Youth Research Qualitative Report - District Council of Mount Barker

Male
Yeah but that's already happened, we’ve already got one of them. It’s old
now, people want to see something new. (Young man & woman, 16-18 yrs)
Interestingly, a number of young people, including older teenagers, said that they still enjoyed
‘playing’ and wanted a play ground that was designed for them. The playgrounds in the Mt Barker
Council District cater to young children and because of their size it is not appropriate for teenagers
and young adults to use the equipment. But these young people were clear about their continued
desire to engage in physical play. Many talked about the value of an ‘adventure playground’ like the
one at St Kilda.
I think a lot of students would go straight down to the mall straight after school – and I can
understand wanting to go down to the mall, get food and all that kind of stuff. But instead of
doing that, they could hang out at an adventure park. You know what I mean Have a place to
hang out and have a good time. (Young man, 17 yrs)
The majority of participants used the Mountain Pool in the summer months, but there was a general
consensus that the pool was too small for the regions’ growing population. There were also issues
associated with young people sharing the pool with other users. Their size and their physicality make
their water play threatening to younger children and adults and they are often sanctioned. Many
suggested that the pool be expanded to include other areas for young people to play, or perhaps to
broaden the recreational options on the site (with water slides, games, etc).
They need to update the pools and that because the pool is too tiny. They need to get like a
Woodside pool or something. Be good if it was a ‘Beach House’ (recreational park at Glenelg)
or something. Because on a Saturday or Sunday and you’re just bored, there’s nothing to do
and you don’t want to drive all the way into town. We need something local. (Young man,
15yrs)
What young people value in the Mt Barker area
Mountain Pool (though too small for growing population) – something to do in summer
The skate park – a place to hang out; a place to skate or ride; a place to do graffiti
Outdoor gym circuit developed in one of the newer housing areas
What Young people said they want and need
Incorporate informal activity and fun in the Recreation Centre complex
Bowling alley – every focus group suggested a bowling alley when asked what recreation they
wanted in the area
Skate park shelter with seating – somewhere to get out of the sun and rain and to hang out.
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Needs assessment of young people in the Mt Barker Council District – November 2009