Indigo Shire Council Play Space Review and Strategy 2020-2030
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Indigo Shire Council Play Space Review and Strategy 2020-2030 February 2020
Play Space Review and Strategy
Prepared for Indigo Shire Council
Date February 2020
Version FINAL
Author Karina Bonnitcha and Kirsty Beattie,
Projectura
Disclaimer The information contained in this document produced by Projectura is
for the exclusive use of the organisation for which it has been prepared.
Projectura makes every attempt to ensure that all material is accurate
and complete but recommends that readers exercise their own skill and
care with respect to its use. Projectura has prepared this document in
good faith and accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in
respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third party. The
information in this report is current as at the date of publication.
Strong Communities Valued People
Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1
1. Introduction
Definitions and terminology 4
2. About play
What is play? 5
Best practice and trends 6
Strategy and planning context 7
3. Current situation
Our community 8
Current play space provision 9
What the community told us 10
4. Guiding principles for play
Play space hierarchy 13
Guiding design principles 15
5. Recommendations
Shire-wide recommendations 17
Shire-wide priorities 20
Town specific recommendations 21
6. Implementation
In action 23
APPENDIX 1. Play space hierarchy classification 24
APPENDIX 2. Playground Values and Long term Capital
Renewal / Investment Program 25
FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Play is an important part of a child’s development during early park as good or excellent, with 33 percent rating their park as fair,
years. It helps with developing physical strength, balance and and 9 percent poor. The consultation told us that children loved
coordination, and can provide children with an opportunity to the parks in Indigo Shire and particularly liked climbing and flying
learn. Play is not only positive from a child’s perspective but play foxes. They wanted to see more kids only spaces and continue to
environments within communities provide an opportunity for see swings and slides feature. Families told us they felt that Indigo
parents and families to connect with one another and create Shire play spaces were lacking in diversity, with all play spaces
communities that are supportive. The Play Space Review and being similar. Barbeques, toilets, seating and shade were all
Strategy aims to create valued play environments, to improve the important in play space design. People valued a space that had
quality and diversity of play spaces within Indigo Shire and to connection to nature, was cleaned and maintained and allowed for
assist in guiding the decision making process when planning, creativity in play. Children and adults wanted to see more water
designing and upgrading play spaces. play, nature play and unique play elements.
Play space development is continuing to evolve, with best practice
Shire wide opportunities
and industry trends highlighting the importance of unstructured,
natural play and the connection to nature and natural materials. Shire wide opportunities that arose through the development of
Play spaces should consider the whole space and how equipment the strategy included:
can be integrated with the environment. Accessibility and catering
Improving accessibility in parks and play
for a wide range of ages and abilities is vital in play space design
spaces: include access and inclusion principles in the design of
and supports the learning through play philosophy.
new and upgraded play spaces. This may involve connections and
pathways as well as specific equipment and elements that creates
The review
social inclusion.
As part of the development of the strategy, a review of the play
Fencing: fencing should be considered when a risk has been
parks within Indigo Shire was conducted to gain an understanding
identified and Council has determined a fence is required through
of the provision of play space, distribution throughout the
their risk management framework and / or in response to
townships and the diversity and accessibility of the play spaces.
community need.
This helped inform the strengths and opportunities of play parks
within Indigo Shire and inform the strategic direction and Getting better value from innovative play
recommendations needed to create play environments that are design: incorporate play elements that require less intensive
diverse, accessible and fun for the community. maintenance but also build on the unique character of the towns.
These could include balancing logs, large granite rocks, walking
Our community and stakeholders have worked together to create a
tracks and nature play.
strategy that represents the community’s needs and desires in play
spaces. Over 100 people participated in Kids Voice Sessions that Nature play: including elements of nature play in any upgrade
were held in Beechworth, Rutherglen, Chiltern, Yackandandah and or new play space design, particularly for district and regional play
Kiewa-Tangambalanga. The sessions gave people the opportunity spaces.
to discuss key issues and opportunities for play spaces across the
Diversifying provision of play: where possible play
Shire. A shire wide survey was also available online, with 74 people
spaces in townships should offer a range of different play and play
responding to the survey, providing insight on the issues and
elements that target different age groups.
improvements that could be made to play in Indigo Shire. A council
workshop was conducted to assist in the development of guiding Transition of play spaces: These spaces to be
design principles and classification hierarchy that will enable clear considered for a less intensive maintenance space that offer a
planning process across all play spaces. The engagement has different form of play (i.e. natural play space elements such as logs
directly informed the development of this strategy and the key and boulders). Consider safe repurposing of equipment prior to
opportunities that are presented. end of life
The analysis of best practice and trends, a play space review and Maintenance and asset management: to maximise assets
engagement allowed for extensive analysis into the direction of life through careful asset management and strategic planning
play spaces. Indigo Shire has 20 play spaces throughout the Shire, including ongoing inspections and internal working groups to align
owned and maintained by Council, with the provision of play play space renewal and upgrade with the strategy.
