Hope Valley Reservoir to open this summer
MEDIA RELEASE
Families and fitness lovers will soon be able to walk, cycle and explore the beautiful Hope Valley Reservoir for the first time in almost 150 years, with concept plans now approved for a range of recreational activities at the site.
The site in Adelaide’s north east is among several reservoirs across South Australia that the Marshall Liberal Government has opened for recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, hiking and biking.
The State Government last year engaged with the Hope Valley community about their ideas to make best use of this open green space, and the formation of a Community Reference Group earlier this year has helped to shape the vision.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said the reservoir is expected to be open for everyone to explore by this summer.
“We are lucky in South Australia to have an abundance of open space available for people to be active and enjoy the fresh air with their families and friends, and I’m pleased to unveil yet another reservoir concept plan to provide a fun outdoor experience in the heart of suburban Adelaide,” Minister Speirs said.
“Construction works will soon get underway on creating a network of enjoyable walking and cycling trails throughout the reservoir linking up with the existing pathway alongside the O-Bahn Busway, and family-friendly facilities like picnic settings, fitness equipment and later a nature play area.
“The view across the reservoir itself is a sight to behold, and our concept plan will allow visitors access to the dam wall to take in the scenery over the water and across the Mount Lofty Ranges.
“We will also be building all of the necessary supporting infrastructure such as car parking, toilets, fencing and signage, and will be protecting the important assets on site that provide safe, clean drinking water for a large proportion of the Adelaide population.
“This will be a natural space for everyone to explore and enjoy, and we’re keen to engage the local community in activities such as planting native vegetation and helping to design the nature play area and interpretative signage.”
Member for Newland Richard Harvey said once opened, the site will offer wonderful recreation and relaxation opportunities to aid the health and wellbeing of visitors.
“It’s wonderful that this beautiful reserve will soon be open for people to get out and enjoy the fresh air in the heart of Adelaide’s north east,” Mr Harvey said.
“After 147 years the recreational possibilities of this under-utilised site will finally be realised, and I know many in the region will be very excited to visit when the Hope Valley Reservoir reserve opens to the public later this year.”
Hope Valley Reservoir Community Reference Group member Stephen Ross said it is an exciting time for people living around the reservoir reserve.
“Many in the community can’t wait to access this open space which has been closed off for so long,” Mr Ross said.
“It is great that the community, through the reference group, has taken such an interest in the concept plan and design of the proposed facilities, and we look forward to having a beautiful open space that everyone can use.”
Constructed in 1873 with a water capacity of 2.9 billion litres, the Hope Valley Reservoir was the second reservoir constructed in Adelaide and is currently the city’s oldest reservoir still in use.
Myponga Reservoir Reserve is open for land-based recreational activities and shoreline fishing is also available with a permit. On-water access for kayaking will be introduced in early to mid-2021.
Bundaleer, South Para and Warren Reservoirs are open for fishing, kayaking, walking, and cycling, and Happy Valley Reservoir will offer kayaking, fishing, walking and cycling opportunities by the end of next year.
