Work has stopped, temporarily, on the long-awaited City Skate park, with this giant hole left in Gladys Elphick Park / Narnungga (Park 25) near the corner of West Terrace and Glover Avenue
Excavation began early this year on the $3 million project which has been jointly funded by both the State Government and the City Council.
However in mid-August the excavation equipment was withdrawn from the site, and no on-site works have been undertaken since.
An artist’s impression of a bowl within the skate park
A City of Adelaide spokesperson has advised us that the recent and ongoing impacts of COVID-19 have placed pressure on the construction industry in South Australia.
"[This] has presented some groundworks complexities that have delayed both the design and construction phases of the project. To achieve the best possible outcome for this Project of state significance the City of Adelaide has re-engaged the construction market to establish a contracting partner that can resolve and deliver on this project within budget and to an agreed program.
The yellow star marks the location of the skate park within Gladys Elphick Park / Narnungga (Park 25)
"This process has been successful and has also enabled us to consider an additional scope item to be included in the delivery.
"We were successful in receiving federal funding to add an additional Skate Bowl (mini bowl), immediately to the south of the main footprint. This mini bowl will be of great benefit to the public and junior skaters and will enhance the overall standard of the Skate Park to what could be considered an Olympic standard sports facility.
An artist’s impression of another element within the skate park
"We have experienced some delays with the project but the contractors will be back on site from late September. We are now aiming for a completion date of early 2022 and we look forward to delivering an amazing facility that has ultimately benefitted from the delays."
"There will be a number of key milestones over the next 6-8 months with an official opening earmarked for early 2022.
The concept designs were revealed in October 2020 with this three minute video:
