The City of Onkaparinga has adopted a revised open space plan based on community input.
The revised Open Space Strategic Management Plan (OSSMP) reflects feedback from the community and local members of parliament, ensuring a smarter, more sustainable investment in parks, reserves and play spaces across the city.
In response to feedback, the council reduced the access distance to play spaces from a proposed one kilometre to 750 metres, so most households will have a play space within easy reach. The 750-metre model balances good access with long-term financial responsibility.
The council also responded to strong support for greener, more climate-resilient spaces.
As a result, sites where small play spaces are not renewed will not be lost. They will be reimagined with trees, irrigated grass, biodiversity plantings and even community gardens.
Other key updates based on feedback include:
- aligning footpath and open space projects to improve access
- retaining irrigation to support greener reimagined sites
- a clear commitment to ongoing community engagement as renewals and projects progress.
The final OSSMP aligns with the council’s Long-Term Financial Plan and its Community Vision 2034. It supports active lifestyles, climate resilience and a well-connected network of high-quality open spaces.
Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said she was pleased the council adopted the revised plan at its July meeting.
“The revised plan reflects what we’ve heard from our community and local representatives including members of parliaments. We’ve listened and turned that feedback into action,” she said.
"This is not about cutting costs – our overall play space budget is not being reduced.
“We’re simply investing more wisely, putting more into bigger, better play spaces that serve more people, and reimagining smaller spaces to benefit the environment and neighbourhoods."
The council will continue engaging with residents as individual play spaces are identified for renewal.
Visit Your Say Onkaparinga for updates and upcoming opportunities to get involved.