Whyalla's long-awaited $6m foreshore upgrade underway after years of talks and delays

Whyalla locals are celebrating the start of construction work on a community water park on the South Australian city's foreshore that is hoped to create more than just a splash for its young people.

It has been five years since the idea for a splash playground was first raised.

It is expected to boost business in the regional city that has been hard hit by the operating and financial woes of the Whyalla Steelworks and the impact of the state's algal bloom that forced the closure of its iconic swim with the cuttlefish season this year.

Whyalla City Council's large-scale project already had $3 million of its own funding in the pipeline but "was reliant" on a $3.14 million federal grant from the Australian government's Growing Regions Program to get the project off the ground.

In the lead up to the announcement several residents around Whyalla said they were keen to see construction begin and the foreshore better utilised.

Brad Griffin manages a number of hotels in the state's mid-north, including the Whyalla Comfort Inn.

He said in the wake of the difficulties the city has faced an upgraded foreshore would bring "nothing but positives for the town".

"The steelworks was a real kick in the guts for everyone, and we noticed a real downturn. Then the cuttlefish [was] another kick to the guts," he said.

"We noticed a drop off in accommodation and last-minute cancellations as well. One weekend we were close to being half full and then within 48 hours it was almost empty.

"Lots of people are calling up and cancelling or pushing off bookings, so it definitely hurt us."

He said the five-year wait for the project to begin "hasn't been great".

"I think once it's done it'll be magnificent," Mr Griffin said.

"It's well-needed for the town. Pity it couldn't happen sooner, but it is what it is."

Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone acknowledged that there had been delays and several redesigns in order for the project to be constructed within budget, but that overall there was excitement this week as the lead contractor Outside Ideas broke ground on the project.

"Forty years ago was the last major development. It is time for the next step," Cr Stone said.

"It will be the start of a totally rejuvenated foreshore."

Foreshore 'under-utilised'

Whyalla resident Jess Scott said the new splash park will be great for kids and families, but wanted to see the "under-utilised foreshore" offer more in the way of food and drinks by the ocean.

"I remember when I first moved here the first thing I did was come down to the beach and I was actually a bit shocked at the lack of things to do, the lack of people that were around," Ms Scott said.

"Since I moved here I cannot get my head around that there's no pub or restaurant [on the foreshore].

"There's a little cafe, but I would honestly love a Friday afternoon cocktail overlooking the water.

Senator for South Australia Karen Grogan, who was in Whyalla for the ceremonial turning of the first sod, said the project would provide a destination for all ages and abilities, boosting community cohesion and providing a valuable amenity for locals and tourists alike.

"Facilities like this on the foreshore really help bring the community together, really builds that community spirit [and] social cohesion," she said.

"It's going to be a great place for people to gather and meet and I think it really will help morale after, as I say, a couple of really tough years."

Among the features will be a five-metre-high slide, water bucket, sprays and water curtain, a play tower with spiral stairs, flying fox, rock-climbing wall and climbing nets.

It will also feature a half-court basketball court, a bike and scooter track, and a "uniquely Whyalla" look replicating various elements of the Whyalla Steelworks.

The facility is expected to be finished in June 2027.