More than 2000 people took the chance to explore and enjoy the new recreational space of Hope Valley Reservoir Reserve on the first day of its gates being opened to the public in almost 150 years.

The Warren Reservoir Reserve will be partially closed to visitors on Thursday and Friday, 3 and 4 December, while National Parks and Wildlife Service SA (NPWSSA) access the reserve to help conduct a prescribed burn within the neighbouring Hale Conservation Park. The objective of this burn is to reduce fuel loads to mitigate the risk of bushfire.

Business is booming for communities near reservoirs now open for public recreational access.

Local community groups and organisations have keenly applied to take part in the inaugural Reservoirs Partnership Program, which provides up to $10,000 in financial support for grassroots activities and initiatives using South Australia’s reservoir reserves for exploration, conservation and nature-based recreation whilst preserving these special environments.

Myponga Reservoir Reserve has officially welcomed the 50,000th visitor through its gates.

Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve will be closed to visitors on Wednesday 30 September, while SA Water uses large machinery along the dam wall as part of planned maintenance.