Public Open Space Plan 2016-2031

Having access to high quality public open space can be as important as provision itself. This is a fundamental pillar of the strategy, which considers access from a number of perspectives, including the distance residents need to travel, the barriers they may need to overcome to get to public open space and whether paths of travel to parks and playgrounds, as well as those within them, are access friendly. The reviewing and updating of Council's public open space strategy has been undertaken in context and the State Government's strategy of continuing to encourage better quality and improved access to public open space in the long term.

Guiding principle

The overall guiding principle of the strategy regards community health and wellbeing. Research throughout the world recognises the significant health benefits regular exposure to natural phenomena such as trees, plants and grass brings to humans. Visiting public open space is often the only regular opportunity many city dwellers have to experience such natural phenomena. In addition public open space provides opportunities for passive and active recreation.

Banyule's strategy also recognises the importance play, natural environment and landscapes has in the health and wellbeing of the community generally, as well as in the physical, social and psychological development.