Adelaide's Sturt River Linear Park Trail officially opens

A $3.5 million trail showcasing Coromandel Valley - a semirural south-eastern suburb of Adelaide - is now complete and ready for walkers, runners, cyclists and tourists to enjoy.

The trail is a joint initiative between the City of Onkaparinga, the City of Mitcham and the South Australian Government.

The path links existing tracks to create a continuous two-kilometre trail from the Institute Building on Main Road to Frank Smith Park at Coromandel Valley.

South Australian Minister for Planning and Local Government Vickie Chapman says this represents more than 10 years of work, with the State Government tipping more than $2 million into the project.

Minister Chapman noted that the South Australian Government is committed to investing in improved access to quality public open space, by supporting projects such as this one, through grant programs within the Planning and Development Fund.

“The Sturt River Linear Park Trail will eventually stretch from the Patawalonga Basin at Glenelg North to Frank Smith Park – connecting the hills to the coast.

“It aims to improve the riverine environment, conserve the heritage of Coromandel Valley and increase recreational opportunities.

City of Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson says the new trail offered the community a perfect spot to stay active and healthy while taking in the area’s rich history adding “not only has this project created an idyllic place to unwind, it has helped restore the natural habitat through more than 20,000 native plantings and the removal of woody weeds.”

City of Mitcham Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross says the track provides a wonderful opportunity for the community to enjoy the unique natural environment of the hills.

“As you walk or cycle along the path, I encourage you to linger and read the signs which share information about our local native wildlife and plants found along the Sturt River.”

This project is a specific target under the 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide greenways policies, and a key component of Adelaide’s Metropolitan Open Space System.

Image above courtesy southaustraliantrails.com/trails/sturt-river-linear-park/