spaces for most townships reflecting the community needs and
demographics. Just over half of the survey respondents rated their
FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 1
Regional “destination” play space: development of a regional “destination” play space for Indigo Shire that would not only service the municipality but create a destination for tourists and visitors. Shire wide priorities The strategy identifies shire wide priorities in play space development to ensure appropriate planning and funding is achieved to meet social demand over the next ten years. The priorities have been established through the consultation and collaboration with the community and Council and address short falls in play space provision and accessibility. The priorities include: Chiltern Destination Play Space at Martin Memorial Park, new play space development in Yackandandah, improving pathways to play spaces from nearby networks and improving accessibility in play spaces. These are outlined in section 5 of the strategy. The strategy also outlines specific town recommendations and opportunities for play spaces across the Shire. The recommendations are based on the analysis of key data, provision and distribution of play and consultation with the community. They are outlined in section 5 of the strategy and have indicative timeframes of short, medium and long term. Indigo Shire Council will continue to invest in play space and ensure that everyone has equal access to play through appropriate planning and provision. The recommendations will be prioritised and reviewed regularly to respond to changing demographics, neighbourhoods and community need. FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 2
1. Introduction
Indigo Shire Council has developed this Play Space Review and Strategy to improve the quality and diversity of play spaces within the
communities of Indigo Shire. The purpose of this document is to guide the decision-making process when planning, designing and upgrading
play spaces in our communities and to ensure that everyone has access to diverse, fun and safe play spaces. The strategy will assist in
identifying the future play needs of the community and address changing population dynamics.
The development of this document included:
• Literature and research review to determine best practice and trends.
• A review of current play infrastructure including the provision and distribution, age groups catered for, opportunities for improvement and
recommendations for each.
• Issues and opportunities background document summarising best practice and trends, review of play infrastructure and opportunities for
play space development.
• Extensive community engagement period including kids voice sessions in Beechworth, Chiltern, Kiewa-Tangambalanga, Rutherglen and
Yackandandah, online survey for park users and council workshop.
• Establishing a play space hierarchy classification system and guiding design principles for effective provision and suitable design for
spaces.
• Town specific and play space specific recommendations.
FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 3
1. Introduction Definitions and terminology Play space Most spaces with play equipment are located within parks or public spaces. For the purpose of this strategy, play space is used to refer to any space purposefully built for children’s play. These spaces typically include play equipment with soft fall but may also include other play elements such as landscaping or sensory items. They are often associated with an open area of lawn, or trees and can have supporting assets such as amenity blocks, seating, bins or barbeques. Play equipment Play equipment refers to built structures that are specifically for children’s play. These often come in the form of a custom built or off the shelf module, and can include equipment such as climbing structure, swings, slides and rockers. Natural play Natural play refers to using natural elements and materials within and around a place space. It encourages connection to nature and provides children with different learning experiences and exposure to different materials. Natural play may include timber logs, stepping stones, sensory shrubs and plantings, natural surfaces and play elements made from natural materials. Play elements Play elements are complementary to play equipment and are often custom made, made from natural materials or are natural items. Examples could include balancing logs, sand and other loose material, art, plantings, rocks and stepping stones. They also may serve a secondary purpose but are included in the play (i.e. barriers). Amenities Amenities include, but are not limited to, furniture, shelter, barbeques, bins, toilets, drinking fountains, and car parking. These amenities create comfort, and a space that is functional for broad ages and abilities. FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 4
2. About play What is play? Play is an essential part of childhood as it supports the development of physical strength, balance and coordination. Play is important as it creates opportunities for socialising, learning, problem solving, imagination, creativity and confidence. Through play, children are provided a sense of connection to place, to friends and their local community, (Source: Kidsafe Victoria). Benefits of risk Nature and play Risk taking in a play space environment engages and challenges Nature as part of play creates a range of different learning children and supports their growth, learning and development. opportunities and health and wellbeing benefits. Being outdoors is Examples of good risks are moving parts or height changes which beneficial for the development of gross motor skills, decision physically challenge children, and natural loose materials that give making skills, problem solving and creative thinking. Communities the children the chance to create and be creative. Providing a safe that have access to green spaces that are well-designed, planned environment free of “bad” risks where children can be challenged and managed benefit mentally and physically and have long term is important for development of life skills. Risks that could cause health benefits. (Source: Deakin University with Beyond Blue, serious injury including sharp edges, weak structures or 2010, Beyond Blue to Green: The benefits of contact with nature entrapments should be managed in line with the Australian for mental health and wellbeing). Standards for Playgrounds (Source: Department for Children, Schools and Families, 2008, Managing Risk in Play Provision: Implementation Guide, Play England: Nottingham). FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 5
2. About play
Best practice and trends
When investigating similar, local, and leading industry organisations and local government authorities we found the following themes and
trends:
Access and inclusion Natural play
Access and inclusion have become a key part of play spaces to Connection to nature is an important part of health and wellbeing.
ensure that every person can enjoy play spaces that foster Including nature in play encourages children and parents to
learning, challenges, creativity and fun. develop skills and interest in their surrounds. Natural play
elements can require less maintenance and create open-ended
Range of ages and abilities play that isn’t restricted like typical play equipment.
