We have finalised the play space design and construction timeline for Uraidla Play Space upgrades. This project has involved many hours contributed by community members and stakeholders, council staff and external contractors, to reach a final design that aligns with the vision of local residents and fits within available council resources.

The final design includes many of the supported features from the original concept design including, reserve fencing, undercover shelters, an activity cube with monkey bars and climbing elements, a two-bay swing set plus a basket swing and nature play elements including a rock and pebble swale, balancing logs, steppers and play teepees.

There are some elements of the original concept that we could not incorporate into the final design due to site constraints (powerlines, storm water drains, infrastructure) and available budget. These items may be added at a later date if grant funding or additional resources become available. We think the overall outcome is a really positive one for this much-loved local reserve.

We would like to say a big thank you to the Uraidla and surrounding community for your support and involvement in the progression of this project and for your continued patience while we've worked through the important final steps. This project would not be where it is today without your local knowledge, passion and contributions.

The new play space will begin construction in March 2026 and be completed by the end of June 2026. More information about the exact construction timeline and times of work will be shared with local residents shortly.

Other reserve maintenance works will be completed by council staff alongside the construction of the play space, including stormwater upgrades, carpark maintenance and vegetation renewal.

Notification of Tree Works – Uraidla Playground Upgrade

Adelaide Hills Council advises that contractors engaged by Council will be undertaking tree pruning and removal works within Uraidla Reserve, located at 1181 Greenhill Road, Uraidla (opposite Swamp Road).

Location - The aerial map below identifies the area where pruning works will occur, as well as the locations of the three individual trees proposed for removal.

Timing of works - Tree works are expected to commence in mid-February and be completed by early March.

Reason for the works - In line with Council’s proactive approach to tree management within public spaces, tree condition assessment of all trees within the reserve was undertaken. These assessments identified two trees with major structural defects and one poorly structured, low-amenity tree. Removal of these trees, along with amenity pruning throughout the reserve, will improve tree health and safety in preparation for the upcoming upgrade.

Access restrictions - To safely undertake the works, contractors will be required to use an Elevated Work Platform (EWP). Due to its large footprint, some areas of the park will be temporarily inaccessible during normal working hours. Every effort will be made to maintain business-as-usual access to the community shed within the reserve, although on-site parking may be impacted.

What this means for you - Residents in the affected area will continue to have access to their properties; however, minor delays may occur. Impacted residents are encouraged to review the worksite location and plan their access using the most appropriate street entry point.

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Should you require any special assistance during the works, please call the customer contact centre on 08 8408 0400.

Stage 1: Planning

In September 2024 we ran 2 x co-design workshops at the Uraidla Hotel. These workshops involved local community members who were passionate about the play space, discussing the importance of the site, its identity, and aspirations with a landscape architect and council staff. The landscape architect then developed 3 play space design options, which the group provided feedback on. The landscape architect took these comments on board, and developed a final draft concept plan.

Council rounded back to this group in December 2024 with this final draft concept plan for another review. Final comments and tweaks were completed in mid- January and the Concept Plan is now ready for wider community engagement.

Stage 2: Community Engagement on draft Concept Plan

The concept plan shows the overall idea for the site including its potential uses and is conceptual vision rather than being too detailed. The concept plan can be flexible and subject to change depending on budgets, product availability, site constraints and other factors.

We are now consulting on the concept plan and would love to hear thoughts and feedback from the wider community. This will assist in the preparation of a final detailed design and construction of the play space.

Thank you to those who participated in our Stage 2 Consultation process and provided feedback on the Concept Plan. To review the Community Engagement Outcomes Report, please look in the document library (on the right hand side of this page).

From here, council will work with internal departments and the landscape architect to finalise the concept plan, taking into consideration the feedback the community has provided, and balancing what is achievable within the project constraints. The landscape architect will develop a more detailed design, so council can go out to tender for the play space construction. The detailed design will be posted on this page so watch this space. Construction is planned next financial year (2025/26).

As noted on the concept plan, council is interested in speaking to anyone in the community who wishes to donate or contribute to the space. This idea has come about by locals suggesting there may be some interest within the community. We ask that you please reach out to council by 30 June 2025. (Note safety is paramount so council must ensure appropriate standards are met and council processes are followed).

For now enjoy playing on the current play space- we will update this page as the project continues to progress.

Stage 3: Developing Detailed Design of Play Space

Council staff worked with the landscape architect on detailed designs of the play space along with costings. These works involved refining the final concept design to align with available council resources for this play space renewal.