The project has been developed following community and stakeholder feedback to improve the usability and accessibility of the park. This feedback was received through the development of the Rymill Park Master Plan. 

Another significant result of the project involves ensuring the long-term viability of the lake's water source. This will be achieved by introducing a novel, environmentally friendly water connection. This innovative system will utilise stormwater from Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi, coupled with a self-cleaning rain garden filtration mechanism. These elements will work in conjunction with native aquatic plants to naturally enhance the water quality.

The project will deliver a higher quality open space, with a sustainable long term water connection. With upgraded paths and lighting the project will also provide a safer, more accessible and attractive space.

Key features of the upgrade include:

• Upgraded lake base and retaining walls
• Installation of a new self-cleaning rain garden filtration system to naturally treat the water with native water plants.
• New weirs to assist with isolating the water in the lake for future maintenance and events.
• A new lake walk and commuter paths around the lake, and a new boat launch in front of the Rymill Park Kiosk.
• New lighting around the lake.
• Installation of underground tanks for water storage.

Five stages of work are required at to install the new infrastructure:

1. Site Setup and Investigation - The Contractor will setup their site compound and laydown areas around the lake and install fencing on the perimeter of the construction area. adjacent to Rundle Road. In parallel, the contractor will survey the park to map the new infrastructure alignment and drain out any water.
2. Enabling Works – The Contractor will construct a new path to realign the Park Land trail, to enable ongoing north south movements. The contractor will also construct temporary vehicle paths, to remove impacts between park users and construction vehicles.
3. Earthworks - The Contractor will undertake significant earth works to re-contour the site in its new sustainable form.
4. Landscaping – The Contractor will install the new lake base, retaining walls, rain gardens and paths into the high-quality community open space.
5. Final Commissioning – Towards the end of the project the Contractor will undertake an extensive commissioning program to ensure everything is working all working effectively.

The works will start in late August and will be completed in April 2024.

*April 2024 Update* - While the lake works were completed in April 2024 and the lake and surrounds have been reopened for public enjoyment, some minor peripheral works are still to be completed.

The outstanding activities are electrical, plumbing and civil/landscaping tasks around the lake's perimeter.

The contractor will maintain a small presence in Rymill Park, including a site compound, until all works are completed. They are dedicated to ensuring minimal disruption to park users.

It is expected that the contractor will finish all remaining works and demobilise from the site within 4 to 6 weeks.

The Upgrade is being jointly funded by Council and State Government through the Open Space Grant Program, as part of their Planning and Development Fund.

Council acknowledges the State's ongoing support in developing Rymill Park into a world class quality open and accessible park.

The majority of the construction works will be contained to site area, shown in the below plan, however some portions of the project will require temporary restrictions to other areas. Alternative access will be arranged and clearly signed.

Access to the Quentin Kenihan Inclusive Playground (QKIP) and the Adelaide Lawn Bowls Club will be maintained, with primary access via Dequetteville Terrace car park. Accessible parking is also available on Rundle Road.

Pedestrian access along footpaths outside of the core site area will be maintained at all times, or alternate options will be clearly signed.

The Lake Renewal works will not require any road closures.

The Rymill Park Kiosk was vacated by the lessee prior to this project and is not impacted by the works.

The Event Infrastructure Upgrade works have been planned to minimise any adverse impacts to the existing infrastructure and assets, including trees.

The Council will work very closely with the Contractor to mitigate against any impacts to trees and infrastructure.

Any soil stockpiles will be managed to ensure they are do not become hazardous.

The Rymill Park Lake Renewal project was considered as a key undertaking in the Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka (Park 14): Draft Master Plan & Community Land Management Plan consultation process, and the process has assisted the development of the design and ongoing use of the lake.

The project is also delivering other outcomes considered as part of the Master Plan, such as:

• Upgraded and realigned pathways
• Enhanced lake and lake walk
• Enhanced flexible event spaces
• New pump house
• Enhanced landscape features

The Rymill Park Master Plan was endorsed by Council in July 2022. A number of key actions identified in the Master Plan have already been delivered, such as the Quentin Kenihan Inclusive Playspace, the Events Infrastructure project, and a shared perimeter path along Dequetteville Terrace. The Place of Reflection (a memorial to the Stolen Generations) is nearing completion in the south-west corner of Rymill Park near Pirie Street.