Collaboration brings community touch to Lochiel Park

A family of Black Ducks, a Purple Swamphen and an endangered Southern Purple Spotted Gudgeon have now taken up residence on SA Water’s Lochiel Park water tank as part of a new artwork project.

Guided by lead artist Grant Fleming, who is renowned for his chalk art in the area, four artists worked together to install the eye-catching mural on the water tank.

SA Water’s Manager of Brand and Community Marketing Kellie McDonald said the local community voted on several designs, with the wetland scene proving to be the most popular.

“The working party of five artists – including Ann Marie Morrissey, Beiha-Malen Yanez, Grant Fleming, Leon Ferrante and Tali de Lacy – have various connections to the local community and began their work on a voluntary basis in August 2022 under the guidance of the council,” Kellie said.

“Each artist developed mural designs that were voted on by the community and we were able to choose the final design from the three most popular, which was a design reflecting the important role wetlands play in our natural environment.

“This new artwork – designed by Grant – is a permanent reminder to the community of the beautiful habitat on their doorstep and I encourage everyone to visit Lochiel Park and enjoy the painting.”

The water tank is located along the River Torrens Linear Trail near the start of the popular Lochiel parkrun.

Lead artist Grant said the concept for the mural is based on the native surroundings and the critical role water plays in supporting life.

“The selection process emphasised the importance of choosing a design that is in harmony with the local environment,” Grant said.

“River Red Gums are a valuable element of the local habitat and Kaurna culture, with the blue background of the mural representing water, while the circles are light reflecting on the surface and bubbles underwater.

"Public art helps us to connect with the places where we live, work and visit, and I hope this mural, will bring joy and inspiration to the community for many years to come. If they look close enough, passersby might even notice a few subtle acknowledgements to the local groups and wildlife that frequent Lochiel Park.”

The Lochiel Park artwork is one of a number of murals SA Water has worked together with various community groups to enhance its infrastructure across South Australia during the past year.

Contact:

Phone:

Email: