McGilp Recreation Park upgrades signal new era for local sport and recreation

McGilp Recreation Park in One Tree Hill, located on the outskirts of Adelaide, has officially reopened following a major upgrade that signals a new era for local sport and recreation.

The City of Playford’s transformation of the town's only sport and recreation facility delivers modern, inclusive facilities that better support players, clubs and the broader community.

Upgrades include an oval extension, new changeroom facilities, resurfaced tennis courts, formalised parking, and enhanced spectator amenities such as seating - all designed to improve the experience for athletes and supporters alike.

The extended oval now features both full-sized senior and junior soccer pitches, enabling the One Tree Hill Soccer Club to host all home games at McGilp for the first time. This upgrade gives the club a true home ground, bringing all teams together and strengthening club culture.

New, modern and accessible changerooms are now available for the One Tree Hill Soccer Club, Tennis Club and Cricket Club, providing upgraded amenities that reflect the growing needs of local sport.

Council has also refreshed the existing clubrooms, with new kitchen facilities, upgraded toilets, and a fresh coat of paint to improve the overall look and feel of the space.

Garry Evans, President, One Tree Hills Sports Association enthused “we're absolutely over the moon with the results of the upgrade. The new facilities are fantastic - from the resurfaced tennis courts to the modernised clubrooms and kitchen. The oval is looking great, and it's exciting to have all three clubs back together in one place. This upgrade gives us a real opportunity to grow our clubs and get more young people involved in local sport.”

The upgrade was shaped by feedback from local residents and tenant sporting clubs who took part in community engagement during the planning phase. Their insights helped ensure the improvements reflect how people want to use this space - the primary recreation area for the hills-based community.

Council is also currently upgrading the adjacent playground, which will connect to the sporting facilities and sits alongside the new pump track. This enhancement will create a true community hub, encouraging active lifestyles and social connection. The upgraded recreation space is expected to open in spring.

Mayor Glenn Docherty noted “as our community continues to grow, we are working to provide better facilities for our residents. Sport has always played a vital role in the Playford community and upgrading our facilities is a step towards boosting participation and to enjoying the many benefits of an active, healthy community. This project is yet another example of the fantastic outcomes that can be achieved when the state government and council work together to improve local infrastructure.”

The City of Playford received $1.5 million in funding towards the project from the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing.

Images. Credit: City of Playford