A new coastal pedestrian and cycling pathway in North Brighton, Minda Coast Park, opened today that links the esplanade pathways from Glenelg and Brighton for the very first time.
The $5.3million project includes a 500-metre long pathway through the Minda Dunes, a multi-use public plaza at Somerton Surf Life Saving Club, along with a large elevated deck and public seating with spectacular views of the sea.
City of Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson said the project, which has been under construction for almost a year, now links the council's two Jetty Road mainstreets in Glenelg and Brighton.
"Minda Coast Park will be a hugely popular coastal pathway that will link our community. People can now walk or ride along the coastal path uninterrupted between Glenelg and Brighton for the first time," said Amanda Wilson.
"The Minda Dunes is a beautiful and culturally important section of our coastline. A significant aspect of the project has been the protection and revegetation of the remnant dune system including the planting of more than 10,000 native plants."
The Minda Coast Park features a new public education zone near the dunes, with a focus on the indigenous environment and natural plantings. There are new seating areas, a picnic shelter, and public art installations.
Other features of the Minda Coast Park include:
• A wider beach ramp in front of the Somerton SLSC and new protective rock walling.
• A central lookout deck providing sweeping views of the coastline.
• A new plaza area at the southern end at the Gladstone Road carpark, incorporating seating, a viewing area and a shower next to the existing beach access ramp.
• Safety measures to accommodate multiple users in the shared plaza space, including slowing cyclist speeds and providing access to the surf club and service vehicle access only.
"The Minda Coast Park is a fantastic way to welcome the community and encourage a real connection with Minda Brighton," Minda Chief Executive Officer, Dr Clare Allen said.
"We've been so pleased to work with the City of Holdfast Bay in creating something for the whole community, something where inclusion is at its heart."
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Corey Wingard welcomed the opening of the path in his electorate.
"This multi-million dollar investment by the Marshall Government is a significant coup for our local community and will encourage people to get out and get active and enjoy the stunning views our coastline has to offer."
The project received $4.3 million funding from the State Government's Open Space Grant from the Department of Transport, Planning and Infrastructure and the City of Holdfast Bay committed a further $1 million.
A joint initiative between the South Australian Government and Adelaide's six coastal councils, the Coast Park is a continuous two-way pedestrian and cyclist trail along the metropolitan Adelaide coastline. When complete, it will stretch for 70km along the length of Adelaide's coastline from North Haven in the north to Sellicks Beach in the south.
