Published on Monday, 11 May 2026 at 1:23:10 PM
After a month of community consultation, which included two pop-up events and strong online engagement (610 visits from 491 visitors, with 111 contributions by 59 contributors), community feedback strongly informed the 2025 – 2035 Playground & Public Open Space Strategy, approved by Council in April.
At Collie St Park, with many new families in the area expressing the need for better facilities, your feedback reclassified the space from a Local to a Neighbourhood Playspace. This means retention of equipment will be considered in the new Strategy, along with inclusion of quick wins to add value to the park.
Feedback around swing sets, shade, and lighting at Dixon Park will be incorporated into the upgrade of the playground, and at the popular Foreshore Headland Park the playground will be fenced to provide a safe enclosed space. The crows nest climbing net will be replaced with a net providing more surface area, and grab handles will be installed on the crows nest.
Feedback around foreshore maintenance and other public open spaces has been noted, and will be investigated for inclusion into maintenance programs.
Among the strongest themes from the consultation were improved and more diverse play equipment, more shade through shade sails and trees, nature-play and landscaping enhancements, additional seating and BBQ/picnic facilities, safer layouts and fencing near busy roads or water, and more toddler-friendly features. Suggestions also included Auslan signage at main parks.
Changes detailed in the 2025 – 2035 Playground & Public Open Space Strategy will be introduced as per the Implementation Schedule, ensuring they are thoughtfully planned and financially responsible. The Strategy supports several of the desired results of the Council Plan, primarily Outcome 7.3 to provide quality community facilities, parks and spaces, but also Outcome 2.2 to increase participation in sport and recreation activities, as well as other health and wellbeing related targets.
Check out consultation report in the April agenda, and read the Strategy, including the Implementation Schedule keeping the public informed about what will be happening at their local parks and when it will happen, here.
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