The Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate has invited feedback on a draft strategy to improve and maintain Canberra’s playgrounds.
Announced by the Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel, the draft Better places to play: ACT Play Space Strategy outlines eight key actions to shape the Directorate’s delivery of play spaces.
“As our city grows and changes, we want to make sure we have the right mix and distribution of spaces offering accessible, high quality play experiences for people of all ages and abilities,” Mr Steel said.
“The draft Play Spaces Strategy maps out how we will maintain and improve these important community assets,” he said.
“This includes a focus on delivering more diverse types of play – like bike tracks, water and nature play, and fitness equipment.”
Mr Steel said play was not just about physical activity, it could also support cognitive, creative and social development.
He said the draft Strategy’s eight key actions included the delivery of better quality play spaces across the network; making underused play spaces available to the community for more play uses; strengthening the quality and diversity of play experiences; and ensuring play spaces were accessible for all.
The Minister said the Directorate would also work to assess play value and use this to improve the delivery and maintenance of play spaces; ensure play spaces were sustainable and resilient to a changing climate; assess and maintain all play spaces to relevant safety standards; and align play space developments and enhancements to community aspirations.
“The Play Spaces Strategy has grown out of the Better Suburbs Play Spaces Forum conducted during the 9th Assembly,” he said.
“This Forum brought diverse members of the Canberra community together to discuss and deliberate on priorities for ACT Government investment in city services – including local play spaces.”
Mr steel said people could have a say on the draft Strategy until 14 December.
The Directorate’s 38-page draft Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.
