Monash Council is seeking community feedback on its strategy to improve playspaces in Monash.
Feedback from residents and community groups will help shape the Playground and Playspace Strategy (Strategy) which is being updated to include a 10-year upgrade program aimed to start in 2025/26.
The Strategy outlines a planned, equitable and sustainable approach to the management of 139 playgrounds across the City of Monash, from small pocket playgrounds, with 3 to 5 play pieces, to regional destination playspaces, such as Waverley Park Lake playground in Mulgrave and Valley Conservation Reserve playground in Mount Waverley.
Monash Mayor, Cr Tina Samardzija said the Strategy supports Council’s commitment to accessible and high-quality open spaces.
“This renewed Strategy will deliver on Council’s vision of ensuring all children in Monash have fun, well-designed and well-maintained outdoor play areas to assist in their physical, cognitive, emotional and social development,” said Cr Samardzija.
“As some of the first recreational spaces children encounter, playgrounds are a vital part of our residents’ lives. They encourage healthy and active habits from an early age, and they act as important public gathering points and green spaces for neighbourhoods.’
“Over the past five years, Council has invested $11.4 million in 29 playgrounds and playspaces across Monash, with the support of the Victorian Government. A strong and cohesive Strategy that includes the community’s feedback will ensure we are well placed to continue serving our residents’ needs.”
Council’s commitment to accessible playspaces was recognised in 2021, when the upgraded Wellesley Sensory Playspace won a state-level Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) Award of Excellence for its innovative design and inclusive play elements. Council’s Westerfield Drive Sensory Playspace and Progress Park and Cameron Avenue Playspace projects are also finalists in the 2023 PLA awards for Victoria and Tasmania.
Residents and community groups can view the current Strategy and contribute their ideas at Shape Monash until 27 August 2023. Families are particularly encouraged to submit feedback from children and young people in the household, with the option to upload children’s drawings to the survey.
