willunga recreation park

About

Willunga Recreation Park is owned and managed by the community of Willunga. This has been the case since 1875 when a group of residents determined that a public park be provided for the use of local residents. Over the ensuing years the park has been developed and become a focal point for the community, not only for sporting activities but for all social and community events.

1875

EST

20+

Sports & Clubs

the venue

Willunga Recreation Park consists of the land and facilities bordered by Aldinga Road (south), Main Road (east), Railway Terrace (west), and Willunga Primary School (north). The facilities include, the Show Hall, Festival Hall, oval, tennis and netball courts, Quarry Market area, Sports and Social Clubrooms, the CFS Buildings and the Old Police Station. In addition, WRPI has purchased the property no.11 Main Road.

The facilities are available for hire by groups and individuals and further details and terms and conditions are available on the hire page

Willunga Recreation Park is about to be upgraded. As a result of a strategic plan undertaken in 2014 WRPI’s facilities are to undergo a major redevelopment the first since the Festival Hall was built in 1979. An architectural firm has developed plans for the upgrade in line with the community’s and users needs for Willunga Recreation Park. The plans have been finalised, costed and an initial building schedule identified.

The plan is to undertake the redevelopment in 3 stages over the next few years, as and when funding is available, and in line with our users requirements for the facilities.

We are now seeking funding for the upgrade. This will consist of a mixture of government grants, donations and fundraising. Click here for further details of our plans and how you can help us.

Our Story

Over the Years

^
1875

Established

 

A meeting of residents determined that a public park be provided for the use of local residents. In 1876, 8 acres of land within Willunga purchased for $96 ($192). This became known as Willunga Recreation Park.

^
1874

Willunga Football Club established.

In 1876, the Oval was established using couch obtained from Lassock’s. In 1890, the Willunga Show Hall was established and built for 360 pounds ($720).

^
1924

Willunga Netball Club formed.

In 1924, the Willunga Netball Club formed. 1952  Speedway was conducted around Willunga oval.

^
1970

Almond Blossom Festival

The Almond Blossom Festival commenced to raise funds for a stadium in 1970. In 1974, the Almond Blossom Festival was opened by the premier Don Dunstan. 1978 saw the Construction of the Festival Hall commence in September.

^
1979

RSL & CWA & Hall

In 1979, the RSL and CWA moved into their new clubrooms at the Willunga Recreation Park. The Festival Hall was being built and opened on July 15 by the Mayor of Willunga, Mr E Lacey.

^
1982

Sports & Social Club

In 1982 the Sports and Social Club was built at a cost of $47,000. 2002 saw the Tennis and Netball courts built, and in 2005 the Willunga Police Station was purchased by Willunga Recreation Park. 

^
2014

Show Hall

In 2014 a new slate roof was added on the historic Show Hall.  11 Main Road Willunga was purchased by the Willunga Recreation Park.  Plans to upgrade the Festival Hall began in 2016.  

Gallery

our history

governance

our committee

Executive Committee

Paul Williamson
President

Chair of the Governance Committee

Chair of Strategic Development Committee
E: [email protected]

Graham Ormsby OAM
Vice President

Chair of the Marketing and Fundraising Committee

Member of Strategic Development Committee
E: [email protected]

Brian Dempsey
Secretary

Chair of Finance Committee

Member of Strategic Development Committee
E: [email protected]

Neil Hasse
Treasurer

E: [email protected]

Committee Members

Don Leinfelder
Chair of Work, Health and Safety Committee
Cleaner/caretaker
E: [email protected]

Tony Weslowski
General Maintenance
Committee Member

Steve Roberts (Life Member)
Oval Curator

Joy Woodhouse OAM
Chair of Volunteer Management committee

Rob Hall
Committee Member / Minute Secretary

Mike Lowery
Committee Member

Mel McCauley
Committee Member

Observers/Others

Sally Scantlebury
Festival Coordinator
E: [email protected]

Jordon Pritchard & Marisa Bell
City of Onkaparinga Council

Richard Harvey-Smith
Member of Strategic Development Committee

Willunga Recreation Park

Fundraising For your Future

Community owned and Community Managed   Willunga Recreation Park

our events

Willunga Almond Blossom Festival

Fleurieu Beer Festival

Chilli Fest Willunga

Jigsaw Willunga

connect with us 

contact us

5 Main Road, Willunga, SA, 5172

We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we gather on