Media response - Forsyth Reserve upgrade
Published on 05 August 2024
Response to The Advertiser.
Comments attributed to Mayor Moira Were
What is the cost of the redevelopment?
This project will be presented to Council for consideration as part of the 2025–26 budget process. The estimated project cost is $430,000 and it’s listed as a supplementary project in our Advocacy Plan ahead of the next state and federal elections.
When is construction expected to commence and finish?
Subject to Council approving funding through the annual budget process, construction is expected to be undertaken during the 2025–26 financial year.
Is this a much needed upgrade for the community? How much will it mean to kids in the area who will be able to enjoy this new play space?
Onkaparinga’s open spaces such as Forsyth Reserve play a vital role in the physical and mental health of the community, providing settings for play and exercise, relaxation and social interaction.
Highlights in the draft concept plan include a new learn-to-ride bike track (our second in the city), a variety of pavement games, an irrigated turf kickabout area, a variety of goals, exercise equipment, table tennis table, shelter, seating, bike repair station, drinking fountain and bike rack. We’re also keen to introduce nature play elements to encourage families to explore the nearby creek and connect with the natural world.
I encourage locals to provide their feedback on the draft concept plan at our Your Say page by Monday 26 August, or at our community drop-in session at the reserve on Cottage Lane on Wednesday 14 August.
Were the existing courts in desperate need of repurposing after the Hackham Tennis Club folded in 2022?
There are six existing courts at the reserve, with the upgrade proposing to repurpose four of these for the new recreational opportunities mentioned above.
The other two courts were recoated in May this year and will be retained with proposed additional line marking to allow for recreational tennis, netball, pickleball and Hot Shots (modified junior tennis).
Forsyth Reserve’s courts were previously home to the former Hackham Tennis Club, which folded in 2022 after almost 50 years of competition and social tennis.
The decision to repurpose the four courts reflects the fact they’re no longer required for organised sport, responding to changing community needs and acknowledging the courts’ deteriorating state.
ENDS