Play spaces now cater for a range of ages and abilities, with some
spaces having play and experiences that cater for the whole family,
children through to adults. As children grow older their skills and
abilities change so play spaces need to reflect that.
Comfort and connections
Play spaces are not just for children, families visit these spaces
and there must be items that make their visit comfortable.
Considerations include seating, water fountains, footpaths to and
from car parks or neighbourhoods, toilets and shade.
Learning through play
Children are learning through play by testing their abilities and
thought processes. Play provides opportunities to take risks, be
challenged and try something new.
Landscaping in play
Not all play has to be equipment or a built form. Trees, shrubs,
sand and loose natural materials are an equally important part of
the play.
FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 62. About play Strategy and planning context This document has been developed with consideration of the state and local strategy and planning context and should be read in conjunction with the following documents: • Victoria Health and Wellbeing Plan 2015-2019. • Victoria’s Healthy Parks, Healthy People (Parks Victoria, 2015). • Good Play Space Guide (Sport and Recreation Victoria, 2011). • Indigo Shire Council Plan 2017-2021. • Indigo Shire Council Asset Management Strategy 2019. • Draft Indigo Shire Council Early Years Strategy 2019. • Indigo Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2018-2021. • Active Indigo Recreation Plan. • Youth Strategy 2019-2023. • Kiewa-Tangambalanga Placemaking Strategy 2018. • Chiltern Connectivity Plan. • Chiltern Placemaking and Structure Plan. • Site specific masterplans including but not limited to: Lake Sambell, Lake Anderson Wahgunyah Rail Reserve. These documents are referenced throughout the strategy, including linking key priorities from these documents to the recommendations within this strategy. FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 7
3. Current situation
Our community
Indigo Shire is located in Victoria’s north east and borders the Murray River and the Australian Alps. It is well regarded for its natural beauty and
historic towns. Indigo Shire had a population of 16,335 in 2017. The median age of people in Indigo Shire is 46 years, with children aged 0 to 14
years making up 17.8 percent of the population (source: Community Profile: ABS 2016).
Townships within Indigo Shire with a higher proportion of younger people include Barnawartha (21 percent) and Kiewa-Tangambalanga (25.4
percent and 24.7 percent). Kiewa-Tangambalanga and Yackandandah are currently experiencing growth, particularly with families moving into
the area with more land being developed to accommodate the growth.
Table 1. Township Early Years Population
State Suburbs (SSC) 0 to 4 years 5 to 9 years 10 to 14 years Total Early Total
years Population
population
Number (% total population)
Barnawartha 69 (7.7%) 61 (6.8%) 59 (6.5%) 189 (21.0%) 904
Beechworth 178 (4.6%) 223 (5.8%) 211 (5.5%) 612 (15.9%) 3,859
Chiltern 71 (4.4%) 105 (6.6%) 100 (6.3%) 276 (17.3%) 1,605
Kergunyah 4 (1.8%) 5 (2.2%) 8 (3.5%) 17 (7.5%) 215
Kiewa 32 (6.8%) 42 (8.9%) 46 (9.7%) 120 (25.4%) 474
Rutherglen 110 (4.6%) 151 (6.4%) 151 (6.4%) 412 (17.3%) 2,378
Sandy Creek 6 (3.4%) 13 (7.4%) 17 (9.7%) 36 (20.5%) 179
Stanley 15 (4.2%) 27 (7.5%) 25 (7.0%) 67 (18.7%) 364
Tangambalanga 43 (8.1%) 44 (8.3%) 44 (8.3%) 131 (24.7%) 542
Wahgunyah 59 (5.4%) 54 (5.0%) 70 (6.4%) 183 (16.8%) 1,098
Yackandandah 80 (4.4%) 116 (6.4%) 132 (7.3%) 328 (18.1%) 1,811
FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 83. Current situation
Current play space provision
Council owns or maintains 20 play spaces within Indigo Shire which are distributed throughout townships in parks, reserve and sporting
grounds. Indigo Shire also has five skate parks; Tangambalanga, Yackandandah, Beechworth, Rutherglen and Chiltern. These offer alternative
play for older children and provide communities with a different place of leisure and activity. While not necessarily regarded as a play space, it
is important to recognise this type of recreation is available in some communities.
Council regularly inspects playgrounds to ensure play spaces and play equipment are functioning correctly without any dangers to users. An
annual audit is conducted by an external contractor to ensure play equipment and surrounds meet the current Australia Standards.
Table 2 provides an overview of play space provision and distribution relative to townships within Indigo Shire.
