Playground Management Plan

Council will release a survey that will aim to gather community feedback on how you use existing play spaces and what scenarios you would accept for future playground development.

"Have your Say" on future and current council projects here.

Playgrounds are generally designed to suit children aged 0-15 years. The Playground Management Plan is aimed at play facilities for children between the ages of 0 and 15 years.

Council currently manages 39 playgrounds across the Shire. 46% of playgrounds were installed over 20 years ago, 31% were installed 10-20 years ago and 23% have been installed within the last 10 years. The useful life of a playground is around 20 years. After 20 years, playgrounds generally require a complete review to meet new demographic needs, trends in play and safety standards.

The management plan will outline an approach to the future provision of playgrounds by creating a systematic and sustainable approach to playground development. It will set out:

• Playground hierarchy (classifications that define a playground type, i.e. local, district or regional)
• Provisional service standards (guidelines for maintenance routines and operational inspections)
• Development principles (play design considerations)
• Project methodology (best practice for the delivery of future playground projects)
• Development services standards (types of equipment and play elements)
• Future works programs (priority upgrades and improvements)
• Location guidelines to get the best balance and value from play facilities.

Playgrounds represent a significant investment by Council and an on-going maintenance commitment. Council is facing several challenges, as many playgrounds are aging, trends on play are changing, and financial resources are limited. We need a plan for future playgrounds that aligns with changing demographics, evolving play trends, and new safety standards—while staying within our financial means.