Southern Grampians Rethinks the Future of Play
Published on 02 October 2026
Southern Grampians Shire Council is preparing to reshape the way it plans, designs and invests in play spaces, by seeking feedback on a new 10-year draft strategy set to guide the future of playgrounds across the region.
The Draft Play Space Strategy 2026–2036, now open for engagement, proposes a shift beyond traditional playgrounds towards engaging, inclusive and creative spaces that support children's development, encourage community connection and offer meaningful experiences for people of all ages and abilities. Council's Recreation, Assets and Works teams have collaborated on the Strategy, which will replace playground and skate park policies dating back to 2014 and 2003 respectively.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said play spaces were about much more than keeping children entertained.
"We want to make sure the spaces we provide reflect how children play today, while creating places that families and communities can enjoy well into the future,” said Cr Heslin. "What that means is thinking beyond the traditional slide and swing and looking at how we can create spaces that stimulate the imagination, encourage more movement and bring people together."
The Strategy establishes a 10-year framework for managing, maintaining, renewing and developing play spaces across Southern Grampians. The strategy will provide a consistent approach to decisions about ageing or deteriorating facilities, future investment priorities and the design of new play spaces.
Proposed priorities include diverse spaces that encourage creativity, imagination and social interaction, nature play that draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape and physical challenges that support adventurous play. Another emphasis in the design will be accessibility for people of all ages and abilities as well as shade, shelter and space to encourage connection.
Importantly, the Strategy establishes the principles and decision-making framework that will guide future investment and planning, which will influence how the Council invests in play spaces and playground renewal.
Under the proposed approach, play space projects would receive funding across a two-year cycle, with $50,000 allocated for engagement, scoping and concept design in the first year, followed by $350,000 for construction and renewal in the second year.
"Good play spaces should give children a reason to stay a little longer, maybe push themselves to try something new and to make memories," Cr Heslin said.
"This Strategy is about making thoughtful, long-term decisions so our investment delivers the greatest possible value for our community."
Community consultation is open now and will run until 16 October 2026. Check out the ‘Engage With Us’ section of our website for all the details.
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