SEPP 5 STUDY RECREATION

NEEDS STUDY
SUPPLEMENTARY STUDY

Prepared for
Ku-ring-gai Municipal Council

By
Recreation Planning Associates,
40 Milson Parade, Normanhurst, NSW 2076

Phone: (02) 94892719 Fax: (02) 99450386

September2001
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................3
2. RECREATION DEMANDS OF PEOPLE AGED 55+ YEARS ............................................5
2.1 Determinants of Recreation Demand ..................................................... 5
2.2 Age as a Predictor of Recreation Demand ............................................. 5
2.3 Age as a Factor in Recreation Demand in Ku-ring-gai ........................... 7
2.4 National Trends in the Recreation Demands of People Aged 55+ Years
..................................................................................................................... 7
2.5 Recent Government Initiatives to Increase Recreation Participation ..... 9
2.6 Local Trends in the Recreation Demands of People Aged 55+ Years . 10
2.7 Recent Council Initiatives in Meeting Leisure Needs of Older People . 13
2.8 Conclusions.......................................................................................... 14
3. USE OF RECREATION FACILITIES BY SEPP 5 RESIDENTS ......................................15
3.1 Draft SEPP 5 Housing Survey.............................................................. 15
3.2 Comparison with Previous Surveys...................................................... 17
3.3 Conclusions on SEPP 5 Survey ........................................................... 18
4. ADEQUACY OF EXISTING FACILITIES .....................................................................20
4.1 Introduction .......................................................................................... 20
4.2 S94 Plan - Demand/Supply Analysis.................................................... 20
4.3 S94 Plan Supporting Study - Land Acquisition & Facility Strategies .... 21
4.4 S94 (Final) Plan – Schedule of Works ................................................. 24
4.5 Relevance of Adopted Projects for People Aged 55+ Years................ 24
5. THE APPROPRIATENESS OF EXISTING LEVIES .......................................................26
5.1 Introduction .......................................................................................... 26
5.2 Appropriateness of Levies for People Aged 55+ Years........................ 26
6. ADDITIONAL RECREATION FACILITY & OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENTS ......................28
6.1 Introduction .......................................................................................... 28
6.2 S94 Plan Supporting Document ........................................................... 28
6.3 Walking Opportunities .......................................................................... 30
6.4 Visiting Parks........................................................................................ 31
6.5 Heated Swimming Pools ...................................................................... 31
6.6 Access for All........................................................................................ 32
7. CONCLUSIONS ....................................................................................................38

2
1. Introduction

The Section 94 Plan for Residential Development (September 2000)

established a nexus between the expected population increase (of 2,190
persons) over the three-year period to 2003 and the demand for additional
open space and recreation facilities generated by this new population.

The study undertaken in support of the Plan identified the key determinants of
demand for open space and recreation facilities, how these factors were
changing and the implications of the changes for the planning and provision of
facilities. The study also identified the existing supply of open space and
recreation in Ku-ring-gai and anomalies/issues in the distribution and qualities
of different types of facility.

The study noted that most of Ku-ring-gai’s recreation and leisure facilities are
open space related and include outdoor sports facilities and a range of facilities
for unstructured play and recreation (including picnic areas, playgrounds, bike
tracks and walking paths).

Further, the study observed that while Ku-ring-gai had a generous provision of
bushland open space (much of regional significance), it had a relatively modest
supply of local and district open space (ie urban parks and sports reserves) and
indoor recreation facilities.

Due to the relative lack of these key recreation resources, the study concluded
that the existing per capita levels of supply should at least be maintained into
the future.

Accordingly, the existing supply of local and district open space in the
municipality was considered the appropriate benchmark for determining
additional open space requirements over the subsequent three years - to both
meet the reasonable demands of the new population and to maintain service
standards for the existing population.

The further embellishment of open space in a variety of ways – sports field

upgrades, more ‘family oriented’ areas, improved access for disabled and frail
aged people, more diverse play areas, improved stormwater control, more
linear routes for cyclists and walkers – was also identified as a major need.

With respect to indoor recreation, the study noted that Ku-ring-gai had no
indoor facilities dedicated to physical recreation – such as leisure centres,
heated indoor pools or public indoor sports centres. Existing indoor leisure was
more oriented to cultural and social activities – with libraries, cultural centres
and public halls being the major indoor leisure facilities. It was noted that this
was unusual for a Council the size of Ku-ring-gai.

3
With respect to indoor leisure, the study concluded that the key needs included
heated indoor swimming facilities and both regional and local/district scale
indoor sports halls.

Recreation and open space levies were established on the basis of these
assumptions and conclusions.

This study re-evaluates these levies – and the underlying assumptions - in

terms of their relevance and appropriateness for people aged over 55 years
moving into new SEPP 5 developments. It entails a more detailed investigation
of the recreation needs of people aged 55+ years than was possible in the
earlier study.

