Glenthorne shines on international stage
From neglected open space to international recognition - Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta has been named one of the world’s best metropolitan parks.
The major southern suburbs park received a Large Urban Park Award for the Asia Pacific region at the World Urban Parks 2025 WUP@10 International Awards Program in Istanbul, Türkiye on October 10.
The park beat out more than 100 other nominees for the award, which recognises the significant contribution that parks like Glenthorne and leading park management organisations make to the liveability of cities.
Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta opened in 2020 and spans 546 hectares, incorporating the Glenthorne property and land that was previously known as O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park.
Over the next few years, extensive community engagement, revegetation works and facility construction was undertaken to transform unkempt open space into a valuable environmental and recreational asset.
The park’s major drawcard is its incredible 7000 square metre nature playground, which is unique due to the integration of First Nations cultural interpretation and artwork, environmental considerations and wide range of accessible equipment to ensure children of all abilities can enjoy the space.
The park also boasts an abundance of other recreational opportunities that complement its environmental benefits, including walking, cycling and horse-riding trails, restored heritage buildings and free visitor facilities, including shelters, accessible barbecues, accessible toilets and picnic areas.
Department for Environment and Water Park Planning and Visitor Experience Director, Jason Irving, attended the award ceremony and said it was incredible to be recognised on the international stage.
“Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta is a remarkable achievement for the community in future-proofing the southern suburbs' access to nature,” Mr Irving said.
“It is extremely important for us as humans to be able to connect with nature, and parks like Glenthorne are one the best places for us to do just that.
“This award is incredible recognition of both the park and the broader work done by the Department for Environment and Water, which works to protect our environment while also making it fun and accessible to our community.”
Find out more about Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta National Park, as well as other parks across the state at https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/
