Peachey Belt Landscape Precinct Plan (12367 kb) - City of Playford

3.0 PLAYSPACES3.1 BackgroundThe philosophy behind the hierarchy of play spaceshas been developed in conjunction with the communitythrough targeted consultation projects. Communityengagement has identifi ed that many people appreciatethe opportunity to take part in physical activity andrecreation within our parks.The provision and management of playgrounds inpublic parks is one of the most common topics raisedby parents, families, older residents and young childrenwhen discussing what elements are most desired inopen space for community use.Shade, surveillance and safety, reserve size andirrigated open space, recreation facilities, landscapingand all weather path networks are regarded by parentsas some of the most important elements in open spacefor community use.Young children, the most common users of play areas,value land sculpture, variety in height and levels, uniqueand interesting shapes, natural elements and structuresthat can be used, though not necessarily designed, forplay.The approach to playground provision within thePlayford Alive Project will be less about providing moreof the same, but rather an approach to providing a morerobust, unique and highly appreciated play experience.It will be about going beyond a reliance and renewalof prefabricated play grounds, to enhancing allaspects of play areas to form integrated, natural andcreative elements in the community’s palette of playopportunities, ultimately making play an inherent part oflandscape planning.3.2 Planning ContextThe City of Playford recently drafted an open spacestrategy, the main purpose of which is to guide servicelevels for the design, management and maintenanceof various open space types. Playgrounds within thePeachey Belt will contribute to:ObjectiveManage open space as a conduit for community healthand wellbeing.Strategy 5Implement infrastructure programs that refl ect thecommunity expectations of each open space type.Principles guiding play space deliveryPlay areas in the Peachey Belt will be:1. Robust and SafeContain robust features that reduce the confidence ofvandalism. This extends to any landscape elementsincluding, public art, park fencing or bollard system,park furniture and vegetation. Solid components will bebuilt to last and not compromise safety or creativity byfocussing too much on one or the other.2. Natural and SustainableRather than focussing on pre fabricated kit playgroundsplay spaces will rely more on natural features of theopen space such as trees, rocks, and landform and assuch have longer life spans than traditional units.3. CreativeColours, levels, art and shapes. Plays paces willincorporate tactile designs that have no clear beginningor end within the broader setting.The result is a hierarchy of natural and built parkfeatures and furniture to the scale of the reserve inwhich it is located.city of playford august 200821