Inclusive play, fun for all ages and high-quality facilities for the community are the focus of City of Darwin’s new Play Space Strategy, released today.
Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the new strategy would develop a network of high-quality play spaces that encouraged physical activity, social interaction and increased community use.
“Play is essential for the development of all children and it is so important for building physical, social and emotional skills,” Mr Vatskalis said.
“We want to make Darwin a safe, liveable and healthy city, and this strategy is one way to support the community to become more active,” he said.
Consultation with the community revealed key priorities were quality over quantity, as well as play spaces that cater to all ages within the community.
“We want people to stay at our parks and playgrounds longer and use them more, and we are confident this strategy will help us achieve this goal,” Mr Vatskalis said.
There are currently 155 play spaces, including 121 playgrounds, 16 exercise stations, 1 skate park and an obstacle course across Darwin.
The Play Space Strategy supports City of Darwin’s strategic direction for a ‘A Safe, Liveable and Healthy City’, which sets the goal that by 2030 Darwin residents will be more active and healthy.
The strategy supports City of Darwin’s management of playgrounds and active recreation sites. It assists Council to prioritise work with the resources available and it informs planning for our capital works program while setting a long-term vision to address the needs of the Darwin community.
Read the strategy: https://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/council/about-council/publications-and-forms/play-space-strategy-report.