Maribyrnong council is in the process of developing a new play strategy, which aims to improve the quality and safety of play for local children.
The new play strategy will guide the planning, future provision and improvement of play in Maribyrnong, council said.
This includes playgrounds, skate parks, half basketball/netball courts, street play, and outdoor fitness equipment.
Mayor Cuc Lam said the strategy would help support learning and development of the municipality’s youngest residents.
“We know play is important in childhood development. It helps children, young people and adults to be active and healthy, to connect with others, learn new skills, be creative, problem solve and have fun,” she said.
There are currently 72 Council-owned play spaces in our municipality but play occurs well beyond those spaces. Once developed, the new Strategy will help Council allocate funding over the next 10 years to upgrade or develop these existing play spaces and consider how play can be integrated into everyday activities.
“We want to find out what you like about play in Maribyrnong, what suggestions you have, or what ideas you have to make them better. Nobody knows what makes a great place to play better than you, so we want to hear what you love best,” Cr Lam said.
Council said community feedback, along with feedback on the Passport to Play Resource, a review of existing spaces, and an understanding of trends in play, will help inform the development of a draft play strategy in 2025.
Feedback can be submitted via council’s website until midnight, Sunday, September 15.
A drop-in session will be held at Aeroplane Park, 107 Chruchill Avenue, Braybrook, from 2pm-4pm, on Sunday, September 1.
Details: yourcityyourvoice.com.au/play
Lara Prust