Call for play spaces within five minutes’ walk: Playgrounds ‘fail’ report

GEELONG playgrounds lack shade, facilities for the disabled, quality landscaping and variety of activities, according to a new report.
Mayor John Mitchell said City Hall commissioned the report to guide play space design, development management and maintenance.
The report identified “a number of gaps to be addressed to improve both play opportunities and play value”.
The report said residents should have access to a play space within a five-minute walk.
“Locally accessible play spaces are particularly important, given the decreasing size of house blocks, rising levels of childhood obesity and the increasing cost of fuel.
“Rather than restricting play to designated places in the community, play should be readily available to people of all ages.”
The report recommended that all major urban developments consider the inclusion of features encouraging “spontaneous play”.
The report identified a lack of shade over seating and play equipment in some play spaces to protect children and their carers from sun exposure.
A lack of paths reduced accessibility for people with mobility issues, the report said.
“Poor landscaping in many play spaces results in a bland, sterile environment that is neither welcoming nor inviting.
“The focus of most local play spaces is on commercial equipment featuring a climbing frame with slide, a swing set and a bouncing critter.
“Natural play spaces (featuring) rocks, logs, mounds, sand, water and loose materials provide important opportunities for children to connect with nature.
“Play spaces offering tactile, sound (and) sensory experiences can greatly enhance play opportunities.
Learning to take risks is an important part of childhood development and helps children to deal with different situations.”
The report said council should direct more resources to maintaining play spaces with additional connections to the city’s walking and cycling network.
Geelong has 276 public play spaces, the report said.
Early childhood centres had a further 62 City-controlled play spaces.
The report suggested identifying and developing partnerships with schools and other community-based organisations on providing play spaces.