Playground Design Burnside Adventure Park, Kensington Wama/Kensington Gardens Reserve

*** UPDATE***

Exciting progress is being made on the new Kensington Wama / Kensington Gardens Reserve Adventure Playground with construction now well underway.

The new playground has been shaped through an extensive co-design process involving local residents, the neighbouring preschool, Kaurna cultural advisors, arborists and Council staff responsible for maintaining the reserve. This collaborative approach ensured that local knowledge, cultural heritage, environmental considerations and practical experience all helped inform the final design. Working closely with our arborists has helped ensure the new playground can be delivered while protecting the adjacent eucalyptus trees that contribute so much to the character of the reserve.

Inspired by local birdlife, the new adventure playground will feature a custom bird-hide play structure, bird information panels, climbing equipment, monkey bars, a flying fox, cliff rider, trampoline, swings and a hamster wheel, alongside additional seating and non-verbal communication signage to support inclusive play experiences. Hidden artworks will also be incorporated throughout the play space for children and families to discover and enjoy.

Environmental sustainability was carefully considered. Council explored opportunities to reuse the existing playground equipment through Rotary's Overseas Recycled Playgrounds Program; however, due to the condition and age of the equipment, it was not suitable for reuse. Salvageable components have instead been retained for future maintenance purposes where possible.

Council is working closely with a local Kaurna artist to develop a series of artworks across the play space as well as an adjoining natural play area, helping to celebrate the site's cultural significance and create a stronger sense of place for future generations.

We look forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses and welcoming the community back to the completed playground in September / October 2026.

*** UPDATE***

The concept design was shared at two drop-in sessions in the park in September. Feedback is informing the detailed design stage which is underway.

*** UPDATE***

We’re excited to share the draft concept plan, which reflects the ideas and priorities gathered during those sessions.

The design has been co-created with the community, including input from local families, the Kensington Gardens Preschool, and Council’s Access and Inclusion Panel. We also engaged a Kaurna artist during the engagement phase to share cultural stories with children at the preschool, helping to inform the broader understanding of the site’s significance.

The concept features include a giant bird hide play structure, accessible trampoline, flying fox, swings, and a few unique additions such as a hamster wheel and treasure hunt elements. 

The concept plan is included under the documents tab on the right hand side. 

To continue the conversation, we’re holding two drop-in sessions at the reserve:

• Tuesday 23 September 10:00–11:00 AM
• Thursday 25 September 3:00–4:00 PM

Feel free to come along, view the plan in person, and chat with staff. If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to provide feedback via email to Talitha McDougall at: tmcdougall@burnside.sa.gov.au by 5:00 pm Monday 30 September. 

We look forward to hearing your thoughts and continuing to work together to create a playground that’s inclusive, exciting, and welcoming for all.

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*** UPDATE***

Co-design workshops are still ongoing. We have received some amazing ideas and advice from the local community and Kensington Gardens Preschool and look forward to finishing up our workshop sessions at the Preschool later in the month. Thank you to everyone who has helped us so far.

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*** UPDATE***

Burnside Adventure Playground - Swing Demolition Works

After two decades of swinging, for the safety of little adventurers and the community at large it’s time to farewell the beloved swing sets as they have reached end of life.

The swing sets will be demolished on Wednesday the 11 December 2024.

Works will not interrupt use of the Park and the site will be fenced off to the public, but we ask that visitors respect the safety of workers and other park visitors.

Please see details on the attached document.

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The opportunity

Council’s Playground Replacement Action Plan 2014-2024 has prioritised a number of playgrounds for upgrade in upcoming financial years, including the Adventure Playground in Kensington Gardens Reserve / Kensington Wama.

To assist in co-designing this playground, Council seeks to collaborate with local community members, nearby schools and relevant groups.

Co-design is a participatory approach to consultation, where community members work directly with Council in designing outcomes. This is the best way to ensure you have a real say in the design of your local spaces and facilities.

Council will host two co-design workshops to gather your ideas and to seek your feedback on a proposed design.

To prepare for the first workshop, Council would like to ask you some high-level questions.

How can I get involved?

You can participate in the survey and workshops proposed for

• February 2025 - to gather your ideas for the site;

• April 2025 - to present the proposed design based on your input for further feedback.

Please express your interest in participating on the below survey and provide your email address to receive a detailed invitation for the workshops.

Please respond by 5 pm Monday 9 December 2024.

Following the workshops, Council will write to the community with the results of this consultation and to seek feedback on the proposed design before any construction commences.

When will construction begin?

Subject to Council endorsement of budget, works on this playground are anticipated to occur in 2025/26. Construction time frames will be communicated to local residents before installation works commence.