Kingston Park Reserve has been the focus of several significant Council-led projects for the past 25 years, since the State Government’s Coast Park initiative was announced in 2001.

The aim has always been to enhance the coastal environment and celebrate the area’s significant cultural heritage.

Key works have included the development of an initial draft masterplan for the Kingston Park Reserve, construction of the shared-use Coast Park pathway in 2016-17, and the addition of the adjacent Nest Kiosk in 2023-24.

A major milestone in this period was the preparation of the Cultural Heritage Management Agreement, developed in close consultation with Kaurna Elders, which continues to guide planning and decision-making at the reserve.

In 2019, Kingston Park Reserve became the final resting place for 13 Kaurna Old People, who were repatriated from the Natural History Museum in the United Kingdom. It was an event of profound cultural importance for the Kaurna community and South Australia.

Further engagement with Kaurna representatives and the local community highlighted the need to refine and update the most recent masterplan to better reflect the reserve’s natural, cultural, and heritage values.

Council has since worked collaboratively with Kaurna Elders, community representatives and design specialists to prepare an updated masterplan that balances community needs with the site’s enduring cultural significance.

Under the South Australian Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988, approvals for works at the reserve must first be assessed by the Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation unit within the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

This process typically takes 15–18 months from the time of lodgement.

Council submitted its application in September 2025 and anticipates receiving a decision in late 2026 or early 2027.

Pending approvals to proceed, Council will then undertake further site investigations to help finalise the landscape concept plans. Community consultation on the draft masterplan will then take place, and external funding will be sought to deliver the project.

While a project budget is allocated for future Masterplan delivery, all new capital works at Kingston Park Reserve remain on hold until the required approvals are received.

In the meantime, Council will continue to maintain existing facilities, including:

• Toilets
• Shelter
• Playground
• Open space

Council is also seeking additional external funding to support the implementation of the Masterplan once approvals are in place