A private school in South Australia has raised concerns that a long-standing playground in the Adelaide Park Lands may need to be relocated to accommodate the planned MotoGP street circuit. The playground, which was first established in 1925 after being donated to the community by former Lord Mayor Charles Glover, includes play equipment, in-ground trampolines and a half basketball court, and was last upgraded in 2018.
Christian Brothers College principal David Johnston said the school fears losing access to Glover Playground, a play space adjacent to the junior campus that is used regularly for outdoor learning, recreation and student wellbeing. Johnston said the school had not received clear communication about whether the playground would be moved or how long access to the surrounding parklands might be restricted during event preparation and construction. He also raised concerns about potential safety risks, disruption to school activities and damage to school property.
MotoGP is an international motorcycle road racing championship that stages high-speed races on purpose-built circuits and temporary street tracks. The organisers of MotoGP have stated that the playground will not be removed but instead “enhanced”, adding that consultations with the school and other parklands stakeholders are continuing alongside the City of Adelaide.
