Council adopts Play Strategy and Local Park Plan

Published on 04 November 2021

Frankston City’s Play Strategy and Local Park Plan have been adopted by Council following extensive community consultation.

Councillors voted at a recent Council Meeting to adopt the draft Strategy and Plan, noting 70 responses were received during the consultation process.

They noted all submissions have been considered and, where appropriate, changes have been incorporated into the final Frankston Play Strategy and Frankston Local Park Action Plan.

Councillors also noted the recommendations for the Frankston Play Strategy and Frankston

Local Park Action Plan will be considered as part of Council’s annual Budget process and that funding and grant opportunities will also be pursued.

North West Ward Cr Steven Hughes said: “The Play Strategy provides a framework to assist Council with the prioritising and delivery of play improvements for the community for the next 15 to 20 years.

“It aims to connect communities better through play; provide better integrated, inclusive and accessible play spaces; provide more diverse and better distributed play spaces; introduce new types of play; and improve the design, delivery and maintenance of play spaces across Frankston City,” Cr Hughes said.

Cr Hughes added: “The Local Park Plan provides a framework to assist Council with prioritising and delivering open space improvements for local-level parks that do not contain play spaces.

“The Plan focuses on local parks in Carrum Downs, Frankston North and Langwarrin as high priority neighbourhoods, primarily due to local population densities, growth and demand. Local-level parks in the remaining municipal suburbs will be reviewed in 2022 as part of a second stage and included in an updated plan,” Cr Hughes said.

Cr Hughes said that feedback indicated the community largely supports the Play Strategy (88 per cent of respondents) and the Local Park Plan, adding: “It showed that residents want to see play and park improvements to better provide for the community.”

The Play Strategy prioritises safe and well maintained play spaces, inclusive and accessible experiences, diverse play, sustainable facilities, valued open space, and flexible community infrastructure and community awareness.

As part of the Play Strategy, Council will renew 15 existing play spaces, upgrade 103 existing play spaces and build 16 new play spaces and play experiences.

South Ward Cr Brad Hill said Council will connect communities better through play, adding: “Council will continue to improve shared paths that connect to existing or proposed play spaces. Where suitable Council will co-locate play spaces with existing or proposed community facilities.”

The Play Strategy prioritises new and upgraded play spaces at Seaford, Carrum Downs, Skye, Sandhurst, Frankston North, Frankston, Langwarrin and Frankston South.

Plans for a proposed play space and whole of park improvement concept for Lady Emily Reserve, Skye - thanks to a $300,000 investment from Council – are currently being developed.

The draft concept plan features a tree-house style play area with shelter, additional swings and nature play area. Imaginative play will be prompted by fun sculpted chickens, nests and eggs that link back to the history of the site. A path and open area will provide a space for scooters, small bikes and skaters.

Council recently completed a $300,000 upgrade with a new playground including refurbishment of the existing timber play unit, new swings, spinner and nature play, shade sails, park fencing, tree planting and garden bed improvements and a new picnic area with barbecue and shelter at the John Monash Reserve at Skye.

Council also recently completed a $250,000 new playground in Fleetwood Crescent, Frankston South – close to the stunning Sweetwater Creek – which includes a slide, swings, trampoline, nature play and a climbing unit.

Other major works currently being planned include a district level play space at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve and Sandfield Reserve in Carrum Downs and a new seniors fitness area at Wingham Park near Karingal PLACE Neighbourhood Centre.

Cr Hill said Council is taking a ‘whole of park’ approach to our park and playground upgrades, adding: “Once we see a playground or other amenity needs attention, we immediately assess the surrounding area to ensure we are providing the best possible facilities for our community.”

Frankston City Council is dedicated to #BuildingFrankston’sFuture.