Table 2. Play space provision
Town No. of Playgrounds Ratio to population Ratio to early years
population
Barnawartha 1 1:904 1:189
Beechworth 6 1:651 1:102
Chiltern 2 1:802 1:138
Kergunyah - 0:215 0:17
Kiewa 1 1:474 1:120
Rutherglen 3 1:792 1:137
Sandy Creek - 0:179 0:36
Stanley 1 1:364 1:67
Tangambalanga 2 1:271 1:65
Wahgunyah 3 1:366 1:61
Yackandandah 1 1:1,811 1:328
The review found that on average there was one playground for every 100 children between the ages of 0 to 12 years in Indigo Shire. Best
practice indicates that people should be able to access a play space within 500m of their neighbourhood or a 10-minute walk. It is difficult to
measure how many play spaces should be provided per population, as other factors need to be considered in the provision of play space,
though based on the average for Indigo Shire there are some assumptions that can be made. From this it is reasonable to conclude that
Yackandandah is lacking in play space provision, as only one play space is provided for every 328 children and with residents located south
west of the township having limited access to a play space.
FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 93. Current situation
What the community told us
Community engagement was a key part in the development of the Play Space Review and Strategy. During March 2019, five Kids Voice Sessions
were held in Beechworth, Rutherglen, Chiltern, Yackandandah and Kiewa-Tangambalanga. During these sessions, the community discussed key
issues and opportunities for play parks across the Shire. Over 100 people participated in the Kids Voice Sessions, including families, children,
and other residents. A shire wide survey was also available online, with 74 people across the Shire responding to the survey about play parks
within their Shire.
The engagement found that 57.6 percent of respondents rated their park as excellent or good, 33.3 percent fair, and 9.0 percent poor.
A snapshot of what the community told us is outlined in this section.
What the children told us… What the community told us… What people valued… What we’d like to see more of…
Children told us they loved the Adults found that the play parks People valued a space that was: Children and adults wanted to
parks in Indigo Shire and within Indigo Shire were lacking see more:
• Connected to nature.
particularly enjoyed challenging in diversity with all play spaces
• Water play.
play like climbing and the flying being similar. They felt that • Clean and maintained.
foxes. Places that only children toilets, BBQs, seating and shade • Nature play.
• Creative and diverse.
could access, such as slides, were important in play space
• Unique play elements.
swings, and hiding spaces were design.
also popular. • Shade and safety.
FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 103. Current situation
Comments from the online survey.
Lake Sambell playground
Isaacs Park was good when the
– kids are able to swap It caters for a lot of age
kids were little, but we don’t use
between the built play brackets, my 20 month
it much now. It’s shady, good
equipment and the natural old can play along side
play equipment and has toilets.
environment. my older 2 children.
Range of activities, good
shade, water taps to fill A child friendly water
up drink bottles, seating park would be fantastic.
and toilets.
Some more equipment
to cater for all ages.
Addition of equipment that is
suitable/ challenging for
More exciting play
older kids. Also would be
equipment. More
great to have some sensory
shaded benches.
play.
FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 114. Guiding principles for play
The two tools in this section:
• Establish a vision for play within the shire.
• Assist and guide Council in decision making.
• Provide a clear direction to equitably provide play spaces that are diverse, accessible, challenging and create positive health and wellbeing
outcomes for children and their families.
FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 124. Guiding principles for play
Play space hierarchy
The purpose of this play space hierarchy is to ensure equal distribution of suitable play spaces for townships, create the basic level of play
required and to manage community expectations throughout the Shire.
Regional “Destination” District Local
Regional play spaces provide a variety of District play spaces serve a whole Located close to residential areas to
play experiences for broad age and township. They typically offer more provide basic play opportunities for the
ability levels. Regional playgrounds are amenities than a local play space and surrounding neighbourhood. They
supported by a range of associated more play elements. They serve as a key generally have limited equipment and
facilities that allow for multiple hour meeting place for communities, with serve families within a 500m (radius)
visits. They are considered a visits being longer in duration than local walking distance.
“destination” that service the community, parks.
attract visitors to the town, and have a
unique offering that reflects the regions
identity, heritage and culture.
.
There are currently no regional
“destination” play spaces within the
Shire.
Table 3, on the following page, provides a service level (benchmark) for planning, design and management for new and upgraded play spaces
and the assets and amenities suitable for each level of classification.
FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 134. Guiding principles for play
Table 3. Play space hierarchy classification
Type of Features Classification
Local District Regional
Suitable for
Younger children play
Older children play
Carers/parents/families
Core play elements
Play equipment (eg. swings and slides)
Open space area
Natural play features
Landscaped areas for play (including rocks, hills, shrubs)
Water features
Amenities and features
Shade (trees)
Shade (structures)
Toilets
Parking
Drinking fountains
Footpaths (to car parks to play to toilets)
BBQ
Seating
Bins
Feature/element is essential to this classification and will be considered in the design of the play.
Feature/element is important for this classification and may be included in the design of the play space.
Feature/element is less important for this classification of space.
Feature is not essential to this classification.
FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 144. Guiding principles for play Guiding design principles Guiding design principles provide Council and the community with an overall vision of how play spaces should be designed throughout the Shire. They provide direction on the functionality and design attributes that make play spaces work for a broad segment of the community. These principles are what the community and Council find important, and how users wish to see their spaces progress over the next 10 to 20 years. Table 4. Guiding design principles Accessibility Play spaces are accessible and inclusive to all and are designed with the fundamental principles of access and inclusion in mind, this includes physical access like pathways and equipment, but also sensory inclusion in the design of play. All levels of the play hierarchy are expected to provide a level of accessibility, with district and regional play spaces providing a high level of accessibility. This includes a wider choice of accessible play equipment and elements, and accessible amenities and parking. Diversity The community have access to play spaces that are diverse and offer different opportunities for play and leisure. Provision of play throughout each township is different and unique. Within townships different play spaces cater for different age groups, with larger play spaces catering for multiply age groups. Connections Play spaces are connected to townships, neighbourhoods and precincts through pathways, bike trails and parking. FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 15
Identity Play spaces are designed to respond to the identity of the town, including natural assets, history and culturally significant aspects of the town and the people. Where possible play spaces are designed to feature play elements that consider the township identity, surrounds and landscape. Classification Play spaces are maintained at an appropriate level and designed in accordance with the hierarchy level. The hierarchy provides a level of service and guidance on the play elements and amenities that need to be included in the design of new and upgraded spaces. Social demand The demand of growing and changing communities should be met to ensure families have access to appropriate play opportunities within their townships. Most town residents should be able to access a play space within 500m or a 10 minute walk of their neighbourhood. Value Design optimises the delivery of play spaces throughout the Shire, creating better opportunities for play. This includes sourcing play elements that require less maintenance, are more cost effective for Council and creating play spaces that are of more value to the community. FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 16
5. Recommendations Shire-wide recommendations This section highlights the key issues and recommendations arisen from the play spaces review, community engagement and best practice and trends. Accessibility in parks and play spaces Indigo Shire’s play spaces require improvement to make them more accessible and inclusive. Currently accessibility and inclusion aren’t considered in a standard manner across the play space design and play elements. The review of the play spaces highlighted the lack of paths and connections to and within play spaces, limiting the physical access to these spaces. Majority of play spaces consist of modular type equipment on mulched soft fall which creates barriers for people, particularly those with limited mobility. Recommendation: Include access and inclusion principles in the design of new and upgrade of play space. This may include connections and pathways that integrate into the play spaces and equipment, as well as specific equipment and elements that creates social inclusion that is integrated into the play space. Council to consider the inclusion of a liberty swing or similar accessible swing in at least one township play space. Fencing Fencing around a public play space assists in preventing children from running into hazards such as a busy road or waterway. Best practice (Play Australia) believes children need to be appropriately supervised in public play spaces by parents and carers and Councils should plan and design spaces that encourage adult and children interaction. Fencing can limit this interaction, as well as limit the play activities to only the equipment and not the rest of the space. Fencing with child proof locks can also cause accessibility issues for those accessing the space in a wheelchair. Recommendation: Fencing should only be used when a risk has been identified and Council has determined a fence is required through their risk management framework. Alternatives to fencing may include designing a space using shrubs, planting, bollards and seating as barriers or partial fencing that eliminates the risk. Getting better value from innovative play design Play spaces in Indigo Shire consist mainly of off the shelf play equipment that can be expensive to maintain and procure. Often this type of play equipment is limiting to children and can create restricted play opportunities as children become tired of the standard equipment. Recommendation: Investigate opportunities to incorporate play elements that require less intensive maintenance, but also build on the unique character of the towns. These could include balancing logs, large granite rocks, landscaping elements such as mounds and sensory shrubs, walking tracks through bushlands in a maze type design. This also builds on creating natural play and diversity through the play spaces. FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 17
Nature play Natural play and connection with nature was a key theme that the community desired for play spaces. Indigo Shire is surrounded by natural assets and beautiful surrounds, with many play spaces located near water ways, bushlands and natural open spaces. These assets can be enhanced by designing play spaces that complement the area and build on the natural surrounds. Recommendation: Consider elements of natural play in any upgrade or new play space design, particularly for district and regional play spaces. The natural play elements should represent the area in which the play space is located. This could include water, logs, sand and play elements made from materials that complement the surrounds. Diverse provision of play The guiding design principles outline the importance of diversity and ensures communities have access to a range of play options for different ages. Many play spaces throughout Indigo Shire are of similar design and feature a modular play set with a slide and swing. A more diverse provision of play that better meets community needs and offer a more valuable play experience. Recommendation: Consider the diversity of play provision when designing new or upgrading existing play spaces. Where possible, play spaces in townships should offer a different variety of play equipment and elements and target different age groups. Transition of play spaces There are some play spaces within Indigo Shire that need to be considered for rationalisation or a new play space approach to ensure their value is realised. Rationalising play spaces, and removing play equipment or infrastructure isn’t always a popular decision and it’s important that the community are involved in the decision-making process to ensure the best outcomes are