15 Apr, 2024

Transformed Rymill Lake to Re-Open

One of Adelaide’s most popular outdoor recreation spots, Rymill Lake, will reopen to the public on Tuesday following a $6 million upgrade.

The 65-year-old ornamental lake has been transformed into an environmentally sustainable water feature over the past seven months with a new concrete basin, irrigation system, retaining walls, walking paths, landscaping and state-of-the-art rain garden. 

A new pipeline connecting the Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi wetlands to Rymill Lake will be used as its main water supply, annually saving the City of Adelaide tens of thousands of dollars in water bills. Harvested stormwater from the wetlands will be stored in large, underground tanks within Rymill Park before being cleansed through a natural filtration system using aquatic plants, sand and soil.

Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said civil construction company CATCON worked with council staff to ensure the project was completed in time for this week’s Adelaide Equestrian Festival, which will use the lake as part of final trials to select the Australian team for the Paris Olympics in July. 

“Rymill Park is one of our city’s most popular outdoor destinations, and a big part of its appeal is the artificial lake,” the Lord Mayor said.

“This upgrade has been long overdue and was completed on time and on budget, despite our contractors facing many challenges including heavy rainfall and working while major events such as the Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide 500 and Harvest Rock were held in Rymill Park.

“I know residents and visitors to the city alike will be excited to see the construction fencing come down next week and be able to use this popular portion of the Park Lands again.”

The Lord Mayor said the new pipeline used to fill the lake was not only more environmentally friendly but would reduce ongoing maintenance costs.

“We were spending $160,000 a year topping up the lake with water because it was leaking, but this new pipeline means it can be pumped from the Victoria Park wetlands, cleaned through a reed filtration system, and filled up at a much lower cost of about $15,000 annually.”

The Lord Mayor thanked the State Government for helping to fund the project with a $2.4 million Open Space Grant from its Planning and Development Fund. Planning Minister Nick Champion said the transformation of Rymill Lake “is a great result for the community, with the revitalisation of the iconic space to attract even more visitors to the Park Lands”.

“A significant amount of work has gone into reshaping Rymill Lake and connecting it to a new sustainable water source,” said Mr Champion.

“It’s impressive this has been delivered on time, despite the logistical challenges of working around the major events which take place in this area of the city.
“The project supported local jobs and the end result is an improved community space with better infrastructure and amenities.”

Adelaide Equestrian Festival Chair Greg Rolton said the timely completion of Rymill Park, in particular the lake, was a standout moment as the lake formed such a critical part of its cross-country course.

"It's an incredibly exciting time for the entire Adelaide Equestrian Festival team as we get ready to welcome guests back to the Adelaide Parklands and Rymill Park for this year’s event,” said Mr Rolton.

"Not only is the water jump a true spectacle for those attending the festival this year, but its surrounds provide a great space for families to enjoy long after the Adelaide Equestrian Festival has finished." CATCON chief executive officer Steve Moreau said completing the revitalisation of Rymill Lake on time and within budget was “a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team at CATCON”.

“We're proud to have played a key role in transforming this iconic space, ensuring it remains a cherished part of the Park Lands for generations to come,” said Mr Moreau.

Colin James