Moved by Councillor Ellsmore, seconded by
Councillor Thompson –
It is resolved that:
(A)
Council
note:
(i)
playgrounds
play a vital role in the wellbeing of children and communities. They are a
vital support for children’s development, social interaction, creativity and
imagination, emotional and cognitive growth, and the development of risk-taking
and problem-solving skills. They also provide opportunities for
intergenerational play and offer adults stress relief, improved brain function
and physical health, stronger social bonds and enhanced creativity;
(ii)
many
standard playgrounds include equipment and design features that are not
suitable or safe for people with disability;
(iii)
the
City of Sydney is committed to ensuring playgrounds and public spaces are
accessible for everyone. The City of Sydney is increasingly including inclusive
design features and play equipment in council playgrounds, recreation areas and
other public spaces;
(iv)
playgrounds
which are designed as “all-abilities playgrounds” are purposefully designed so
that people with a wide range of needs can play together, with minimal
barriers. Well-designed “all ability playgrounds” are developed with feedback
from local families and disability support organisations, and prioritise
meeting the diversity need of people living with a disability;
(v)
all-abilities
playgrounds prioritise disability inclusion and the inclusion of diverse spaces
that might not otherwise be available in smaller playgrounds. This can include:
diverse equipment at different levels for a range of age, size and challenge
levels, swings and other play equipment that can accommodate a wheelchair or
participation of a person and their carer together; step free entry to
equipment, gentle ramps, ground-level platforms and wheelchair-friendly
carousels; sensory-rich zones and safe retreat spaces; clear lighting and
accessible pathways between transport to the park and the playgrounds to
encourage people from across the Local Government Area (LGA) or the region to
visit; and
(vi)
several
other councils across NSW - including the Inner West, Sutherland Shire, and
Wollongong - have recently adopted strategies to prioritise delivering, or have
delivered, all abilities” playgrounds which is designed to be fully inclusive,
ensuring people of all abilities can play, learn and participate equally;
(B)
Council
further note:
(i)
with
5,812 residents living with a disability in the City of Sydney, and 1.3 million
people with disability across NSW, ensuring play spaces reflect this diversity
and are accessible to everyone is a priority for the community;
(ii)
the
City of Sydney’s Inclusion (Disability) Action Plan 2025–2029 commits the City
to “continue to improve the accessibility of streets, footpaths, parks and open
places through renewal programs, upgrades and new capital works projects, in
line with the inclusive and accessible public domain policy and guidelines” and
to “explore opportunities to provide designated quiet spaces and quiet times,
places for sensory seeking and places for respite in City of Sydney facilities,
including parks and playgrounds”; and
(iii)
Council
is currently updating its Open Space, Sports and Recreation Needs Study, which
will help identify and guide the development of future playgrounds, parks and
other public spaces in the City of Sydney LGA. The study will consider
accessibility, and is likely to be tabled at the March 2026 Council meeting;
and
(C)
the
Chief Executive Officer be requested to:
(i)
assess
and consider the inclusion of all-abilities spaces or playgrounds in the Open
Space, Sport and Recreation Needs Study 2026; and
(ii)
include
consideration of:
(a)
existing
and planned accessible playgrounds in the City of Sydney LGA and nearby LGAs;
(b)
accessible
transport connections to and from play spaces, including continuous accessible
paths of travel and appropriate parking;
(c)
best-practice
models from other NSW councils, including Wollongong City Council, which have
delivered high-quality all-abilities playgrounds or otherwise expanded
recreational opportunities for children with disabilities; and
(d)
feedback
from local families about the need for accessible play spaces for people living
with disability.
Carried unanimously, as part of an in globo
motion.
X113765