A Green Adelaide Grassroots grant in 2024 has made possible very interesting transformations for the disused netball court at McConnell reserve west.
The grant funded the installation of sixteen wicking beds placed on the old court to showcase local bush tucker plants supplied by Warraparinga Cultural Centre and native coastal shrubs. Surrounding the court, the Hilltop Hub volunteers along with Marion Council staff have also planted a diverse range of native coastal shrubs
The grant included a 6 metre long concrete path to enable easier wheelchair and walking frame access.
A significant outcome in 2025 was the signing of the DOA with Marion Council to create the McConnell Community Native Garden.
The grant has been the catalyst for many other benefits: increased community recognition with the popular Neighbour Day picnic each March, involvement with other gardening groups, educational workshops and an arts grant.
The grant and the volunteers’ hard work have succeeded in increasing the biodiversity of flora and fauna of McConnell reserve into a cooler, greener space for the enjoyment of the community.