From Playgrounds to Parkour, and everything in between
An opportunity to understand the evolution of the playground and parkour over time with site visits throughout Adelaide’s north-western suburbs.
Hear from coaches, artists and designers of these spaces and connect with other industry professionals in celebration of 100 Years of PLA. Come ready to PLAY!
Where? Ovingham Underpass / Karrarendi Yerta Kadla – near Ovingham Railway Station. Transport between sites is by minibus / coach.
When? 09.30 meet, Friday 20th March.
Parking? Free car parking is available on Exeter Tce and surrounding side streets.
Extra info: Lunch is provided, please bring own drink bottles. Wear clothes comfortable to walk and PLAY in!
Agenda
09:45 AM | Ovingham Underpass / Karrarendi Yerta Kadla
Kick off the day at this hidden gem. We begin with an introduction from Emily, followed by a deep dive into the world of urban movement with the SA Parkour Association (SAPA). Completed in June 2025 as part of the Ovingham Level Crossing Removal Project, a new community plaza, hardcourt sports courts and parkour zone can now all be found under the shade of the Torrens Road Bridge.
10:40 AM | George Whittle Reserve
Bridging Play and Precision. Just a short stroll (and perhaps a coffee) away lies George Whittle Reserve. This site is a prime example of integrated play design. A skate park with a nature inspired climbing area that encourages play that connects us to how we have evolved to move our bodies through chaotic jungles, forests and natural environments.
11:30 AM | Jack Watkins Reserve
Heritage in Motion. As we head into the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, we visit Jack Watkins Reserve. This site offers a unique perspective on how regional history and open-space recreation coexist. A $4 million transformation undertaken during 2025 has led to a vibrant and inclusive space for all ages to play, connect, and stay active with a railway and train theme as a nod to the history of the area.
12:40 PM | Hart’s Mill
Iconic Industry Meets Modern Play. Located in the heart of Port Adelaide, Hart’s Mill is perhaps one of the most recognisable play spaces in the state. Set against the backdrop of the historic flour mill, this stop showcases how industrial heritage can be repurposed into a world-class, multi-generational destination.
Bright yellow equipment including a hamster wheel, spider web climber and seated flying fox echo the universal animal instinct to play, while large tubular steel words designed to play on reflect the site’s industrial flour milling heritage.
1:25 PM | Yitpi Yartapuultiku
Culture, Connection, and Lunch. We take an extended stop at Yitpi Yartapuultiku – “Soul of Port Adelaide”. This is a space for reflection and connection to Country. We will explore the site’s cultural significance and indigenous design elements while enjoying a lunch break in this award-winning precinct.
Nature play, exploration, imagination and a celebration of Indigenous culture on the banks of the Port River, this play space offers jumping, swinging, sliding, climbing, drumming, water play, interpretive signage and more.
2:50 PM | Spad St Reserve
The Art of the Flow. Our final site tour brings us to Spad St, featuring the innovative Flowbars. We are joined by artist and designer Seb Humphreys, alongside John Wilkinson from the City of Charles Sturt. Opened in August 2024, this reserve features a large climbing structure called a flowbar – an interactive, free-flowing sculptural work that exist at the intersection of arts, science and play, providing more options for creative development.
4:00 PM | Return to Ovingham Underpass / Karrarendi Yerta Kadla
Tour Conclusion. We head back to our starting point to wrap up the day, share final thoughts, and reflect on the diverse “history of play” we’ve experienced across Adelaide’s northern and western suburbs.
Speakers
Emily Moskwa | Campbelltown City Council
Emily’s background in the parks and leisure sector is impressively broad. Her experience ranges from academic research in national parks and botanic gardens to local government roles focusing on trail master planning, sportsfield redevelopments, and play space strategy.
Rick Hartley | SA Australian Parkour Association
Meet Rick- the South Australian Parkour Association’s COO, with over a decade of experience and knowledge Rick is happy to share what he knows about Parkour. Whether it be about design, coaching, education, development, infrastructure, processes and procedures, engagement or about the amazing Australian community Rick is here to help share what he knows.
Colin Donnelly | City of Port Adelaide Enfield
Project Delivery Team Leader in Parks & Garden Department at City of PAE. Colin has worked in Local Government for 8 years and have been previously employed in landscape construction with roles in Supervision, Estimation and Project Management.
Dean Philip | SA Parkour Association Board Member
Dean is a Parkour coach and South Australian Parkour Association Board Member. Through his business and concept of Moving Puzzles, he loves helping humans build connection with each other through powerful play-based and site-specific practices.
John Wilkinson | City of Charles Sturt
John has over 20 years’ experience in local government in various sport, recreation and open space planning roles. His current position is Open Space Planner at the City of Charles Sturt, leading a small team of landscape architects responsible for the strategic planning and design of the city’s open space assets.
Seb Humphreys | Visual Artist
Seb is a Visual Artist based in Adelaide. Investigating the love of play and incorporating it with the inspiration of natural forms birthed his Flowbars project: sculptural play structures that seek to evolve play, bringing a new philosophy and viewpoint to the way we see play structures.
Willis Daveson | Cultural Ranger
Willis Daveson is the Cultural Ranger at Yitpi Yartapuultiku. He delivers cultural guided walks, manages operations (play/playground areas) and the multiple landscape environments including the native plants on site.
With thanks to
