Open Space Framework

Background

The Open Space Framework guides and priorities open space projects and upgrades across the City of Marion area and was endorsed by Council on 23 June 2020 (with a mid-life review scheduled for 2024. We have recently made some changes, and we invite you to review the updated framework.

Together the following documents form the framework:

• Open Space Plan - A ten year plan for the development and upgrade of our open spaces to ensure we deliver an even spread of appealing and functional spaces, based on asset life and other key criteria

• Open Space Methodology - Plans how we undertake the process of open space development from planning to community engagement and then delivery

• Open Space Service Levels - Gives us indicative costs for each site. Some sites are designed to a number of service levels, i.e. a playground, a 3 on 3 sports court and landscaping, to ensure we consider the whole open space

• Open Space Policy - (updated 2022) - Provides a plan and directs how we develop and manage open space

As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing our community's open spaces we have made some changes to the documents above. The updates have been informed by feedback received from the community.

The changes will ensure open spaces continue to meet the evolving and diverse needs and preferences of our residents whilst maintaining the safety of equipment and facilities. Council takes a strategic approach to planning the placement of its facilities, which aims to ensure that we provide adequate and equitable provision of open space and park facilities for all residents across the City to enjoy.

Open Space Framework Updates

1. Extension of the Open Space Plan to 2034

• To provide a ten year forward plan for Open Space Projects
• To ensure our playgrounds and open space facilities are upgraded at the end of the asset life
• To consider new open space developments such as Kaurna site activations and learn to ride tracks that will expand recreation offerings in our City.

2. Updated Service Levels

• Indicative costs have been updated to reflect the increased costs of goods and services
• Additional community garden, dog park and sport hierarchies have been included that reflect community need.

3. Land Purchase CEO delegation increase

• Increase the delegation of the CEO to purchase land for open space. This will allow the Council to move swiftly to purchase appropriate land for use for Open Space.

4. Other considerations:

• Some items have been removed from the Open Space Plan, such as some cycling and walking trails, as they now form part of other plans in Council.

Engagement on Open Space facilities

Recent engagements have captured community sentiment on the development of Open Space and include:

• 37 site specific consultations - for individual open space upgrades across the council area
• The Asset Management Strategy 2023 – 2033 Community Engagement demonstrated that Open Space Assets are the most important asset category for Council to focus on in the next 10 years.
• Toward 2040...Together city-wide consultation - 772 residents responded. This consultation successfully captured the importance of open space in the responses. The outcomes of the consultation show:
  • The community aspire for the City of Marion to be green and sustainable, with inviting spaces.
  • A focus on cooling and greening the street with trees and vegetation and nature-based recreation were service priorities.
  • Community is concerned with the built / nature balance.
  • There is an opportunity for the provision of more open space to improve liveability in areas of high urban infill.

Residents will still be consulted on individual projects over $50,000 through online surveys, onsite consultations and drop-in sessions promoted through, onsite signage, social media promotion and updates on the City of Marion website. To find out about any plans in your local reserve, park or playground and when upgrades are planned you can have a look here.