Open Space Strategy 2018-2028

Open space refers to a variety of publically accessible spaces within the urban environment that can be used for unstructured or organised recreation purposes. They are typically open in nature and contain green infrastructure such as grass, trees and plants and hard infrastructure such as sporting paths, seating, playspaces and the like. Some open spaces consist primarily of natural landscapes with few amenities. The Open Space Strategy and the accompanying Open Space Guidelines relate to open space that is owned or under the care and control of the City of Playford. The Strategy does not provide direction for Council’s major built recreation facilities such as the Tennis Centre, Aquadome and John McVeity Centre, streetscapes and organised sports facilities (the latter is addressed within the City of Playford Sportsground Study). Cycling and walking needs are primarily addressed within the City of Playford Cycling and Walking Strategy.
Home to over 90,000 people, the City of Playford area covers 345 square kilometres. Extending from the Adelaide Hills in the east to the Gulf St Vincent in the west, much of Playford’s population is concentrated around the suburban centre. Beyond this urbanised heart is a unique blend of open spaces, natural waterways, biodiversity and prime agricultural land.
Playford has various types of open space, some open spaces such as recreation parks, sportsgrounds and linear open spaces are more useable for recreation, whilst others are less useable. In total Council has 1,033 hectares of open space equating to 11.6 hectares of open space per 1,000 people, based on the 2016 Census population of 89,379 (3 hectares per 1,000 people is a minimum benchmark). Open space that is more useable for public recreation purposes (excludes minor parks, restricted sportsgrounds and windbreaks) equates to 657 hectares or 7.3 hectares per 1,000 people.