Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler has officially opened the new Ruffino Park at the Kilgariff Estate Open Day today with The Land Development Corporation and Alice Springs Town Council.
Kilgariff Estate is located 9 kilometres south of the Alice Springs CBD and provides affordable land for first home buyers. The new park built by local Alice Springs contractors, Patrick Homes and Construction includes a playground, shaded seating areas, native plants, and trees and grassed areas for the public to enjoy.
The park has been named after the late long term Alice Springs resident Luigi (Papa) Ruffino, who pioneered the restaurant and catering business in the 1950s.
This new park comes as the Draft Area Plan for Kilgariff is currently being reviewed by the Northern Territory Government which outlines how urban development can proceed at Kilgariff and provides guidance for decision making on future changes.
The vision for Kilgariff is for a community where housing diversity, affordability and good connections with Alice Springs town centre and the broader region are provided within an environment that reflects the unique character of Alice Springs. It will be structured around walkable neighbourhoods that work with the natural landscape and support more public transport, walking and cycling, and help reduce car dependency.
As stated by Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler:
"The Territory Labor Governments priority is to create jobs and attract people to live in the Territory. The Kilgariff Area Plan will support and guide future development in the area and further opportunities for growth and jobs.
Preserving the history of influential members of the community is important, and continuing to name new infrastructure after those who contributed to Alice Springs over the years is a great way for the community to remember them and their great contributions.
As stated by Local Member for Namatjira, Chansey Paech:
The park showcases the fantastic work that our local contractors and builders do here in Alice and will become a central meeting place for residents of Kilgariff.
As stated by Alice Springs Town Council Mayor, Damien Ryan:
Parks play an important social role in our community as gathering points for young families, seniors with dogs, and other active people. Being able to walk along to a neighbourhood park to enjoy the outdoors will be especially welcomed by the residents of the newly developed suburb of Kilgariff.
As stated by the Land Development Corporation, CEO Tony Stubbin:
The Land Development Corporation is proud to deliver Ruffino Park to the residents of Kilgariff Estate after seeing the need to share a recreational space and grow into future stages. Weve welcomed the opportunity to work with Alice Springs Town Council and Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics on this project and look forward to future developments in Alice Springs.
