Coast Park Decision

Since the late 90s, we have worked with neighbouring councils and State Government to deliver the State’s Coast Park initiative. A key aspect of the project has been the development of a continuous, shared use recreational path along the foreshore which caters for the use and enjoyment of people walking, jogging, cycling, wheeling prams and wheelchairs. In addition to the path, we have provided infrastructure to enhance the surrounding environment including new landscaped areas, park furniture and artwork.

To date the City of Charles Sturt has completed approximately 7km of the Coast Park path. The first section of Coast Park completed was in 1998 along Marlborough Street, Henley Beach. In subsequent years we have completed construction from West Beach through to Grange and sections within Semaphore Park.

These sections connect West Beach to Grange Jetty and the River Torrens, with the path providing a unique recreation experience along the coast, connecting our vibrant coastal destinations of Henley Square, Grange Jetty and West Beach. The completed sections also link to important destinations along the coast outside of the Council area including Glenelg, Semaphore and Outer Harbour. The State Governments vision is to provide a continuous Coast Park along the entire metropolitan coast.

The path is 3m wide, this width meets the relevant national standards (Austroad 2009 Guide to Road Design Part 6A – Pedestrian and Cyclist Paths). The path is designed to allow prams, cyclists and wheelchairs enough space to pass one another safely. The aim throughout this project has been to revitalise and sustain a pathway that protects sensitive dune areas and provides a healthy, diverse and accessible pathway. The joint project with the State Government has improved pedestrian and cycling facilities along our coastline, and research demonstrates that access to beaches encourages recreational walking, jogging and cycling.

The construction of the path hasn’t always been an easy process, with many competing factors to take into account. Respecting the needs of residents who live along the foreshore to reasonable privacy, having the path alignment next to our precious dune systems and our need to develop a path that is not at significant risk of storm damage have all been important considerations.

The high level of interest from residents all over our City, and from wider metropolitan Adelaide, have also needed to be reflected in how we construct the path. We are lucky to be able to welcome so many users of the path down to our coast, and are proud of providing such an open, accessible path that has become a destination.

As well as accessibility and the ability to attract visitors to our coast, we have a responsibility to provide quality recreational infrastructure for our residents. The continuous coast path ensures a whole range of people can use the path together in a safe environment, encouraging health and wellbeing. Our involvement in the construction of the path ensures we are encouraging residents to be active, get outside and move – whether it be through walking, cycling, jogging or a mix of all three!