Keith Stephenson Park Playspace Upgrade

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Consultation has concluded

CONTEXT & PROJECT BACKGROUND

Keith Stephenson Park is the premier district reserve for the Council area. It hosts major events such as carols by candlelight and is a meeting place for families across the district. It is located on the Laratinga Trail, a shared use path that is the spine of the open space network and links as far as Newnham Estate and the Summit Sport and Recreation Park.

The playspace upgrade on Keith Stephenson Park (KSP) proposes to focus on inclusivity, with ‘something for everyone’ as one of the key principles behind the design. This includes integrating nature play experiences with more traditional constructed play equipment. Analysis undertaken by Council and early engagement with local parents of children with disabilities has shown that there is currently a gap in the district wide open space network for these user groups. The upgrade also aims to bring the level of the playground in line with the parks district status and contemporary thinking around playgrounds.

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

There was strong community participation during the engagement period from March to April 2022. The feedback from the community was collated, reported to, and acknowledged by Council Members. As a result of the community feedback, some significant amendments were made to the original concept and scope as follows:

  • Inclusion of shade sails over the playground for sun protection
  • Inclusion of water play in the nature play zone
  • Inclusion of more seating around the play area
  • Fencing around the children's play area

A community consultation snapshot report can be viewed: Community Consultation Snapshot 

The final concept plan was endorsed by Council at the 1 August 2022 Council Meeting.

CONSTRUCTION

Construction on the new playspace is scheduled to begin in April 2023 with a completion date in Summer 2023/24. Works will include:

  • Ordering play equipment and materials,
  • Undergrounding of overhead powerlines,
  • Decommission the existing playground, and
  • Construction of the new playspace

CONTEXT & PROJECT BACKGROUND

Keith Stephenson Park is the premier district reserve for the Council area. It hosts major events such as carols by candlelight and is a meeting place for families across the district. It is located on the Laratinga Trail, a shared use path that is the spine of the open space network and links as far as Newnham Estate and the Summit Sport and Recreation Park.

The playspace upgrade on Keith Stephenson Park (KSP) proposes to focus on inclusivity, with ‘something for everyone’ as one of the key principles behind the design. This includes integrating nature play experiences with more traditional constructed play equipment. Analysis undertaken by Council and early engagement with local parents of children with disabilities has shown that there is currently a gap in the district wide open space network for these user groups. The upgrade also aims to bring the level of the playground in line with the parks district status and contemporary thinking around playgrounds.

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

There was strong community participation during the engagement period from March to April 2022. The feedback from the community was collated, reported to, and acknowledged by Council Members. As a result of the community feedback, some significant amendments were made to the original concept and scope as follows:

  • Inclusion of shade sails over the playground for sun protection
  • Inclusion of water play in the nature play zone
  • Inclusion of more seating around the play area
  • Fencing around the children's play area

A community consultation snapshot report can be viewed: Community Consultation Snapshot 

The final concept plan was endorsed by Council at the 1 August 2022 Council Meeting.

CONSTRUCTION

Construction on the new playspace is scheduled to begin in April 2023 with a completion date in Summer 2023/24. Works will include:

  • Ordering play equipment and materials,
  • Undergrounding of overhead powerlines,
  • Decommission the existing playground, and
  • Construction of the new playspace
Consultation has concluded

  • Keith Stephenson Park Playspace - Final Concept Plan

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    Council has released the final concept plan for the play space upgrade for Keith Stephenson Park following community engagement in March and April this year.

    Shade structures and fencing around the children’s playground were the two most common suggestions from the community, both of which have been included in the final design.

    Other suggestions that have been added to the design are water play features, more seating near the play area and seating that can accommodate multiple group gatherings in the park.

    The upgrade of the play space at KSP is expected to be completed by mid-2023.