Colour and creativity coming to Burchell Reserve

Burchell Reserve is about to get a splash of colour, with South Australian artist EJ Zyla creating a series of vibrant new murals throughout the popular St Peters reserve.

Located on Sixth Avenue, Burchell Reserve was transformed through a $4.2 million redevelopment, officially re-opening in October 2024.

The upgrade created a modern, accessible space for recreation, play and community connection, with multipurpose courts, a new playground, wheelchair-accessible trampoline, public toilets, barbecue facilities, paths, ramps, seating and landscaping. Now, the reserve is getting another creative touch.

Following an expression of interest process, 29 design concepts were received with three artists shortlisted to develop a paid-for concept.

These concepts were assessed by industry experts which has resulted in EJ Zyla being engaged to create three connected artworks across the reserve, bringing colour, movement and elements of the natural environment to walls around the tennis courts, stairs and ramps.

“I wanted the designs to feel related while allowing each wall to have its own identity and purpose within the space,” EJ says.

The three murals have been designed as a connected journey through the reserve, reflecting the different ways people experience and enjoy the space.

EJ says her first visit to Burchell Reserve highlighted the many different activities taking place across the site — from children exploring the ramps and stairs and tennis players moving across the courts, to people quietly practising Tai Chi.

These observations helped shape the artwork, which explores the intersection of movement, nature and community, and features endemic flora and fauna alongside references to water, wind and movement.

The artwork also acknowledges the unique story beneath the reserve, with significant water storage infrastructure located beneath the recreation spaces.

Together, the three artworks will create a visual journey through Burchell Reserve. From the bold landmark of the main tennis wall, through the softer landscape-inspired skirting wall, to the playful details waiting to be discovered around the ramps and stairs.

The murals are expected to bring a new layer of colour, character and creativity to a reserve already designed to bring people together.

The Burchell Reserve redevelopment was jointly funded by the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and the Australian Government through the National Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Program and.

With EJ’s artwork now being added to the space, Burchell Reserve is set to become a little more colourful with plenty of small details to discover along the way.