The City of Playford has commenced planning for a new sportsground in the rapidly growing suburb of Riverlea Park, which is expected to become home to 40,000 people.
An important step in the progress of Riverlea Park is the commencement of community engagement for the proposed development of a district-level sportsground, including soccer pitches, ovals and other recreational amenities.
The land for the sportsground is to be provided by Walker Corporation, the property group delivering the masterplanned community Riverlea, as part of its contribution to open space and managed by Council through its Sportsgrounds Community Land Management Plan (CLMP).
The CLMP outlines how Council will manage the community land, how it is accessed and how it is maintained for public enjoyment.
An engagement period, running from Monday 13 January until 10 February 2025, provides the community an opportunity to share their views on how the land should be accessed or used, prior to Council receiving the land.
As part of the project, Council is also considering entering into a Shared Use Agreement with Catholic Education South Australia (CESA). As announced in July 2024, CESA is planning to build a school adjacent to the proposed sportsground.
The agreement would allow for shared use of recreational facilities between the community and the school, providing a cost-effective way for Council to develop and maintain sporting infrastructure the community requires.
Council is seeking community views as part of the engagement process to enter into an agreement with CESA for a 42-year term.
Council's proposed partnerships with CESA and Walker Corporation are designed to deliver timely, high-quality recreational spaces while sharing costs and achieving financial sustainability. This collaborative approach ensures the facility will not only serve Riverlea Park residents but the broader Playford community.
Community views will shape the next steps and help guide decisions about this vital new community asset.
Quotes
Attribute to Mayor Glenn Docherty, City of Playford
"As our city grows, so does our responsibility to provide social and sporting infrastructure that connects people and supports active, vibrant lifestyles. The proposed sportsground at Riverlea Park will be a vital asset, benefiting not just local residents but the entire Playford community."
"Strategic partnerships are vital when delivering the infrastructure needed to support our rapidly growing community. By working together with key stakeholders, we can ensure that projects like the Riverlea Park sportsground are delivered in a timely, cost-effective way, providing lasting benefits for our residents."
"I encourage people living in Riverlea Park and beyond to share their views about the proposed addition to the community land management plan and shared use agreement."
Attribute to Dr Neil McGoran, Executive Director, Catholic Education South Australia
"CESA is pleased to be working with the City of Playford Council towards the delivery of district-level recreation and sports infrastructure for the community of Riverlea Park."
"The proposed shared use arrangements in Riverlea Park's first school precinct, currently in community consultation, present an outstanding opportunity to integrate high quality Catholic education and sporting facilities while strengthening relationships with community members, families and young people."
"By entering into long term arrangements with the City of Playford Council the new Catholic school community will have access to exceptional sporting facilities, benefiting both students and the broader community."
Attribute to David Gallant, Managing Director and CEO, Walker Corporation
"Our Riverlea masterplan has a strong focus on providing large open spaces and recreational facilities close to homes and schools, so we are excited to be providing more opportunities for residents, students and the wider Playford community to enjoy their favourite sports."
"This is a great opportunity for residents and South Australians planning to move to Riverlea to have their say on what they want to see in the planned local sportsgrounds and recreational facilities that will become the heart of the community."
Engagement details
Council is inviting community feedback on the following proposals:
- Including portions of land in Riverlea Park in the Sportsgrounds Community Land Management Plan.
- Entering a 42-year Shared Use Agreement with CESA for shared recreation and community facilities.
Consultation is open from Monday 13 January until 5pm on Monday 10 February 2025, with opportunities to review documents and submit feedback via:
- Online: Survey link on Council's Engagement Hub - playford.engagementhub.com.au
- In-person: Playford Civic Centre or Stretton Centre.
