The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) South Australia Awards have honoured Elizabeth Vale’s Mofflin Reserve with three coveted awards.
They were announced at a ceremony held at Sanctuary Adelaide Zoo this evening. The trio of awards included the Healthy Parks, Healthy People SA Award (the highest accolade in its category), the Minister for Planning’s Award and a Parks and Open Space Landscape Architecture Award.
Designed by Landskap and Outside Ideas, for the City of Playford Council, Mofflin Reserve is located in Playford’s Health and Wellbeing Precinct and has transformed a dryland grass paddock into a vibrant open space for play, social connection and wellbeing. It offers a vital retreat for hospital staff, patients and the community.
Key features of the design include bespoke and all-abilities play elements, paths and trails, fitness stations, barbecues, seating and a therapeutic garden.
The Jury described Landskap and Outside Ideas’ design as providing “quality, accessible, nature-based and green spaces for South Australia”. Reflecting upon the warming and drying climate and the challenges that brings to renewing green spaces and parks, the Jury celebrated the “positive outcomes that Mofflin Reserve showcases”.
In recognition of being awarded the Landscape Architecture Award for Parks and Open Space, the Jury praised design the team’s collaborative approach and its outcome.
“It is a place for local families and healthcare workers, and is a cohesive mix of bespoke play elements and recreation – transforming a once neglected site. The reserve is now an activity hub and inclusive space where biodiversity is increased with thousands of native plants.”
Their praise continued: “The project brings long-term aspirations and makes them a reality for the community. Shifting the theme from a passive green space, Mofflin Reserve strengthens the role of design for parks and open space – showing leadership in enhancing social connection and wellbeing.”
All winners of an AILA SA Award will now proceed to the National Landscape Architecture Awards, to be announced in October in Hobart/Nipaluna.
