The Paddocks is a charming community haven that boasts a picturesque lake, winding trails, and a popular dog park. This scenic spot has transformed remarkably from its origins as neglected farmland, once plagued by stormwater runoff from the Para Hills residential area.

In the early 1970s, a proposal for residential development threatened the area. However, the local community rallied in protest, leading to the land being designated for open space and recreational use.

Construction of the wetland began in 1975, and a comprehensive tree planting initiative followed two years later. While much of the planting was completed in the ensuing years, ongoing enhancements continue to enrich the landscape.

Over time, a variety of facilities for active recreation and community engagement have been developed, including change rooms, sporting club amenities, netball courts, a community house, restrooms, a playground, a bird hide, and a lawn bowls complex.

The wetlands have been expanded multiple times through the construction of banks and weirs, now covering an impressive six hectares. Ingeniously designed, the Paddocks features a blend of natural creeks, mounds, grassy swales, floodways, ponds, and wetlands that not only capture and regulate stormwater but also enhance the visual appeal of the area.

In 1994, with support and funding from the Department of Primary Industries and Resources of South Australia (PIRSA), an aquifer storage and recovery well was installed. This well captures stormwater during winter, which is then stored in the aquifer and used for irrigating the playing fields and landscaped areas during the summer months.

Since the completion of the well head works, pumps, and control systems in 1996, the Paddocks has proudly maintained its self-sufficiency in irrigation water, further cementing its role as a vital and vibrant community resource.