Update: At the December 2020 meeting, Council adopted the Inclusive Play Space Study. The consultation summary report, Council report and final Strategy are available to view at the 'Documents Library'.

Project Background

Waverley Council is committed to providing equitable and inclusive play spaces throughout the Waverley local government area (LGA).

In collaboration with the community, we developed an Inclusive Play Space Study. The aim of the study to provide strategic direction so everyone can play in Waverley, regardless of their age or ability.

The Inclusive Play Space Study is a supporting document to Council’s Play Space Strategy 2014—2029 providing key guidance on access, inclusion and equity when we plan and design new play spaces. This study also explores exciting new concepts such as providing for intergenerational play.

See 'Documents Library' to view the draft Inclusive Play Space Study.

We want to make sure everyone can play in our LGA!

Round 1 Consultation Summary

1 July to 30 September 2019. 173 people provided feedback. There were 14 play spaces identified and assessed as suitable for supporting inclusive play.

To ensure the Study captured a broad cross-section of people, we invited 65 organisations who work, live with, or support people with disabilities to participate as well as inviting the broader community.

Key findings of the consultation were:

1. The most visited play spaces in Waverley for people with a disability are Queens Park, Bondi Park, Bronte Park, and Waverley Park.

Reasons for selection included:

• Proximity to home or school
• Inclusive equipment and activities
• Fenced with secure gates
• Accessible paths and ramps
• Spaciousness
• Accessible parking
• Playgrounds designed with Inclusive Principles (eg. areas to have time away from others if needed).

2. Feedback received provided clear guidance about types of play experience people would like in an inclusive play space, as follows:

• Nature Play (natural materials and equipment)
• Solo and Quiet Play (intimate spaces for watching others playing and having no prescribed program for play)
• Sensory Play (natural materials and specialist equipment
• Free Play Spaces (unencumbered grassed open areas)
• Physical Play (different ways of being physically active)
• Imaginative Play (an overall themed setting or a smaller whimsical item)
• Social Play (activities that work best with a group of people)
• Cognitive Play (intellectual challenges and puzzles)

In order for a play space to support a visit by people with disabilities, accessible supportive features should include shade, fencing of play space, nearby parking, nearby toilets, picnic tables, accessible paths, drinking water and group seating.

The full consultation report is available to view in the Document Library, split into three parts — Executive Summary, Main Body, and Appendix.

The feedback received in the first round of consultation was used to develop the draft Inclusive Play Space Study.

Consultation round 2 - How gathered feedback:

Consultation on the draft Inclusive Play Space Study ran for six weeks until 8 November 2020.

• Online survey
• Online webinar
• Written feedback via email or mail
• Stakeholder meetings
• Have Your Say Days

The Draft Inclusive Play Space Study Public Exhibition survey has now concluded.