Work set to begin on giant Pondi Playspace
The Rural City of Murray Bridge is excited to announce that construction will soon begin on the giant Pondi Playspace at Murray Bridge’s Sturt Reserve.
The award-winning design, inspired by Ngarrindjeri Dreaming stories, culture, heritage and country - is the flagship riverfront development of a much larger Sturt Reserve Master Plan.
Focused on play, culture, education and community connection, the design has won accolades for its extensive co-design process with Ngarrindjeri Ruwe Empowered Communities (NREC) and leading outdoor design specialists.
The new playspace will replace the more than 20-year-old playground equipment located on our most popular Reserve. It also reflects Council’s commitment to its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Ngarrindjeri community.
This nature-based design will not only include installation of the iconic giant Murray Cod (Pondi) climbing and play structure, but also be flanked by a flying fox, swings, sand play, slides, trampoline and disability accessible play equipment.
The precinct upgrade will include amenities to support visiting families, including sheltered seating, bespoke shade structure, outdoor classroom (circular outdoor seating), soundscape installation, bins, barbecues, drinking fountain, public artworks, lighting and major landscaping improvements.
The project is jointly funded by $4.85M from the Australian Government’s Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program (MLCIP).
Council is providing $3.45M from its existing infrastructure renewal budget - set aside for the replacement of major community assets that have reached the end of their useful life.
The project also includes demolition of existing structures, site preparation and earthworks, installation of stormwater systems, hydraulic equipment, electrical and lighting upgrades, footpaths, paved areas and more.
Council will go to tender in the coming months for the construction contracts, with a goal to begin works later this year.
We appreciate your feedback and the passion that members of our community have shown for Sturt Reserve. Community input plays an important role in helping Council deliver public spaces that meet the needs of residents both now and into the future.
See below FAQ's:
Shade was a key consideration during the design process and was worked through in detail with the project's design consultants.
The new playspace will include approximately 355 square metres of constructed shade and weather protection, covering the seating and barbecue areas, the sandpit, and shade integrated into the Pondi play sculpture. This will provide immediate shade from the day the playspace opens, along with protection from light rain over the main gathering areas. The design intentionally balances the provision of shelter with an open, natural playspace that connects with the river environment and reflects the local Ngarrindjeri cultural narrative.
In addition, more than 100 advanced trees will be planted throughout the playspace and surrounding areas. Many of these will be between 2.5 and 4 metres in height at the time of planting, providing shade benefits from the outset. The landscape architects have advised that meaningful canopy cover is expected within four to five years, with continued growth beyond that. The trees will also help cool the surrounding area, contribute to reducing the urban heat island effect, and add biodiversity value along the river.
The existing playground will be removed at the commencement of construction and will not be available for the duration of the project, including the Christmas school holidays.
Council recognises this will be an inconvenience for local families and appreciates the community's patience during the construction period. Construction and reopening dates will be shared as they are confirmed, and other playgrounds across the Council area remain available in the meantime.
Council appreciates that views on playground fencing vary and recognises that many families see fencing as an important safety feature.
The question of fencing was considered carefully during the design process. Council's approach aligns with guidance from Play Australia, the national peak body for play and playgrounds, which advises that fencing is generally not required unless there are specific site hazards or particular access and inclusion considerations, and that fencing is not intended to replace active parental or carer supervision.
Traffic risk at Sturt Reserve has been managed through the broader site layout, including the position of the playspace within the reserve, the arrangement of paths and car parking, and clear sight lines from seating areas across the play zones. Council has sought to create a welcoming and accessible playspace that balances safety, accessibility, landscape character and user experience, consistent with contemporary playground design principles and industry guidance.
