Bayswater: City to consider children of all ages in play space strategy

THE City of Bayswater is set to assess whether its play spaces cater for children of all ages, as part of a citywide play space strategy.

Bayswater Council decided to consider inclusion to develop a citywide play space strategy as part of the 2017-2021 corporate business plan, at a meeting held this month.

An external consultant would develop the strategy.

Deputy Mayor Stephanie Coates, who was acting Mayor at the meeting and put forward the motion, said play was a basic human right.

“Our demographics have changed, I think we need to be catering for the community,” she said.

“We do parks and gardens well… play spaces should also be looked at.”

Cr Coates said play space was not just playgrounds, but also skate parks, spray grounds and pump tracks.

She said a Catalyse community perception survey carried out earlier in the year showed a priority for the community was playgrounds.

Cr Catherine Ehrhardt said they needed to look at the strategy with such a pressure for urban infill.

Cr Sally Palmer asked about financial implications of developing the strategy.

Community services director Jo Sadler said she worked on a similar strategy when she was the City of Subiaco community development director and they spent $100,000 to $150,000.

She said the strategy was a significant piece of work and would be “great for City to have”.

Cr Michelle Sutherland said the City has a lack of play options for early adolescents.