Maitland's continuing population growth and the demand for facilities such as play areas, has prompted an investigation into the construction of a 'playground of significance' for the city.
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Maitland City Council is currently working on a Community Infrastructure Plan (CIP) which investigates contemporary trends in the planning and provision of infrastructure such as playgrounds.
A key chapter contained within the plan is play spaces, providing a detailed strategy for play involving a play hierarchy, play categories, preferred rates of provision and design guidelines.
Details about the CIP were revealed at a recent council meeting following a notice of motion from Cr Philip Penfold to look at additional play facilities which would cater for all abilities and ages.
Cr Penfold said Singleton, Stockton, Speers Point, Tamworth, and Canberra are a few examples of where, in recent years, councils have constructed significant play areas, both for residents, and as a tourism drawcard.
Often cafes are available within or adjacent to these facilities.
Judy Jaeger, council's Group Manager Culture, Community and Recreation, said council has a strong legacy of providing community infrastructure and is proud of the regionally significant venues and diverse range of local, district and citywide facilities the city has to offer.
"Planning and providing community infrastructure is one of council's most important roles and is essential to our economy, our wellbeing and our social cohesion. We need to plan for the upgrade of existing facilities, invest in new facilities and identify new ways of meeting our growing community infrastructure needs," Ms Jaeger said.
"Good planning will inform our community priorities, encourage innovation in design, provide for future investment and opportunities to partner in the delivery of community infrastructure that supports a growing, active, socially engaged, culturally rich and healthy community for the years to come."
The CIP will be presented to council by October 2020 and then placed on public exhibition for community feedback. Following the community consultation period a report on the CIP will be presented to council for adoption.
A report that specifically addresses the need for an additional citywide play space could be presented to council early next year.
