The Open Space Strategic Management Plan (OSSMP) undergoes council review every five years.

Social research was undertaken for this review of the OSSMP.

Understanding community needs is critical to the development of the OSSMP and accordingly we undertook 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% 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% of respondents also preferred fewer playgrounds with more equipment.

*Based on survey and interview responses.