Why has Council developed these strategies?

    Council is developing a Parks and Play Strategy and Public Amenity Strategy so that we can make informed decisions on the planning, provision and management of parks, playgrounds and public amenities to meet the needs of the community now and in the future.

    What is the focus of this study?

    The focus of this study is Council managed parks, playgrounds and public amenities that are publicly accessible. These include large parks like Speers Point Park and smaller parks like Russell Reserve, Adamstown Heights and Pendlebury Park, Bonnells Bay.

    What will the strategies provide?

    These strategies will provide a long-term vision and framework for the planning, provision and management of Lake Mac’s park, playground and public amenity network. The community’s input has been combined with the detailed research, site assessments, demand projections and issues analysis. The strategies on Public Exhibition aim to balance current and projected resources with the priorities that emerged from the research and community consultation undertaken.

    What is not included as part of this Strategy?

    Skate parks, BMX tracks, outdoor fitness equipment and dog off-leash areas are not included as part of these strategies.

    Benefits of parks

    Parks and public open space support the health and wellbeing of our residents.  Parks and open spaces are places where our residents and visitors to the city can relax, enjoy nature, be physically active and play.  They provide locations for people to gather and socialise, helping people to make connections with one another and have a sense of belonging in our growing community.  They provide opportunities to escape the built environment, and improved amenity provides habitat for wildlife and improve air quality.

    Our parks and playspaces benefit our community:

    1. Physically and mentally by promoting physical activity and active lifestyles, reducing illness and disease, improving mental health and creating a sense of wellbeing.
    2. Socially by generating stronger and more connected communities with improved social interaction and inclusion through provision of active and vibrant community hubs, access to facilities and resources and opportunities for volunteering and involvement.
    3. Environmentally by developing well-planned and attractive settings encouraging active transport and use of public parks and leisure facilities. The provision of parks and green environments also include temperature reduction and mitigation of the urban heat island effect; air quality improvement; management of storm water reducing the incidence of flooding and water-borne disease; ecosystem support and biodiversity enhancement.
    4. Economically by reducing health care cost through reduction in disease and illness associated with lack of physical activity and social interaction.  A park and public space network can also provide local employment and investment opportunities and contributes to maintaining a healthy workforce.  

    Benefits of play

    Research shows that play has many benefits for children, including:

    • increasing their self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-respect
    • improving and maintaining their physical and mental health
    • giving them the opportunity to socialise with other children
    • allowing them to increase their confidence through developing new skills
    • promoting their imagination, independence, and creativity
    • offering opportunities for all abilities and backgrounds to play together
    • providing opportunities for developing social skills and learning
    • building resilience through risk taking and challenge, problem solving, and dealing with new and novel situations
    • providing opportunities to learn about the environment and wider community.


    Evidence also supports wider benefits of play to include:

    • parents feeling secure knowing their children are happy, safe and enjoying themselves
    • families benefit from healthier, happier children
    • play services are frequently seen as a focal point for communities
    • offers opportunities for social interaction for the wider community and supports the development of a greater sense of community spirit and cohesion
    • public outside spaces have an important role in the everyday lives of children and young people, especially as a place for meeting friends
    • parks and other green spaces are popular with adults taking young children out to play and for older children to spend time together.

    What is in the draft Parks and Play Strategy

    This draft Strategy focuses on Council managed parks and open spaces that provide for informal and non-organised outdoor recreation. These are the spaces and places you go to for relaxation, picnics with friends and family, informal exercise, children's and adults play, reconnecting with nature and enjoying the outdoors.

    What is the draft Public Amenities Strategy?

    This draft Strategy will guide Council's future investment in upgrading, replacing or building public amenities, in a sustainable and equitable way.

    What previous consultation was undertaken?

    In late 200, we asked the community to give feedback on how we could improve parks and playspaces in their neighbourhood, and to give examples of other spaces that should be considered in the future.

    Congratulations to Mr Dave Goff who won an iPad as a result of providing feedback in the last round of consultation.

    The information collected from the community fed into the development of the draft Strategies, now on public exhibition.

    How to provide feedback

    After reviewing the draft Strategies you can:

    • Make a submission via the online form or by emailing [email protected]
    • Submissions may also be sent by mail to

               ATT: Donna Mitchell

               Lake Macquarie City Council

               Box 1906, Hunter Region

               Mail Centre, NSW 2310.