About this document

The Play Strategy is one of several strategic documents guiding a new approach to open space improvements in Frankston City. The Frankston Open Space Strategy 2016‐2036 is the overarching document and is supported by the Frankston Play Strategy and the Local Park Action Plan. The Frankston Play Strategy 2021 provides an overview and recommendations for all open space containing playspaces, including local parks. The Local Park Action Plan provides a framework for open space improvements for Local Parks that don’t contain playspaces. An outcome of the development of the Play Strategy and Local Park Action Plan, Council are changing the way they deliver open space improvements.

Strategic Council Documents for Open Space Improvements in Frankston City

Changing community expectations around play

Since Council last prepared a strategy the purpose and design for play in Frankston City has changed. There has been a shift from settings being mostly modular play equipment providing for physical activity, to more complex spaces that welcome, include and provide better amenity for the ‘whole’ community.

Furthermore, the impacts of the Covid‐19 Pandemic during 2020 / 21 and the resulting lockdown restrictions have highlighted the necessity of good quality ‘local’ access to open space and play for the health and wellbeing across the whole community, regardless of age or ability.

Current trends

A more diverse range of play types and settings are now trending globally. Alongside more traditional play equipment this includes; destination playspaces, nature play, adventure play, water play, digital play and more inclusive, intergenerational play.