Indigo Shire Council Play Space Review and Strategy 2020-2030

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Indigo Shire Council Play Space Review and Strategy 2020-2030
Indigo Shire Council
Play Space Review and Strategy
2020-2030

February 2020
Indigo Shire Council Play Space Review and Strategy 2020-2030
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
Indigo Shire Council Play Space Review and Strategy 2020-2030
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
Indigo Shire Council Play Space Review and Strategy 2020-2030
Indigo Shire Council Play Space Review and Strategy 2020-2030
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
Indigo Shire Council Play Space Review and Strategy 2020-2030
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.

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Indigo Shire Council Play Space Review and Strategy 2020-2030
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
Indigo Shire Council Play Space Review and Strategy 2020-2030
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.

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Indigo Shire Council Play Space Review and Strategy 2020-2030
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).

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Indigo Shire Council Play Space Review and Strategy 2020-2030
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.

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2. 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.

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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

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3. 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                                                                                            9
3. 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.

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3. 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                                                                             11
4. 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                                                                                         12
4. 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.

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4. 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.

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4. 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Table 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                                                                                22
6. 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

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APPENDIX 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                                                                                                                                         26
indigoshire.vic.gov.au | 1300 365 003 | 2 Kurrajong Way, Beechworth, VIC, 3747
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