Creating a path for open spaces

IF you enjoy the open green spaces across the City of Ballarat, municipal officers are seeking your feedback.

A Ballarat Open Space Strategy 2023 is currently in development and is set to be influenced by the community’s thoughts on parks, reserves, sporting precincts, and natural areas.

City staff would like to hear perspectives on how public parks are used, what people enjoy and value about a green space, how they should be grouped or classified, and how they can be made safer and more accessible.

Members of Heartbeat Ballarat are regular users of open public spaces in the region and walking sub-group coordinator Barry Nixon said these areas are key to wellbeing.

“We utilise peaceful, beautiful places, like Lake Esmond, Victoria Park, and the botanic gardens at the lake,” he said.

“Because our group is made up of people with special needs and challenges, they appreciate the flat surface being trip hazard free.”

Although Mr Nixon said the parks and gardens are well maintained, there’s always room for improvement.

“Seating is really important,” he said. “When we do our Vic Park walks, it’s only the fitter and faster walkers that can come.

“There’s no opportunity to sit down and rest once you leave the area near the toilets.

“You’ve got to be able to do the five kilometres to get back, so more seating for the walking track, especially for people with challenges and special needs, would be great.”

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Des Hudson said it’s important that people feel safe, welcome, and included in public open spaces.

“People’s patterns of behaviour around recreation are much more reliant on our public open spaces,” he said.

“Some people have a desire to reduce their backyard spaces because they’re comfortable to use public open spaces to come together, socialise and have a sense of belonging.

“To hear from a broad range of stakeholders and users, from people who are young, right through to people such as Barry from Heartbeat about the therapeutic benefit, will be great feedback.”

A draft strategy will be put to the public in early-2024, with further consultation to follow. Contribute to the survey at the City’s MySay website.