Old playgrounds from Port Adelaide Enfield find new life overseas
15 August 2025
When playgrounds across Port Adelaide Enfield reach the end of their life here, their story doesn’t end. Thanks to a partnership between the City of Port Adelaide Enfield and Rotary Adelaide, the playgrounds are dismantled, refurbished and shipped to communities in developing countries where many children get the chance to play on a proper playground for the first time.
In Australia, playgrounds generally last around 15 years before they need replacing. Harsh sun, salt air and changing safety standards mean councils regularly upgrade playground equipment.
Recent donations have made their way to schools and communities across the world, including:
- JS Morton Reserve - now at Caisido School in Baucau
- Mapleton Reserve - now at Holidolar School in Hera
- Northgate Reserve - now at Pitileti School in Lospalos
- Roy Amer Reserve - now in Covalima
- Walkley Heights Reserve - now in Lospalos
- Betty Preston Reserve - now at Betty Place School in Dili
- Rushworth Reserve - shipped to Timor-Leste
- Vickers Vimy Reserve - awaiting shipment
- Yongala Reserve - awaiting shipment
In one remarkable example, five nuns at a school in Timor-Leste installed their new playground themselves, even pouring the concrete footings.
The project not only reduces waste but brings colour, laughter and a safe place to play to communities that might otherwise go without.
Image credit: Port Adelaide Enfield.
