FAQs
How was the project identified and funded?
An upgrade of the path and reserve facilities was first identified within the 2018-2029 Open Space Plan and as a regional route within the Walking and Cycling Guidelines. Council then successfully attained a $115,000 grant, 50% of the projects' value, from the Department for Infrastructure and Transport towards Stage 1 of the project.
Why upgrade the path and open space areas?
Gully Road Reserve is a beautiful reserve popular with locals and walkers and cyclists. The existing path facilities are either non-existent or insufficient to support its current use or support those with mobility impairments to also enjoy the reserve.
An upgrade of the playground facilities in the northern reserve, completed in 2021, has supported greater use of the reserve. However, during extended wet or dry periods, the unsealed trail can become muddy or dusty making it unpleasant to use.
The City of Marion wants to encourage physical and recreational activity, enhance its existing open space areas, and promote the opportunity for people to use the path to travel to work and school. The path will also establish a new north-south walking and cycling connection.
Why has asphalt been chosen as the material?
Asphalt is a smooth, hardwearing, and cost-effective path surface which can be readily repaired.
How will the upgrades impact the trees along the path?
The construction of asphalt paths, like other path surfaces, can be undertaken in such a way as to be sensitive to the trees through consideration of their root structures. Through hydrovac and specialised construction methods (eg building up the path in root dense areas), impacts to the trees can be avoided or substantially minimised. In very few cases, where a tree may need to be removed, another tree (or trees) which is fitting with the local environment can be planted.
What about the interaction between walkers and cyclists?
It is acknowledged that cyclists travelling from the O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park and through Gilbertson Gully can travel at speed.
The installation of a sealed pathway however is unlikely to encourage these types of downhill and mountain biking enthusiasts, which are seeking an off-road experience through the reserve.
Where both cyclists and walkers travel the same route, a 3-metre-wide path, with a 250mm-500mm shoulder on each side, offers an opportunity for cyclists to overtake walkers more safely.
Within Gully Road Reserve South, the existing dirt track starting near the head of the trail to Tracy Street will be retained. The sealed path will run parallel to this and offer connections to Davenport Terrace. Retaining the original trail will offer higher speed downhill cyclists an alternative route separated from other users.
Installations such as a staggered fence slow point at the connection point of the path to Davenport Terrace, in conjunction with a fence area to limit cyclists cutting through, is designed to control cyclist speed at the interface point of the path with the road. Additionally, signs and the ‘decals’ - stickers for the asphalt path, can be put into place to warn cyclists to ‘Slow Down’.
What other open space improvements are planned?
Tree planting, irrigation of grassed areas with the newly installed recycled water pipeline and seats, are planned as part of the upgrade of Stage 1 in 2024 and subsequently Stage 2 in 2025-26. The community will be informed as to the final design.
Fitness nodes are planned for installation at three locations within Gully Road Reserve South (refer to concept plan) to compliment the adjoining trail and the facilities already provided in Gully Road Reserve North.
When is the upgrade scheduled to be undertaken?
Stage 1 of the project will take place through Gully Road Reserve North. It is currently scheduled to start from Mid-2024.
Stage 2 of the project will take place through Gully Road Reserve South in 2025-26. Further information and time frames will be communicated as dates are confirmed.
Who do I contact with questions about the development?
Please email communityengagement@marion.sa.gov.au or call 8375 6600.