Some of the Shire’s most popular playgrounds, such as Apex Park in Mullumbimby and Piccabeen Park in Bangalow, would get significant upgrades under a new plan being developed by Byron Shire Council staff.
But the strategy would also see several much-loved postage stamp playgrounds, such as that on Pepperbush Street Suffolk Park, permanently removed.
The Play Space Action Plan, developed by Council’s Infrastructure Services Team, is coming before this week’s Council meeting ahead of a public consultation process in the coming weeks.
Community feedback
A response to community feedback highlighting the need for more varied and larger play spaces across the Shire, the plan is based on an audit of the Shire’s 37 playgrounds.
Those conducting the audit concluded that the Shire has an oversupply of ‘small local’ and ‘local’ play spaces – typically postage stamp playgrounds with swings, a small play tower and slide – that only cater to young, able-bodied children.
Of the 37 existing playgrounds, only one (Waterlily Park in Ocean Shores) was in the ‘neighbourhood category’, that is, a larger play space with a few different play equipment elements for various age groups, along with basic supporting amenities like shade, seating, and sometimes picnic tables.
Responding to the findings of the audit, the Play Space Action Plan recommends increasing the size and distribution of facilities by establishing several district and neighbourhood-level play spaces in the Shire’s larger townships.
‘This addresses the needs of play and social recreational opportunities for children of all ages, teenagers and young adults,’ Council staff state.
‘These larger sites will function as destination facilities, offering diverse play and social recreation opportunities for people of all ages.
‘Rather than one regional facility, multiple district and neighbourhood spaces will be developed Shire-wide.’
Expanding facilities
To implement the model, several existing playgrounds would be expanded, including Apex Park in Byron, Apex Park in Mullumbimby, Piccabeen Park in Bangalow and two others.
However, it would also see five smaller playgrounds within an 800m walking radius to a district or neighbourhood-style facility removed. These include the small parks on Gordon St in Byron Bay, Leopardwood Crescent, Bangalow, and Pepperbush Court in Suffolk Park.
Should the plan be adopted following community consultation, Council would look to implement its recommendations within the next ten years by seeking to leverage developer contributions and grant funding opportunities.
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