Construction of a purpose-built Kiss 'n' Drop facility at Mark Oliphant College has been completed, with the first vehicles rolling through this week.
Located on Newton Boulevard, the facility features a 400-metre kerbside drop-off and pick-up zone, alongside 200 new parking bays to improve access for students, families, staff and visitors of the Munno Para school.
The project responds to significant residential growth in Munno Para, driven in part by the Playford Alive development, which has steadily increased enrolments at Mark Oliphant College and created a need for improved access and traffic flow in and around the school.
The facility was jointly funded by the City of Playford and the Department for Education as part of a 2022 State Government election commitment.
It complements Renewal SA and the State Government's recent extension of Newton Boulevard through to Council's upgraded Stebonheath Road, improving connectivity to the school, local shops, Playford Alive Town Park and the library.
The design includes formalised pedestrian access, street lighting and landscaping, providing a safe and welcoming environment for the school and broader community.
This project marks the first stage of broader infrastructure improvements for the precinct, which will also be home to a new regional facility in Munno Para with a soccer focus, featuring a FIFA-quality synthetic pitch, natural turf pitch, changerooms, function room and supporting amenities.
Elizabeth Grove Soccer Club has been confirmed as the anchor tenant for the site, which will also include additional ovals and informal recreation spaces for the community.
Construction of the sportsground is expected to begin in early 2026, with the Kiss 'n' Drop parking facilities to be shared with the sportsground when completed.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Blair Boyer MP
The Malinauskas Labor Government has been attuned to the growth and development in the northern suburbs of Adelaide and the infrastructure requirements needed around schools and roads.
This is an important project for the school, and I'm really pleased the Education Department has been able to work with the local community to secure such a positive outcome for families.
The new Kiss and Drop facility will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion which will ensure students are kept safe around the school.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Infrastructure and Planning, Nick Champion MP
The Malinauskas Labor State Government is proud to partner with the City of Playford to deliver this vital piece of community infrastructure.
The new Kiss 'n' Drop will make school dropoff safer and easier for families.
We are committed to ensuring that as Munno Para and surrounds grow, these communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive.
Quotes attributable to Tony Piccolo MP, Member for Light
It's fantastic to see this project completed and already easing congestion around the school. The new kiss 'n' drop is making daily routines safer and more efficient for families and the schooling community.
This outcome reflects strong collaboration between the school, council and the State Government. I'm proud that we've helped advocate for this project and delivered this election promise that supports our growing community.
Quotes attributable to City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty
The Kiss 'n' Drop facility will make a real difference for families and staff at Mark Oliphant College, improving traffic flow and access during the busy school run.
Munno Para continues to grow at an incredible pace, and it's important that infrastructure keeps up with that growth.
Together, these projects reflect our commitment to building strong, connected communities - places where families can live, learn and play close to home.
Quotes attributable to Kerry Williams, Mark Oliphant College Principal
Mark Oliphant College is very grateful for the partnership between the State Government, Playford Council and Department for Education, which has resulted in a high-quality facility that benefits not only our students and staff but also the wider Munno Para community.
This development provides a safer, more efficient way for families to drop off and collect students and supports the continued growth of our college and community.
