the reserve to increase accessibility and connectivity (2)
• Picnic shelter (1)
• Grassed area for dogs (1)
• Community garden (1)
• Extension of the hard courts and resurfacing/improvements (1)

The relevant officers have provided a response to these requests in the consultation comments and staff responses, available in the document library to the right at the top of this page. Additional park amenities such as a shelter or BBQ will be considered when the reserve or playground is due for upgrade or renewal, respectively.

If there is high demand for an additional path linking the centre of the ovals and the playground to the exterior pathways, this will be assessed for priority and added to the new path plan (currently a 10-year plan). To make a request, contact 8408 1111 or reach out to your Elected Members for Hindmarsh.

Please refer to the comments and responses document for further information on other, out of scope requests received.