The study outcomes provide a firm basis for establishing a nexus between new
SEPP 5 developments and recreation demand - and on the basis of this nexus,
for either confirming or modifying the existing levies.

Specifically, the study has entailed the following investigations:

· identification of trends in the open space and recreation needs of people

aged over 55 years,
· consideration of the expressed needs of existing SEPP 5 residents,
· evaluation of the capacity of existing facilities to meet the needs of SEPP 5
residents
· re-evaluation of existing levies - in the light of the trends analysis and the
expressed needs of existing residents – and determination of their
appropriateness for people over 55 years in new SEPP 5 developments,
and
· the identification and costing of additional recreation and open space
facilities required to serve people aged 55+ years in SEPP 5 developments.

4
2. Recreation Demands of People Aged 55+ Years

2.1 Determinants of Recreation Demand

In the Supporting Document for the S94 Contributions Plan (2000-2003) it was
pointed out how the leisure interests and activities pursued in any community
reflect diverse factors – such as the size and characteristics of the population,
local lifestyles, the economic wellbeing of the community and local
environmental conditions and opportunities.

It was also noted that, as these factors changed, there was also change in
people’s leisure interests and preferences - but within the context of broadly
continuous leisure behaviour patterns.

Most people have a core of activities that remain central throughout life. These
include watching television, reading, socialising with family and friends, walking,
home based projects and playing with children. These are all low cost, easy
access activities not requiring any special planning or skills.

Beyond this core, there is more change. Interests in sport, outdoor recreation,
cultural activities and travel are developed. Some of these interests are life
long. Some grow. Others wane. Some change (from player to coach, from
performer to teacher). Some are abandoned. Choices reflect age, education
health, talents and available opportunities, and are subject to influence by
friends, family, program and facility management, time availability and many
other factors.

The age structure of any population is one of the key factors in the demand for
and use of specific recreation and open space facilities and in the change in
these demands over time.

2.2 Age as a Predictor of Recreation Demand

There is clear evidence - regularly confirmed in leisure and social participation

studies at national, regional and local levels – that leisure preferences and rates
of participation in many recreation activities vary significantly across age
groups.

This is not to say that age per se is a reliable predictor of recreation behaviour.
There are many other factors associated with age - including individual health,
knowledge, skill and preferences, cultural and ethnic traditions and the
presence/absence of local opportunities.

It is possible, as well, that age will increasingly become a less certain predictor
of recreation behaviour. Social values and personal aspirations are more fluid
and less controlled than they were in the past and, in this context, it is likely that

5
the ‘future old’ (beginning with the ‘baby boomers’) will have different
aspirations for recreation in their later years than the ‘current old’.

The life experiences of the different generations have been very different1 and it
would not be surprising if these differences translated into very different
recreation behaviour.

Recent research on the attitudes and aspirations of older people (both in

Australia and other similar ‘western’ countries) confirms the diversity of leisure
attitudes and behaviours amongst older people.

A recent British-based review of ten years research (1988 to 1998) into the
2
needs of people aged over 50 years found that attitudes towards leisure
activities varied markedly – with declining health, mobility, the loss of a partner
and changing economic circumstances having the major impacts on levels of
participation. Other important factors included the quality of leisure
opportunities, transport, information and perceptions of safety.

The review confirmed, in fact, that the leisure interests and behaviours of older
people are as varied as any other age or population group.

Some older people were very active – being involved with sport, social clubs,
pursuing hobbies and/or getting involved in voluntary work. The City of Gosnells
(WA), for example, supports an outdoor adventure club (‘The Adventurers’) for
people aged over 50 years. The Club has 60 members between the ages of 50
and 75 who regularly take part in bushwalking, canoeing, rowing, archery,
abseiling and cycle touring activities.3

Other older people are less active - basing their leisure time principally around
radio and/or television. For example, a recent Australian study of 642
community living well persons over the age of 55 years found that, while 90%
agreed that regular exercise was important for good health, only 39% were
involved in any type of exercise.

1
The ‘current old’ generation has been influenced by the 1930’s Depression
and different social expectations (stricter role separation between sexes, long
term marriage etc). The ‘baby boomers’ and other subsequent generations, on
the other hand, have experienced more affluence, greater leisure ‘literacy’ and
more flexible lifestyles (less separation in gender roles, shorter more numerous
marriages etc).
2
Building a Better Society for Older People - Report on the Listening Events to
the Inter-Ministerial Group for Older People, 1990, Warwick Business School,
University Of Warwick
3
K James & P Riordan, 1995, Rocking Chair Rebels – Bold Oldies Seek
Adventure
6
Another relevant finding in the research literature is the greater vulnerability of
older people to typical barriers to leisure participation - including poor transport,
weather and cost. When the impacts of these barriers are combined with the
effects of declining health and reduced mobility, it is clear that, for many older
people, relevant activities need to be in local areas to be accessible.