achieved. Recommendations on play space rationalisation have considered: observation of usage, demand for the play space, cost of maintenance and renewal and poor location. Recommendation: When equipment in these cases has reached end of life or is deemed not safe enough then the equipment should be removed and no longer replaced. This includes any edging, soft fall or other elements that support play. Consider the space for a less intensive maintenance space such as an open space that offers a different form of play or recreation for the local community. Spaces to consider for transition include Beaumont Drive and Wells Street in Beechworth. It is vital that the community are engaged throughout the process to assist in a smooth transition and to reach a solution to the best use of this space. Maintenance and asset management Play spaces require a well thought out schedule of inspections and maintenance to ensure they are safe and to standards, and are meeting the needs of the community. The strategy provides guidance to ensure play spaces are well planned, designed, and made of material that is sustainable and practical for the environments in which they are located. Recommendation: Council staff meet regularly to discuss play space renewal to determine key priority areas, ensure the guiding design principles, play hierarchy and strategic recommendations are met, and to maximise asset life. Continue to undertake weekly inspections by parks and gardens team to ensure there are no obvious hazards or dangerous equipment and for inspection of soft fall. Inspections carried out by the Asset Inspector every three months for a more extensive safety inspection. An annual audit conducted by external contractor to assess equipment and play spaces to ensure they comply with relevant Australian standards. Council to ensure the play equipment investment allocation in the 10 year capital works program aligns with the recommendations and design principles of this strategy. Regional “destination” play space Current play space provision does not offer a regional “destination” play space. A play space of regional significance offers a diverse range of play experiences for a number of age and ability levels and can reflect the region’s identity, heritage and culture. It also creates an opportunity for a unique point of interest and can attract visitors. The Active Indigo Plan outlines the importance of a diverse range of play spaces within the region, and the development of a regional “destination” play space in Chiltern to service the whole municipality, as well as attracting people from outside of the area. The Destination Game Changer 2023 – Tourism Strategy also recommends a destination playground in Chiltern to capitalise on the touring couples and families along the Hume Freeway. The Chiltern Connectivity Plan and Chiltern Placemaking Plan also support or reference the development of a destination play space in Chiltern. FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 18
Recommendation: Continue investigating opportunities for a regional “destination” play space for Chiltern to; service the municipality, create a destination stopping point along the Hume Freeway and stimulate economic development in the Shire. A master plan for the current Martin Memorial Reserve play space site would be required to seek funding from federal or state government to complete the project. In the 2019/2020 budget, Council will deliver a scoping project for the Chiltern Destination playground. The project will consider three key linked spaces, connecting the Chiltern Railway Station and Goods Shed, Lake Anderson and surrounding parkland and Martin Memorial Reserve, including links to the town centre. The play space design will consider a range of ages and abilities and include the heritage and the natural environments of Chiltern and surrounds. FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 19
5. Recommendations Shire-wide priorities The strategy has identified priorities in play space development across the Shire to ensure appropriate planning and funding is achieved to meet demand and play space provision shortfalls. The priorities have been established through consultation with the community and collaboration with Council to ensure that they best meet the communities needs over the next ten years. Chiltern Destination Play Space Chiltern has been identified as the location for a Regional “Destination” Play Space. Council’s strategic direction supports this priority through documents such as: Active Indigo Plan, Destination Game Changer 2023 – Tourism Strategy, Chiltern Connectivity Plan and Chiltern Placemaking Plan. This is an important project for Council and the community to plan and seek funding to ensure this priority is achieved. Yackandandah new play space The strategy has identified that Yackandandah has an under supply of play spaces within the township with only one play space provided for every 328 children, and with residents located south west of the township having limited access to a play space. Best practice indicates that people should be able to access a play space within 500m of their neighbourhood or a 10 minute walk and on average there is one playground for every 100 children between the ages of 0 to 12 years in Indigo Shire. It is recommended that consultation with the community is conducted to identify appropriate location and play space requirements, including findings identified in the Yackandandah Place Plan. Pathways Improving pathways to play spaces from nearby pathway networks across the Shire will assist in promoting active transport to play spaces and recreation within the Shire. Pathways will be prioritised by district play spaces, followed by towns with only one play space. Accessibility Improving accessibility in play spaces is a key priority for all play spaces across the Shire, particularly those classified as a district play space or the only play space provided in the town. Council will work with key partners to seek funding to address accessibility within these spaces and ensure any upgrades or renewal consider accessible and inclusive play elements. FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 20
5. Recommendations
Town specific recommendations
The town specific recommendations and opportunities for play parks across the Indigo Shire are outlined in Table 5. The recommendations
provided indicate a Short (0-2 years), Medium (2-5 years) and Long (6-10 years plus) timeframe. It is recognised that these recommendations
may change in response to competing budget priorities.
Table 5. Town specific recommendations and opportunities
Township Recommendations and opportunities Time Indicative
frame cost
Barnawartha 1. Install drinking fountain at Indigo Creek Park, Barnawartha. Short $5,000
2. Install new play space at Barnawartha Recreation Reserve to address supply and ratio Medium $40,000
demand. (also identified in Active Indigo Plan). New space should incorporate guiding
design principles to ensure play space reflects the identity of Barnawartha.
Beechworth 3. Install signage at Lake Sambell play space and surrounds to attract more visitors to the Short $10,000
space, particularly those from outside Indigo Shire.
4. Monitor usage and social demand of Beaumont Park play space and engage with the Medium $5,000
community to transition space to better value of play once equipment has reached end of
life.
