Play Streets Pilot Project

Council is planning to pilot a Play Streets program in a small number of local streets and laneways throughout the Local Government Area (LGA). The pilot will inform a longer term position on the viability of a community led street play program for the LGA. The long term aim of the program is for communities to be empowered to run self-managed play streets events in their neighbourhood with support and advice from Council.

Background

The Play Streets Pilot Project is an action in the recently endorsed Recreation Needs Study - A Healthier Inner West. Read the study and how it was developed here

How Play Streets work

Play Streets involves the temporary closure of a quiet local street to enable children (and adults) to use the street as an urban playground. The closure typically happens on a weekend, and on other occasions agreed by local residents (weekly/monthly etc). Suitable locations are on streets where the temporary closure has limited impact on local traffic, support of the residents, and on streets with limited access to nearby open space.

Each Play Street is unique based on its local residents and what they enjoy doing. Residents may play handball or ride their bikes on the streets, while others might create an artwork on the pavement with chalk. Others may simply use the opportunity to meet and socialise with neighbours.

In the lead up to each pilot Play Street, a volunteer(s) from the street will liaise with Council to ensure approval for the street closure is obtained, and that barriers closing the street are placed in accordance with the approved Traffic Management Plan during the event. This volunteer(s) will also liaise with other local residents in the lead up, and request cars to be parked in other areas (where practical) during the event in order to maximise space.

It is envisaged that Council will provide a toolkit (which may include things like: information and ideas on Play Streets, chalk, skipping ropes etc) and a contact person to provide ongoing support for the pilot period.

Pilot Project Process

1. Phase 1 Nominations

Council took nominations from the community for suitable locations to pilot Play Streets in early 2019. Read a summary of the engagement here.

2. Phase 2 Shortlisting

Using the following criteria, four potential pilot program locations have been identified for further engagement with residents:

• Banks St, Ashfield
• Edgar St, Tempe
• Cary St, Leichhardt
• Charlecot St, Dulwich Hill

Criteria

• Prioritisation of streets in areas with reduced access to open space (purple areas in this proximity map from the Recreation Needs Study)
• The willingness of one or more volunteers to locally organise and liaise with Council
• The minimisation of traffic impacts to local residents and surrounding streets
• Street surface and surrounds are suitable and safe
• Reasonable distribution of pilot locations throughout the LGA

Note: these criteria are for the assessment of suitable pilot locations only. Updated criteria will be developed if Council decided to extend the project after the pilot has been evaluated.

Phase 2 On-site meetings for residents and near neighbours

• Charlecot St, Dulwich Hill: Monday 8 April, 2019 at 6pm (at angled parking area in front of The Graham Green)
• Edgar St, Tempe: Tuesday 9 April, 2019 at 6pm (in carpark at the Quarry complex)
• Banks St, Ashfield: Wednesday 10 April, 2019 at 6pm (in park area at end of the Banks St)
• Cary St, Leichhardt: Thursday 11 April, 2019 at 6pm (in Marr Reserve)

Nearby residents are invited to give their feedback - click through to the Phase 2 survey. The Phase 2 engagement closes on 30 April 2019.

3. Council decision on pilot locations

Following engagement with residents, recommendations for two or three pilot project locations will be reported to Council for its consideration.

4. Six month pilot

Council officers will work with residents of the selected streets to facilitiate the approval process and provide advice and support throughout the pilot.

5. Phase 3 Evaluation and next steps.

At the end of the pilot period residents will be asked to provide input into an evaluation. Using this information, a report will be prepared for Council on the success of the pilot projects and outcomes from the evaluation to inform the potential extension of Play Streets across the LGA.

Enquiries

Please contact Alistair Foggo, Recreation Development Officer on 9392 5241 alistair.foggo@innerwest.nsw.gov.au

Project updates

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