NSW/ACT Resources

PART ONE

The first part of the Trails of the Future webinar explored the evolution and future of mountain biking in Australia, focusing on the growing demand for sustainable and inclusive trail networks. Hosted by Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) NSW/ACT and led by Rowan Lamont of Blue Sky Trails, the session offered insights into the history of mountain biking, its increasing popularity, and the strategic challenges and opportunities for trail development.

Rowan outlined the origins of mountain biking, highlighting its progression from grassroots fun in the 1970s to a global phenomenon embraced by diverse user groups. He stressed the significant economic, health, and social benefits trails can bring to local communities. Statistics showed a doubling in participation over the past five years, with growing inclusivity, such as increased female involvement and the integration of adaptive cycling.

The session emphasized balancing user experience with environmental and cultural sustainability. Examples like the Tweed Shire’s Uki Mountain Bike Park demonstrated how trails could provide economic boosts and public health benefits when planned responsibly. Attendees also learned about governance models and the critical role of collaboration between councils, clubs, and community stakeholders in maintaining trail networks.

Rowan introduced five operational models for councils to manage trails, ranging from fully council-operated systems to hybrid approaches with volunteer or commercial involvement. He addressed challenges like user expectations, environmental impacts, and resource allocation, advocating for clear governance frameworks to ensure trail sustainability.

PART TWO

The second session of the Trails of the Future series expanded on the exciting yet challenging aspects of trail development, focusing on sustainability, community engagement, and best practices for mountain bike trails. Presented by Rowan and supported by Parks Leisure Australia, this webinar provided actionable insights and real-world examples.

Key topics included:

• Feasibility and Design: Exploring the critical steps in trail development, including balancing user needs, environmental sustainability, and cultural heritage. The Australian Mountain Bike Trail Guidelines were highlighted as a valuable resource for planning and management.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis was placed on how data supports trail management, from feasibility studies to ongoing maintenance. Rowan showcased tools like trail audits and user monitoring systems, which help councils maintain quality and mitigate risks.
• Community and Environmental Impact: Addressing the challenges posed by unsanctioned trails and engaging communities early in the planning process to align goals and expectations. Rowan shared case studies demonstrating successful collaborations between councils, volunteers, and environmental groups.

The “Evolving Public Spaces” webinar brought together experts to explore the intersection of health, resilience, and equity in urban design. The event began with an inspiring keynote presentation by Mitchell Silver, a globally recognized urban planner and former New York City Parks Commissioner, followed by an insightful panel discussion featuring Australian leaders in urban planning, health, and community development.

Keynote Highlights: Mitchell Silver

Mitchell Silver shared transformative insights from his tenure in New York City, where he reimagined public spaces as vital infrastructure for health, community cohesion, and climate resilience. He emphasized three strategic priorities for the future of parks:

1. Equity, Access, and Inclusion

   • Parks must serve as equitable spaces for all communities, reflecting fairness in both design and resource allocation.
   • He highlighted New York City’s Community Parks Initiative, which transformed neglected parks in marginalized neighborhoods to ensure all residents had access to quality public spaces.

2. Planning and Placemaking

   • Parks should be designed as vibrant, multifunctional outdoor “living rooms” that foster social interaction and well-being.
   • Mitchell emphasized the importance of using public spaces to respond to shifting trends like climate change, mental health needs, and post-pandemic behavior.

3. Care, Not Just Maintenance

   • Silver advocated for a “culture of care,” where parks are seen not as utilitarian spaces but as cherished community assets that inspire pride and stewardship.

Notable Initiatives:

• Parks Without Borders: Removing barriers like fences to make parks more accessible and integrated into urban life.
• Cool Pools Program: Low-budget transformations of outdated swimming facilities into vibrant, resort-like spaces.
• Juneteenth Grove: A reflective space created in response to social unrest, embodying empathy, history, and community healing.

Silver concluded by urging urban professionals to commit to designing spaces that promote joy, equity, and environmental sustainability, reminding attendees that parks are essential for societal well-being.

Panel Discussion

The panel brought an Australian perspective, featuring experts such as Joshua French (Greater Sydney Parklands), Tim Bell and Jono Hookey (Bradfield Development Authority), Alison Dunchy (Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District), and Professor Thomas Astlebert (University of Sydney). They addressed challenges and opportunities in creating inclusive, resilient public spaces.

Key Themes:

1. Adapting to Urbanization and Climate Change

   • Josh French emphasized the need for resilient parks that adapt to urban density and climate conditions, including lighting for nighttime use and drought-tolerant landscapes.
   • Panelists agreed on integrating natural ecosystems into urban planning to mitigate climate impacts and improve urban liveability.

2. First Nations Perspectives

   • Tim Bell and Jono Hookey highlighted the importance of collaborating with Traditional Custodians to embed cultural knowledge into public space design, as exemplified in the Bradfield City Centre project.

3. Health and Well-being

   • Alison Dunchy stressed the role of parks in addressing public health challenges, particularly in fostering mental health and community connections post-COVID.
   • Professor Astlebert discussed leveraging nature-based solutions to improve physical and mental health outcomes, advocating for interdisciplinary approaches.

4. Community Engagement and Equity

   • The panel underscored the need for participatory design processes that prioritize underserved communities and ensure equitable distribution of green spaces.

Conclusion

The webinar underscored the critical role of parks and public spaces in shaping healthier, more equitable, and resilient cities. Mitchell Silver’s inspiring global perspective, paired with the Australian panel’s local expertise, offered a comprehensive roadmap for the future of urban spaces.

NSW/ACT joined SPORTENG as they lead an informative webinar focused on addressing the waterlogging issues affecting fields of play and discussed preventive measures or solutions.

In this webinar you will:

• Explore the common issues causing waterlogging, such as poor drainage and heavy usage.
• Learn about the effective solutions to enhance field resilience: turf management plans, including site assessments, stormwater management, and regular maintenance practices.
• Learn how to improve the playability and longevity of your sports fields despite adverse weather conditions.

View the recording HERE.

In the Child Protection in Sports, Leisure, and Open Spaces webinar, we were joined by speakers Mark Lorenti and Marco Blanco. They both highlighted some very important aspects of child protection in the industry.

Mark discussed what is child safety and why is it important? He was able to go into detail about the 10 Child Safe Standards and what each organisation needs to do. He also highlighted the importance of undertaking the Child Safe Self-Assessment and the Child Safe Sport e-learning. Marco went into detail about the legal obligations outside of the child safe standards including the law reform, and also strategies to create a child safe organisation.

View the recording HERE.