5. Support Baarmutha Park Committee of Management to install play space at Baarmutha Medium $45,000
Park.
6 Investigate the opportunity of a splash park or water play in Beechworth. Medium $10,000
7. Consider the inclusion of play elements to cater for older children and young teenagers Medium $20,000
at Lake Sambell.
8. Incorporate local identity, heritage and nature play elements into Lake Sambell play Long $5,000
space equipment when renewing or redeveloping.
9. At renewal incorporate historical story telling at Queen Victoria Park, building on the Long $5,000
surrounding granite and identity.
10. Monitor usage and social demand of Wells Street play space and engage with the Long $5,000
community to transition space to better value of play once equipment has reached end of
life.
11 Newtown Park, Diffey Road is classified as a local play space, though has amenities that Long $5,000
a higher level of play space (district). Once amenities reach end of life transition space to
ensure it reflects the level of service of a local level play space by removing additional
assets that don’t align with the local play space hierarchy.
12. Investigate the opportunity of redeveloping Wallace Park play space due to its central Long $5,000
location and connection to other recreation facilities within the town.
Chiltern 13. Develop a regional place space incorporating local identity and unique play opportunities Medium TBC
and create a destination play space in line with Destination Game Changer 2030 Tourism
Strategy.
FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 21Table 5. Town specific recommendations and opportunities
Township Recommendations and opportunities Time Indicative
frame cost
14. Install drinking fountain. Medium $5,000
Kergunyah No playground currently exists. Based on the population and demographics a playground
is not currently required.
Kiewa – 15. Install drinking fountain at Kiewa Memorial Park. Short $5,000
Tangambalanga 16. Install drinking fountain at Kiewa Valley Swimming Pool Reserve Park. Short $5,000
17. Address access from Coulston Park to adjacent play space by installing gate that can be Short $5,000
closed off on game days if required.
18. Improve Kiewa River access for recreation and leisure purposes including potential BBQ Medium $20,000
areas and walking paths as per the identified sites in the Kiewa-Tangambalanga
Township Structure Plan and Kiewa-Tangambalanga Placemaking Plan.
19 Install a phased Active Park at Jackman Drive and Watts Way, commencing with a Long $60,000
playground and community garden and culminating in a wheels park.
20. Continue to build on the Coulston Park precinct and play space by ensuring that the Long $20,000
swimming pool, reserve, skate park and play space have accessible connections between
them.
Rutherglen 21. Install sealed pathway from carpark to toilets/park/BBQ areas to improve accessibility. Short $5,000
22. Install drinking fountain at Apex Park. Short $5,000
Sandy Creek No playground currently exists. Based on the population and demographics a playground
is not currently required.
Stanley 23. Install drinking fountain at Stanley Recreation Reserve Park. Short $15,000
24. At end of asset life engage with the community on what would best suit their needs and Long $20,000
consider installing play elements that are less maintenance intensive and create a
unique play opportunity.
Wahgunyah 25. Decommission Blanche Street and turn into a public space once Railway Space created. Long $5,000
26. Improve accessibility and pathway to Morley Street playground. Short $5,000
27. As per the Wahgunyah Rail Reserve Master Plan, develop and install a new play space. Medium $50,000
28. Support the Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve Committee to improve the accessibility to Medium $50,000
the public toilets.
29. Support the Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve Committee to apply for funding for Short $20,000
playground improvements at the Recreation Reserve.
Yackandandah 30. Develop a new play space in Yackandandah so there is more than one play space for Short $85,000
every 328 persons under the age of 14, and for most people to have access to a play
space within 500m or 10 minute walk.
31. Consult with community for the development of the new play space that will meet the Short $0
future needs of the community and incorporate any feedback received during the
Yackandandah Place Plan engagement. Investigate the potential for a play space at
Yackandandah Sports Park.
32. Improve pedestrian access and associated parking to meet increased demand associated Short $40,000
with Little Yacks and Kindergarten.
33. Improve access to the play space within Sir Issac Issacs Park, this includes pathways to Medium $40,000
and from car parks, pathways within the space and removing softfall edging that impedes
access.
34. When upgrading toilets at Sir Isaac Isaacs Park, install an accessible toilet facility. Long $40,000
35. Improve the pathway connection from the skate park to the playground via the gorge Long $40,000
walk.
FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 226. Implementation In action Play space development is an evolving practice with the opportunity to create environments and experiences that are representative of the location and valued by the community. Play spaces are not only about play equipment anymore as play space design creates many opportunities to be creative, fun and innovative. Many of the people who were engaged throughout the process of this strategy were supportive of change and adapting to the new way of thinking for play space design. Implementation Council will embed the overall guiding design principles, play space hierarchy, shire wide and town specific recommendations into broader planning, and continue to review and evaluate the strategy for continuous improvement and be responsive to changes in the environment. Indigo Shire Council will continue to invest in play spaces and ensure that everyone has equal access to play through appropriate planning and provision. The recommendations in this strategy will be prioritised and acted on accordingly, with the availability of funding an important factor in the decision making. Review Relevant Council staff will meet regularly to not only ensure the guiding design principles, play hierarchy and recommendations are met but to also review and evaluate the strategy. Council will review the plan to identify actions and priorities that fit within the allocated budget for play spaces renewal and upgrade and to align with State or Federal government funding opportunities. FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 23
APPENDIX 1. Play space hierarchy classification
Table 6 shows the play spaces in Indigo Shire and the hierarchy classification they have been assigned to assist with future planning and
development of those spaces.
