Playground Management Plan

A Playground Management Plan to outline a strategic and sustainable approach to future playground provision, detailing a playground hierarchy, service standards, development principles and a future works program.


Cartoon of kids playing on swings and slide.

 

Project background

Council manages 39 playgrounds across the Shire. They represent a significant investment by Council and an on-going maintenance commitment. Council is facing several challenges, as many playgrounds are aging, trends on play are changing, and financial resources are limited. We need a plan for future playgrounds that aligns with changing demographics, evolving play trends, and new safety standards—while staying within our financial means.

To do this, we are developing a Playground Management Plan that will outline a strategic and sustainable approach to future playground provision, playground hierarchy, service standards, development principles, and a future works program.

Purpose

The Playground Management Plan will set out the guidelines for the provision of Council playgrounds with the aim to:

  • Provide the community with access to a diverse range of quality playgrounds
  • Enhance play value and inclusivity through better playground design
  • Provide clear planning and smart investment to ensure the future financial sustainability of the playground network.

Funding

This project is funded by the Bega Valley Shire Council.

Connection to Council's Community Strategic Plan

This project aligns with Bega Valley Shire Council Community Strategic Plan through theme D, Our Infrastructure and the following strategic objective:

“Our community has access to good quality open space, recreation and sporting facilities that support health and wellbeing.”

  • Strategy D.4: Plan for, develop and maintain sport and recreation spaces and facilities.

 

Related information

 

Who to talk to

Amelia Baum
Planning and Projects Coordinator at Parks and Recreation
Bega Valley Shire Council
Phone: (02) 6499 2153
Email: abaum@begavalley.nsw.gov.au

 

Timeline of works


  • Tuesday 1 July 2025 to Sunday 17 August 2025

    Community Engagement
    Community have a period of 35 business working days to have 'Your Say' and complete the online survey.

  • September 2025

    Community Consultation – Evaluation and Review

    An evaluation and review of comments / feedback will commence immediately following community consultation. Please see Consultation Summary report, when available.

  • October to December 2025

    Draft Playground Management Plan

  • January 2026

    Council Meeting - Seek endorsement from Council on the draft Playground Management Plan

  • February 2026

    Final Playground Management Plan


Frequently Asked Questions


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

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

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

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

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

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


 

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