The Open Space Strategic Management Plan sets the direction for the future of parks, reserves, and playgrounds across the City of Onkaparinga. The Open Space Strategic Management Plan (OSSMP) undergoes council review every five years.
In alignment with the Community Vision 2034, the draft OSSMP aimed to ensure that our open spaces will continue to serve the growing needs of our community.
The community was invited to review the draft Open Space Strategic Management Plan and provide feedback between 18 November 2024 and 16 March 2025, helping us shape a future that supports quality spaces for all.
The draft OSSMP was developed with the following in mind:
Community-centred approach: The draft OSSMP was built on extensive community feedback, ensuring that the open spaces we develop and maintain reflect the desires and priorities of our residents. This involved community engagement from 29 November 2023 to 31 January 2024, including online surveys via Your Say Onkaparinga, and face-to-face interviews.
Quality over quantity: The plan emphasised enhancing the quality of our playgrounds rather than simply increasing their number. It aimed to ensure playgrounds and parks are safe, accessible, and cater to a wide range of recreational needs.
Social research: The plan was also informed by comprehensive open space social research which provided benchmarking data and trend analysis, and by assessments of our playgrounds, shade, and public toilet facilities.
Population needs: As our region continues to grow, the draft OSSMP aimed to ensure that we will have enough high-quality parks and facilities to meet the demands of our expanding population.
Sustainable future: The plan was focused on long-term sustainability, preventing an unsustainable financial burden for future maintenance and upgrades. This ensures that our open spaces will continue to serve the community without compromising future resources.
Balanced renewal and replacement: By renewing key regional and district playgrounds and responsibly managing the replacement of smaller neighbourhood spaces, the plan aimed to deliver a balanced approach to open space management that aligns with community preferences.
Support for active lifestyles: Open spaces are essential for promoting healthy, active lifestyles and mental well-being. The OSSMP plays a key role in supporting these values, contributing to a higher quality of life for all residents.
Engagement and participation: We encouraged everyone to get involved and provide feedback. Community input is critical to ensuring that the final plan aligns with community needs and expectations.
Draft OSSMP principles
The principles in the draft OSSMP guide the sustainable development, management, and preservation of our parks, reserves, and playgrounds, while also informing future housing developments.
Key areas covered by these principles included:
- Open space provision: Ensuring sufficient open space that supports biodiversity, habitat protection, and climate change initiatives like urban greening and landfill reduction.
- Playground provision: Maintaining an equitable distribution of high-quality playgrounds, including renewals and supporting infrastructure such as shade, toilets, fencing, and recreation areas.
- Financial responsibility: Balancing sustainability with the provision of facilities to ensure the plan remains within our financial forecasts.