Table 6. Play space hierarchy classification
Play Space Classification Recommendations to meet hierarchy
Barnawartha Indigo Creek Park District Install water fountain.
Barnwartha Recreation Reserve* Future local Future play space development to meet the community demand and
growth for the area.
Beechworth Lake Sambell District Any upgrades and/ or redevelopment to consider natural play features and
play to represent Beechworth identity.
Beechworth Beaumont Park Local Maintain as local park.
Beechworth Queen Victoria Park District Has toilets and BBQ typical of district park but is more like a local that
serves the neighbouring houses. Improve accessibility
Beechworth Wallace Park Local Maintain as local park.
Beechworth Newton Park (Diffey Rd) Local Rationalise amenities at end of life.
Beechworth Wells St Reserve Local Maintain as a local park.
Chiltern High Street Park Local Maintain as a local park.
Chiltern, Martin Memorial Reserve - District Short term, install water fountain. Long term create as a regional play
Alliance St space for Indigo Shire.
Kiewa Memorial Park District Install water fountain. Improve accessibility.
Rutherglen Apex Park District Install water fountain. Improve accessibility.
Rutherglen Hopetoun Rd Local Maintain as a local park.
Rutherglen Barkly Park* Local Maintain as a local park.
Stanley Recreation Reserve* District Consult with the community on the use and need of the park to determine
need for access to toilets and appropriate type of play.
Tangambalanga Banksia Park Local Maintain as a local park.
Tangambalanga Kiewa Valley District Install water fountain. Improve accessibility.
Swimming Pool Playground
Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve* Local Improve accessibility.
Wahgunyah Blanche St Local Install water fountain. Maintain as local park.
Wahgunyah Morley Drive Local Maintain as local park.
Yackandandah Sir Isaac Park District Any upgrades and/ or redevelopment to consider natural play features and
play to represent Yackandandah’s identity. Improve accessibility.
Yackandandah future play space Local Future play space development to meet the community demand and
growth for the area.
*Non-Indigo Asset
FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 24APPENDIX 2. Playground Values and Long term Capital Renewal / Investment Program Table 7 and 8 show the data on the values for our current playgrounds, as well as the long-term renewal program budget. Table 7. Playground Values and Long term Capital Renewal / Investment Program Playground Replacement value Playground location Total Value Play Equipment Shade Sail Toilet Block BBQ / Shelter Other Barnawartha Indigo Creek Park $107,100 $35,500 $63,200 $8,400 Beechworth Beaumont Park $11,000 $11,000 Beechworth Lake Sambell Caravan Park $36,000 $36,000 Beechworth Lake Sambell Reserve $264,250 $99,000 $16,000 $129,000 $20,250 Beechworth Newton Park $109,300 $30,700 $78,600 Beechworth Queen Victoria Park $228,900 $33,000 $109,500 $86,400 Beechworth Wallace Park Reserve $5,700 $5,700 Beechworth Wells Street Reserve $36,500 $36,500 Chiltern High Street Park Playground $13,600 $13,600 Chiltern Martin Park Playground $374,150 $83,800 $23,400 $153,750 $13,200 $100,000 Kiewa Memorial Park Playground $189,800 $14,800 $175,000 Rutherglen Apex Park $280,400 $168,500 $12,500 $85,000 $14,400 Rutherglen Hopetoun Rd Playground $64,000 $38,000 $26,000 Stanley Recreation Reserve Playground (Non-Indigo Asset) $116,500 $16,100 $100,400 FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 25
Table 7. Playground Values and Long term Capital Renewal / Investment Program
Playground Replacement value
Tangambalanga Banksia Park Playground $59,200 $46,200 $13,000
Tangambalanga Kiewa Valley Swimming pool Reserve Playground $74,500 $56,500 $18,000
Wahgunyah Blanche Street Reserve Playground $20,500 $20,500
Wahgunyah Morley Drive Playground $22,300 $22,300
Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve Playground (Non-Indigo Asset) $40,000 $40,000
Yackandandah Sir Isaacs Park Playground $236,800 $83,400 $24,700 $84,300 $44,400
Table 8. Ten Year Capital Works Program Investment
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10
Ten Year Capital Works Program Investment 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 2025-2026 2026-2027 2027-2028 2028-2029
Play Equipment Replacement Investment $35,000 $35,000 $85,000 $105,000 $42,000 $48,000 $53,000 $62,000 $69,000 $70,000
FINAL Indigo Shire Play Space Review and Strategy 26indigoshire.vic.gov.au | 1300 365 003 | 2 Kurrajong Way, Beechworth, VIC, 3747
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