Plans are being drawn up for a new mini-golf course on your Possum Park / Pirltawardli (Park 1).
The idea is to increase visitor numbers and Council’s golf revenue, by promoting mini-golf to younger people and families.
Image: Shutterstock
Kaurna elders have been consulted on the proposal, because the site chosen was where the first South Australian colonial administration set up a “native school” in the late 1830s and where the Kaurna language was first learned and recorded by missionaries.
It’s one of the locations on the Kaurna Heritage trail.
Acknowledging Kaura heritage is one of the “design principles” that City Council staff and their consultants, have included so far in their planning.
(L-R) Uncle Hussain Bin Abdullah (Neville Highfold), Aunty Lynette Crocker and Anthony (Darren) Wanganeen inspecting the proposed site at Possum Park / Pirltawardli (Park 1). Image: Kadaltilla / Park lands Authority agenda 27 July 2023.
This site, between War Memorial Drive and the River Torrens weir currently includes a free-to-use practice putting green, and the final (18th) hole of the Council’s existing Par-3 golf course.
Existing site. Image: Kadaltilla / Park lands Authority agenda 27 July 2023.
The existing free-to-use putting green which would be removed as part of the mini-golf proposal.
Proposed layout of the mini-golf course. Image: Kadaltilla / Park lands Authority agenda 27 July 2023.
The project has not yet been endorsed by Kadaltilla/ Adelaide Park Lands Authority, nor by the City Council. However the Council several years ago developed a still-partly-secret Master Plan for additional revenue-raising options associated with the three golf courses on your Possum Park / Pirltawardli (Park 1).
The plan does not envisage any new building, only an open-sided shelter at a ‘gather area’.
Nevertheless, members of Kadaltilla/ Adelaide Park Lands Authority expressed concern at the likelihood that the entire playing surface of the 18-hole mini-golf course would probably need to be constructed of a hard surface such as concrete, topped with artificial grass, to withstand predicted heavy foot traffic.
Council staff and consultants have been advised to continue developing their plans and will report back to future Authority meetings.
See more about this location, in our Trail Guide to Possum Park / Pirltawardli (Park 1).
