What's happening?

The current playground in Caddy Reserve is ready to be replaced. Its replacement is planned between July 2026 and June 2027, but before we do anything, we want to know if you want another playground in this reserve or if you want something else here which might encourage you to visit more often.

We have a few ideas about what we could do in Caddy Reserve. We could:

  • Replace the existing playground with a new, modern playground that's the same size and has similar equipment features as the existing one.
  • Remove the playground and make it quiet space for resting with some natural play like balancing logs and steppers as wells as landscaping, greening and/or tree planting.
  • Remove the playground and install agility and fitness equipment suitable for children and adults.
  • Remove the playground and install soccer goals.
  • Remove the playground and install something else that is suggested by you, as long as it's suitable for this reserve.

Read on to learn more, then get involved by completing the online feedback activity.

We also have a printed activity book to help young and creative people to participate - or really anyone young at heart - to share how they like play in our playgrounds. While the result of this consultation might mean we don't put another playground here, we would still love for you to share the book with those that might be interested. You can help by collecting a book for them to complete and returning it to us by 15 October or taking them to a participating location so they can be involved.

If you're already familiar with the reserve and playground, feel free to skip ahead to share feedback now. Your views will be used to determine how Caddy Reserve is used into the future - not just by you but everyone who might come along later.

About the reserve

Caddy Reserve is located on Frederick Road in Grange. It's surrounded by residential housing and the Grange Golf Course, and faces onto Frederick Road. It features a playground, bin, entry landscaping, and an open, grassed area. There is no immediate parking adjacent the reserve except on-road or in nearby side-streets.

The current playground is a 'Neighbourhood' classified playground. Neighbourhood playgrounds should have good quality 'standard' play equipment, an appealing landscape, and may include some special play features for young people to enjoy.

Dogs can be exercised off-leash in the open reserve area, provided they stay at least 5m away from the playground and are under effective control.

We are seeking input from community before we go ahead with the playground replacement as scheduled for several reasons.

  • It's difficult to get to - there is no off-street and very little on-street parking nearby, meaning most people have to walk or wheel here.
  • If you do walk here, it can be difficult to access as the only entry point is via Frederick Road. Federick Road is a busy road and there are limited pedestrian crossings nearby.
  • We have a sense that not many people visit this reserve at the moment, although we could be wrong.
  • There are other playgrounds, sports courts, and open spaces not far from Caddy Reserve (approximately 700 metres):
    • Raymond Reserve, Seaton – Playground, tennis courts and basketball ring
    • Pine Lodge Reserve, Grange - Playground & BBQ
    • Lines Reserve, Grange – Playground & basketball court
    • Leason Reserve, Grange: Playground & tennis court

Existing space and play

Below are images of the existing play equipment at First Avenue Reserve. All of these play elements will be replaced. You can click on each image to enlarge it.
The entry from Frederick Road
The space
Playground - View 1
Playground - View 2

What's in & out?

If we replace the playground, what is included or considered?

  • All existing play equipment in the playground area will be replaced.
  • Softfall will be replaced - this might include bark chip or rubber.
  • Playground access will be reviewed eg concrete playground edging and paths.

If the playground is removed, what might we consider?

  • New tree planting, landscaping or more greening to provide natural shade, increase our canopy cover, and for biodiversity and urban cooling.
  • Shelter and shade to the existing picnic area.
  • Nature play.
  • Adult and child agility and fitness.
  • Soccer goals or minor infrastructure to support imagination or game activities.
  • Possibly bicycle parking or drinking fountain with dog bowl (to compliment dog walking in the area) if there is evidence of walking and riding to the reserve, and pet exercise in the reserve.

What we won't consider here:

  • Amenities like public toilets or BBQs (because of the residential surrounding).
  • Fixed playground shade.
  • Some sports equipment like rings or hardcourts (for basketball, netball, soccer), wickets, nets, or similar.

Next steps

If the community feedback demonstrates a majority preference for replacement of the existing playground with another playground, a new playground design will be prepared and shared back with you mid-next year.

If the community feedback demonstrates a majority preference for removal of the existing playground so Caddy can be used differently, the preferred alternative use for Caddy Reserve will be supported. A concept design (if necessary) will be shared with you, so you know what to expect.

If the consultation results and community preference is inconclusive eg there is no clear community preference or majority support for any of the options we shared, qualified staff will be responsible for selecting the best outcome for this space. In making this decision, staff will consider other open spaces and recreational facilities nearby, information you shared with us about when and how you visit Caddy Reserve, neighbouring residents, and any other strategic directions that will ensure suitable and appropriate use of the Reserve.

Participate your way based on what works best for you or your family. Feedback activities must be completed/returned to us by 5pm Wed, 15 October 2025.

Drop into any of the participating locations below to pick up and return your activity book. When you submit your book, you can collect a City of Charles Sturt "Play Influencer" Certificate that recognises your contribution to our playground designs!

📅 Just remember to return completed activity books by 5pm Wednesday, 15 October 2025

If you can't drop your book off in person, you can send it to us by post or email and include your postal address so we can post your Certificate of Participation:

📧 engagement@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

📬 City of Charles Sturt, ATT: Playground Renewals, PO Box 1, Woodville SA 5011.

📍Participating locations: