What are the benefits of enhancing the sporting infrastructure in Tuthangga (Park 17)?

    The enhancement of sporting infrastructure in Tuthangga (Park 17) will ensure facilities are fit for purpose and meet the requirements of modern community sport.  As a result, community organisations will be better placed to increase participation in formal and informal recreation opportunities. 
     
    There are also opportunities to provide complementary facilities that will assist the community to utilise and appreciate the diverse recreation experiences available within Tuthangga (Park 17). 





    How would a new facility impact on the use of Tuthangga (Park 17)?

    Tuthangga (Park 17) is characterised by its large open playing fields to the south with significant areas of remnant native vegetation and upper reaches of the Park Lands Creek network moving northward.  Any proposal for sporting infrastructure needs to be cognisant of the diverse landscape characteristics of Tuthangga (Park 17). 

    Whilst Council has not committed to the hockey proposal, the proposed location of a new facility, being within the open playing fields zone, will impact directly on the existing operations of current licensees/sub-licensees and their significant training and competition programs. As such, existing lease/licence arrangements would change.  

    Albeit small in the context of Tuthangga (Park 17), the proposed fenced hockey facility will reduce open areas available for informal recreation.

    The addition of two artificial turf hockey pitches will increase demand on car parking around Tuthangga (Park 17). 








    Has Council determined what sports facilities will go into Tuthangga (Park 17)?

    No.  Council has not made a decision in relation to what sports facilities will go in Tuthangga (Park 17). There is no commitment to this hockey proposal beyond undertaking an initial community engagement as a first step in determining the feasibility of co-locating multiple hockey clubs in Tuthangga (Park 17) and the associated impacts.  

    What is a community sports hub?

    A sports hub is defined as multiple sports facilities that are co-located within a single park or precinct. 

    What is a regional sports area?

    Regional sports areas are areas that are conducive to accommodating large and or multiple community sports facilities with a significant catchment. 





    Why is Council considering this proposal?

    The City of Adelaide 2016-2020 Strategic Plan includes two relevant objectives:

    • ‘Enhance the role of the Park Lands in increasing levels of physical activity and wellbeing through formal and informal sport and recreation opportunities’; and

    • ‘Deliver sport and recreation activity hubs consistent with the Active City Strategy and Adelaide Park Lands Management Strategy'.

    This proposal is consistent with the Active City Strategy and Adelaide Park Lands Management Strategy and is a priority project in Council’s Sports Infrastructure Master Plan (SIMP). 






    What is an artificial/synthetic turf hockey pitch?

    Artificial turf is a surface of synthetic fibres made to look like natural grass.  Artificial turf surfaces can accommodate a much higher level of usage compared with natural grass surfaces.

    There are three common types of artificial turf – sand filled, hybrid and water based.  

    Sand filled – artificial turf that is filled with sand (or other material) to create a firm surface.  Require 220-300 tonnes of sand per pitch.  Generally used in multi-sport situations.

    Hybrid (dressed) – artificial turf that is partially filled with sand (or other material).  These provide an improved playing surface due to the absence of sand close to the playing surface.  Require 90 tonnes of sand per pitch.  Generally used for hockey.

    Water based – artificial turf that is unfilled and played on ‘wet’ to keep the ball on the surface, provide some controlled foot-slide and reduce friction burns from falls.  Requires an extensive sub-surface irrigation system.  Most often used for hockey. 

    The hockey proposal outlines a preference for a water based surface, as it facilitates the highest standard of hockey competition and skills development.  This is the preferred surface for hockey in terms of the way it plays and physical impact on players. 













    Why can’t Adelaide Hockey Club change the type of surface they have in Kurangga (Park 20)?

    The existing hockey facility in Kurangga (Park 20) is a multi-use facility shared by the Adelaide Hockey Club, Tennis Seniors SA and Pulteney Grammar.  The surface there is sand filled, allowing hockey and tennis to be played.  Competitive hockey is ideally played on a hybrid or water based surface.  These surfaces are not suitable for tennis. 

    The Adelaide Hockey Club has over 400 members and Tennis Seniors SA over 500 members. The facility in Kurangga (Park 20) is at capacity in relation to peak programming times and plays a key role in providing formal sporting opportunities including hockey. 









    Why are two hockey pitches proposed in Tuthangga (Park 17)?

    Two pitches enable at least two hockey clubs to utilise the facility and allow some capacity for growth in participation in the future.

    Has car parking been considered?

    Yes, however Council is still seeking further feedback from the community.The Adelaide and Burnside Hockey Clubs commissioned an independent traffic and parking report.  The report found that there is a high level of parking vacancy within reasonable walking distance of the proposed facility site during the peak overlap period between existing office demand and proposed hockey demand. 

    Furthermore, the report indicates that hockey and touch football could occur simultaneously (outside of peak office demand) without the need for additional parking. 





    Why is a new building proposed?

    Many existing buildings in the Adelaide Park Lands no longer meet the requirements of community sports, including adequate change rooms for male and female participants/officials, adequate storage spaces and adequate areas for social connections and community networking – a critical aspect of community sport. 

    Complementary facilities such as canteens and accessible toilets can add to the convenience and enjoyment of the Park.  As part of this engagement, Council is keen to understand if these and other features will increase your use and enjoyment of Tuthangga (Park 17). 

    What opportunities are there to minimise the environmental impact of new sports facilities in the Park Lands?

    Some of the ways sports facilities can minimise their environmental footprint is through:

    •Cross ventilation for natural cooling
    •Roof and wall insulation
    •Low energy lighting and use of sensors
    •Photo voltaic cells
    •Low toxicity and ethically sourced materials, and
    •Utilising recycled water.

    What will happen to existing user groups?

    The purpose of this engagement is to understand the impact of this proposal on existing groups in Tuthangga (Park 17) to ensure participation levels are maintained in the Parklands. 

    Who currently holds the lease/licence over this area?

    Pembroke College is the current lessee of the building in the south east corner of Tuthangga (Park 17), which would be removed if the hockey proposal proceeded in its current form.  Pembroke College is also the licence holder of all of the open playing fields in Tuthangga (Park 17).  Touch SA, along with a number of other community sports organisations, sub-licence the fields from Pembroke.