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Riverlea sports proposal unveiled

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Catholic Education SA is working with the City of Playford Council toward the delivery of district-level recreation and sports infrastructure for the community of Riverlea Park.

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A community engagement process for the new sportsgrounds, which includes soccer pitches, an oval and other recreational amenities, began in January and closes on February 10.
The land is to be provided by Riverlea developer, Walker Corporation, as part of its contribution to open space, and managed by Playford Council through its Sportsground Community Land Management Plan (CLMP).
As part of the project, the council is considering entering into a mutual Shared Use Agreement with Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) for a 42-year term.
As announced in July 2024, CESA is planning to build a school adjacent to the proposed sportsgrounds.
The agreement would allow for shared use of recreational facilities between the community and the school, providing a cost-effective way for the council to develop and maintain sporting infrastructure for the rapidly growing Riverlea Park, which is expected to become home to 40,000 people.
Playford mayor Glenn Docherty said the proposed sportsgrounds would be a vital asset, benefiting not just local residents but the entire Playford community.
“Strategic partnerships are vital when delivering the infrastructure needed to support our rapidly growing community,” he said.
“By working together with key stakeholders, we can ensure that projects like the Riverlea sportsgrounds are delivered in a timely, cost-effective way, providing lasting benefits for our residents”
Mayor Docherty said community feedback would help shape the final decisions, ensuring the new facility meets the needs and expectations of Playford’s growing population.
Catholic Education SA director Neil McGoran said the proposed shared use arrangements in Riverlea’s first school precinct present an outstanding opportunity to integrate high quality Catholic education and sporting facilities while strengthening relationships with community members, families and young people.
“By entering into long term arrangements with the City of Playford Council the new Catholic school community will have access to exceptional sporting facilities, benefitting both students and the broader community,” Dr McGoran said.
The new Riverlea Catholic school will open at the start of the 2027 school year for students from Reception to Year 6 and will progressively grow to cater for all year levels, including early learning.
The first stage of the build is expected to cost more than $60 million, with about 1300 people working on construction.

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