Pasadena Biodiversity Corridor launched
A major project that aims to improve biodiversity across two reserves through ‘green engineering’ has been launched at Pasadena.
Jointly funded by City of Mitcham ($700,000) the Green Adelaide Board ($340,000) the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program ($200,000) and State Government’s Open Space Grant Program ($100,000), the Pasadena Biodiversity Corridor has transformed two reserves into green open spaces.
City of Mitcham Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross said it was an exciting project, years in the making, that would reinstate a creek line by diverting some of the stormwater piped beneath the Sierra Nevada and Grant Jacob reserves to the surface.
“We’ve taken a dry, barren piece of land and brought it back to life,” Dr Holmes-Ross said. “It’s the first time something like this has been done and we’re proud to be working in this space, and we hope to continue this work and that others will follow in our footsteps.”
The reserve will be passively irrigated by feeding stormwater through a surface swale and soakage trenches below the surface to promote the growth of existing and new trees and vegetation.A new playground has also been installed, featuring nature play elements and durable and sustainable materials including Australian sourced recycled plastic panels, and extensive pathways for bikes and prams.
Green Adelaide Board Presiding Member Professor Chris Daniels said the project was an example of recovery and regeneration of the natural environment that would create a vital pocket of biodiversity in metropolitan Adelaide.
“These places become really important for our sense of place, for our interaction with each other and for developing a sense of community,” he said.
Pasadena Kindergarten Acting Director Heather Heading welcomed the project which would help educators teach students about biodiversity in the area.
“I think it’s wonderful to have this right on our doorstep, providing an educational focus for our children, teaching them that water doesn’t need to be washed out to sea,” she said. “It will be a lovely place for families to come – more than just a playground, but a place where kids can play in the water and mud and be outside in nature.
”Trinity Place Retirement Village resident Val Schirmer was looking forward to bringing her grandkids to the new playground.
“I’m absolutely delighted; I think it’s going to create an environmentally beautiful area, with extra trees and water in the basin,” she said. “I’ve been impressed with the work done here – they’ve worked really hard to get it done and the playground is beautiful.”
Read more about the Pasadena Biodiversity Corridor.