THE TRANSFORMATION of Murray Bridge’s main town entrance with a fresh green parkland attracting visitors and locals, heralds the dawning of a bright future for Murray Bridge, celebrated with the completion of the Adelaide Road Linear Park.
The finished parkland was officially opened on Monday 5 July by South Australian Deputy Premier, Attorney-General and Minister for Planning and Local Government Vickie Chapman MP.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is committed to building what matters and creating jobs for South Australians, and this is an example of how we are working with local councils to do just that” she said.
“This project received a $344,103 grant through the 2019/20 Open Spaces and Places for People grants program, and it is brilliant to see the plans come to life.
“Applications for the next round of grants opens this month, with $14.7 million set aside to support important open space projects like the Adelaide Road Linear Park, and I encourage all Councils to think about what projects they could put forward.”
The Adelaide Road Linear Park is a two kilometre lush green parkland stretching all the way from White Hill to Maurice Road, providing an entrance statement and active space for fun and play, to connect people, places and investment in Murray Bridge.
A central unifying feature is a three metre wide shared path large enough to comfortably accommodate cyclists, joggers and dog walkers, which winds its way down the length of the parkland creating community connections and more a walkable neighbourhood.
Other features include seating, picnic tables, shade structures, barbecues, open grassed play spaces, public toilets, art, lighting and beautifully curated and irrigated scenery.
Water Sensitive Urban design includes rain gardens to capture rainfall, and recycled local stormwater run-off stored at Gifford Hill and pumped back via irrigation infrastructure to keep the newly created and self-sustaining avenue cool and green.
The ingenious water-saving design both protects our most precious river resource and keeps maintenance costs to a minimum for residents.
New kerbing, stormwater infrastructure and parking provisions have formalised the space, with further wayfinding, signage, roadway enhancements, tree planting and artwork planned to support the Murraylands gateway.
Mayor Brenton Lewis said the community could be proud of the Adelaide Road transformation undertaken by the Council.
“This magnificent parkland provides a welcoming statement that leads visitors in to the heart of our Rural City and on to the river,” he said.
“It’s an introduction we can be proud of and on any given day you will find people here walking, playing, picnicking and enjoying the parkland – it’s a fantastic place to visit.
“Murray Bridge is changing - we are a proud, safe and progressive community that is growing in the right direction.”
Chief Executive Officer Michael Sedgman said the major infrastructure project grew from community aspirations for improved open spaces and identity, and the Council’s vision for Thriving Communities.
“Council is committed to realising community ambition for a strong, positive regional identity and engaging/active community spaces as outlined in our Community Plan 2016-32,” he said.
“Through community consultation, detailed planning, responsible financial management and government partnerships, we are building a bright future here in Murray Bridge.
“An undertaking of this magnitude required long term commitment and investment in a shared vision and I think the result speaks for itself – this beautiful parkland is an attractive asset that will inspire pride and provide enjoyment for the community for years to come.”
Stages 5 and 6 of the Adelaide Road Linear Park project were supported through the State Government’s Open Space and Places for People Grant in the order of $344,103.
