Celebrating Burchell Reserve

 As we unveiled the newly redeveloped Burchell Reserve, it was important to reflect on the site's rich history and celebrate the exciting upgrades to this cherished community space.

Burchell Reserve, St Peters was officially opened on Sunday 27 October by Mayor Bria and official guests with a cutting of the ribbon, Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony led by Kaurna elder, Uncle Tamaru.

The community embraced the open space, play equipment, courts and landscaping and enjoyed learning more about the history of the Reserve and stormwater drainage system.

Central to the story behind Burchell Reserve is Alfred Burchell, a significant figure whose dedication to both animals and people laid the foundation for the vibrant Reserve we enjoy today.

Born in Norwood in 1868, Alfred Burchell pursued his passion for animals at the South Australian School of Mines and Industries, qualifying as a farrier in 1888. In 1900, he and his family settled on Fifth Avenue in St Peters, where he established a successful horse hospital. His expertise contributed not only to the welfare of horses but also to the community's overall well-being.

Alongside his practice, Alfred owned land on nearby Sixth Avenue, where he cared for horses—land that would later become known as Burchell's Paddock. By the late 1930s, after retiring from his veterinary practice, Alfred recognised the pressing need for recreational spaces for local children. He proposed selling his land to the Town of St Peters for the creation of a playground. The Council responded positively, purchasing one allotment in 1939 and an adjacent one in 1944, ultimately combining them to establish what we now cherish as Burchell Reserve.

In honour of Alfred Burchell’s contributions, the Reserve was named after him when it officially opened. Alfred lived to see his former horse paddocks transformed into a beloved recreational area for families and children. He passed away on 14 October 1945, leaving behind a legacy of care and community spirit.

Burchell Reserve stands as a testament to our rich local history while also playing a crucial role in our local ecosystem. Originally part of a floodplain for Second Creek and the River Torrens, the area has faced persistent flooding challenges. In the 1880s, significant changes redirected Second Creek, leading to the development of ‘The Avenues’. However, the low-lying land to the northwest of Sixth Avenue, including

Burchell Reserve, remained largely undeveloped until Alfred's vision came to fruition.

Today, Burchell Reserve serves not only as a valuable open space but also plays
a vital role in managing stormwater and reducing flood risks for local properties.

The recent $4.2 million redevelopmentof Burchell Reserve included:

• new stormwater drainage system, including a raingarden and underground detention tanks;
• walls, fences and stonework;
• multipurpose courts for tennis, basketball,
  • netball and 4-square;
• improved accessibility with stairs, ramps and paths;
• safety lighting;
• public toilets;
• new playground equipment;
• barbeque and picnic facilities; and
• new park furniture.

In this respect, a key feature of Burchell Reserve is the billabong located near
the playground, designed to temporarily store and filter stormwater runoff after light rainfall.

For heavier rains, a substantial 670m³ (i.e. equivalent to 670,000 litres) concrete tank situated beneath the courts collects stormwater, allowing it to be released gradually back into the stormwater drainage system.

During extreme weather events, such as a 1-in-100-year rain event, this underground detention tank can overflow into the Reserve. While this might temporarily cover the playground area and paths with shallow water, it will only be for a short time until the water safely drains away and full accessibility and use of the Reserve is restored.

This project has been jointly funded by the Australian Government (National Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Program) and the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, reflecting a commitment to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

As we all enjoy the newly developed Burchell Reserve, we not only cherish a vibrant Reserve but also honour the vision of a man who dedicated his life to the happiness of our community.

To see video footage of the Project visit: Burchell Reserve