A smoother start and end of the school day is on the way for the Mark Oliphant College community, with construction of a purpose-built kiss 'n' drop facility now in progress.
The college, located on Douglas Drive in Munno Para, opened in 2011 with 827 students and has grown to more than 1779 students in 2025, mirroring the rapid population growth in northern Adelaide.
As the school and surrounding suburbs continue to attract families and young people looking to build their future, the City of Playford and the State Government are investing in this facility to enhance accessibility and improve the overall experience for students, families, and the wider community.
With a 400-metre-long kerbside zone, the kiss 'n' drop will accommodate a higher vehicle capacity, improving traffic flow and reducing congestion that is often experienced at schools during peak periods.
It also includes 200 new parking bays, with pedestrian access, street lighting, and landscaping creating a well-connected network for the community.
Located to the west of the college, the kiss 'n' drop facility is one of several major infrastructure investments in the area, including Council's completed upgrade of Stebonheath Road and the State Government's extension of Newton Boulevard, which is currently underway and will improve east-west connectivity through the suburb.
The City of Playford is also in planning stages for the construction of the Munno Para Sportsground, a regional-level sports facility that will share use with the kiss 'n' drop carpark.
The soccer-focused sportsground will include a FIFA-quality synthetic pitch, a natural pitch, changerooms, function room and associated facilities. Elizabeth Grove Soccer Club has been selected as the anchor club for the new facility, which is expected to commence construction in mid-2025.
The kiss 'n' drop project is jointly funded by the City of Playford and the Department for Education as part of a 2022 State Government election commitment. It is expected to be completed by mid-2025.
Construction on this purpose-built kiss 'n' drop facility is fantastic news for the school community.This is the result of Council working collaboratively with the State Government and the school to improve outcomes for the people living, working and studying in Munno Para and will provide greater liveability and user experience.
By listening to local communities and by working together, we've been able to secure a really important outcome for families of Mark Oliphant College.School drops off can be really busy and it's imperative we keep students and families safe around the school. This new Kiss and Drop facility will provide piece of mind for families as it improves traffic flow and reduces congestion.
As the Munno Para area continues to grow, it's crucial that our infrastructure keeps pace. The Malinauskas Labor Government understands the rapid growth of the area, and it's pleasing to see us join forces with City of Playford to deliver this election promise. Juggling work, study, hobbies and maintaining a household routine already keeps families incredibly busy. This project not only eases traffic in the area for everyone in the community, but allows families to safely collect their children in a convenient manner as every minute counts.
This project will be a real game changer for our wider school community, providing parents with an alternative kiss 'n' drop at the rear of the school, along with a dedicated car parking area. These improvements are expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion in the surrounding suburban streets during peak times, ultimately fostering a safer environment for everyone. We are excited to see this collaborative project involving the school, the council and the State Government come to life, as our school community continues to grow and thrive.
