Early engagement for the OSSMP review

Understanding community needs is critical to the development of the OSSMP and accordingly we undertook social research and community engagement including a survey, as well as 100 hours of face to face interviews at various reserves and playgrounds through the city between November 2023 and January 2024.

During the engagement 1786 people visited the Your Say page. We heard from 434 people who completed the online survey, 515 people who completed the quick poll, and 109 people who participated in face to face interviews, all of whom were residents of the City of Onkaparinga.

Survey and interviews outcomes

Online survey and face to face interview participants were asked the same questions regarding parks/reserves and playground usage, their views on these and suggestions on what would encourage them to visit more often.

Through the survey and interviews we heard:

• The main reasons people visit parks and reserves in Onkaparinga is for leisure and children’s entertainment/play.
• Overall satisfaction is higher for parks and reserves compared to playgrounds.
• Quality restrooms, availability of sheltered areas, and the safety of fenced-in spaces were identified as important factors for increasing visitation to our playgrounds.

Playgrounds: Quantity versus quality

The quick poll asked one question about quantity v’s quality playgrounds and specifically if they preferred more playgrounds with less equipment, or fewer playgrounds with more equipment.

Of the quick poll respondents, 75 per cent indicated a preference for fewer playgrounds that have more equipment and are within a 10-minute walk of most households.

The same question was asked as part of the longer survey and interviews, where 77 per cent of respondents also preferred fewer playgrounds with more equipment.

*Based on survey and interview responses.

Engagement on the draft OSSMP

Community engagement on the draft Open Space Strategic Management Plan and its key principles was undertaken between 18 November 2024 and 16 March 2025.

You can read the full feedback report including analysis of the results and all verbatim comments (anonymised) in the report presented to Council on 15 July 2025.

Survey responses

Playgrounds

Playground quality over quantity principle

287 people responded to this question.

• 46 per cent of respondents supported the principle. Supporters indicated they valued larger, better equipped playgrounds and were willing to travel further for improved play experiences.
• 40 per cent of respondents did not support the principle. Those not in support strongly favoured retaining local playgrounds, citing frequent use and concern over their potential removal.
• 14 per cent of respondents were undecided, expressing interest in the principle but raising concerns about long-term impacts and the potential future sale of land.

Neighbourhood level or higher playground within 1km of most households principle

287 people responded to this question.

• 62 per cent respondents supported this principle. Those in support indicated 1km as a reasonable walking distance and expressing a preference for better equipped playgrounds.
• 25 per cent did not support the principle and raised concerns about accessibility, particularly for families with mobility challenges or limited footpath infrastructure. They also emphasised the importance of local playgrounds for child development in high density areas.
• 13 per cent were undecided.

Increasing urban greening and biodiversity

101 people responded to this question.

• 70 per cent of people responding to this question supported the proposal to increase urban greening, biodiversity and climate resilience in open spaces through the repurposing of parks where playgrounds have been decommissioned. Those in support citied a desire for more native plantings, increased tree cover and retention of open space.
• 14 per cent did not support the proposal with common concerns including opposition to playground removal, fears that land may be sold and a perception that open spaces are not being adequately maintained.
• 16 per cent were undecided.

Additional dog park with council rate increase

74 people responded to this question.

• 42 per cent of respondents supported the provision of a fifth dog park, if this required rates to be increased. Those in support cited overcrowding and limited yard space as reasons for needing an additional dog park.
• 49 per cent did not support, indicating concerns about the cost, dog/owner behaviour and existing availability.
• 9 per cent were undecided.

Other feedback

In addition to the online survey community members had the opportunity to provide feedback via in person drop-in sessions or by letter, email or phone call.

The feedback received by these other means closely mirrored the comments provided in the official Your Say online survey.