The conclusion is that ‘the aged’ is too broad a term to be useful in predicting
leisure behaviour and needs. People over the age of 55 years have a diversity
of skills, interests and physical and mental abilities. Some will be regular users
of ‘mainstream’ recreation facilities and programs. Others will require various
levels of assistance – including transport, facilities designed and constructed in
accordance with ‘access for all’ requirements and/or special programs and
activities.

2.3 Age as a Factor in Recreation Demand in Ku-ring-gai

With its rapidly ageing population, the identification of age-related determinants

of recreation demand is an increasingly important requirement in Ku-ring-gai.

In 1996, Ku-ring-gai had a relatively high proportion of older people – with

33.2% of the population aged 50+ years, compared to 25.5% for Sydney.
Moreover, the proportion of older people was increasing quickly. Since 1986,
for example, the population aged 60+ years had increased by 7.4%.

The older age profile is fairly uniform across the municipality. Warrawee/
Turramurra had the highest proportion of people aged over 50 years (35% of
the population, compared to 33.2% for Ku-ring-gai as a whole) but the variation
between precincts was not great - with other precincts ranging between 31.1%
(Pymble) and 34% (Killara).

2.4 National Trends in the Recreation Demands of People Aged 55+ Years

National trend data on the recreation behaviour of older people is provided by

several surveys conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and
other government agencies over the past ten years4).

Notwithstanding the comment made in Section 2.2 re the difficulties of

predicting leisure behaviour on the basis of age, the survey outcomes do
provide data on broad age specific trends of relevance to the current study.

4
1991 Recreation Participation Survey; Survey of Involvement in Sport 1993; Participation in
Sport and Physical Activities 1996/97 to 1999/2000; Population Survey Monitors, annual ; Time
Use Surveys 1992 & 1997; 1998/99 Survey of Attendance at Selected Cultural/Leisure Venues;
1995 Voluntary Work Survey

7
The surveys indicate that older people have more leisure time than other age
groups and that most of the additional time is spent at home in passive pursuits
such as watching television and reading.

Despite their greater amount of leisure time, older people spend similar
amounts of time as the general population on active leisure pursuits – such as
sport and other outdoor activities, hobbies and arts and crafts5

The mix of ‘active leisure pursuits’, however, changes as people age. The role
of sport and physical recreation, for example, diminishes steadily with age –
with participation peaking at 76.7% of persons aged 18-24 years and declining
to 47.7% of persons aged 55-64 years and 41.5% for those aged 65 and over6.

But those older people (ie aged 65+) who do continue to participate in sport and
physical recreation – despite their decreasing numbers – do so at a similar level
to those aged 15 – 64 years (an average of 1 hour 45 minutes per day).

Some sports – lawn bowls and croquet – experience increasing rates of

participation in the higher age groups (55 years and over) while for others – golf
and walking – the rates are similar for the general population. Yet other sports –
such as tennis and swimming - show some decline in participation in the older
age groups but still remain very popular.

While participation rates also declined with age for many cultural leisure
activities, it is notable that for a few activities – attending clubs, church
activities, library activities and attending classical music concerts – participation
rates actually increased with age.7

Adult education is also an increasingly popular pursuit amongst older people,

with 11% of persons aged 65-74 years in 1996 undertaking a course or
workshop in the previous 12 months – including community based leisure,
personal development, craft and cultural programs.

With respect to the use of local and district parks, the surveys suggest that use
of parks will decline as the population ages. Thus, the 1991 Recreation
Participation Survey found that the ‘visiting parks’ participation rate for the 55+
age groups was only half that of the 20-54 age group (ie 7% visited parks in the
previous week compared to 13%). While, therefore, visiting parks is a
moderately popular activity for the 55+ age group, it is significantly less so than
for all younger age groups.

5
An average of 1 hour and 45 minutes a day for persons aged 65 and over - compared to 1 hour
38 minutes for those aged 15-64 years (ABS 1997 Time Use Survey).

6
ABS, Participation in Sport and Physical Activities, Australia, 1998-99
7
ABS, 1998/99 Survey of Attendance at Selected Cultural/Leisure Venues and
DASETT, 1991 Recreation Participation Survey
8
2.5 Recent Government Initiatives to Increase Recreation Participation

The above trends can be seen in the context of recent government initiatives to
increase recreation and social participation - including ‘Active Australia’, the
NSW Government’s 1998-2002 ‘Simply Active Every Day’ Plan to promote
physical activity and local government disability action plans.

Active Australia is the name used to describe a relatively new collaborative

venture between the Commonwealth Department of Health & Family Services,
the Australian Sports Commission, relevant State departments, local
government and the sport and recreation industry. It provides a planning and
promotional framework for participation in sport and recreation activities across
Australia.

Active Australia has a vision of all Australians being involved in physical activity
– and part of this is to ‘increase and enhance lifelong participation in physical
activity’. The involvement of older people in physical recreation is, therefore, a
major focus of Active Australia.

One important initiative undertaken by Active Australia is the development and

dissemination, to relevant organisations, of a service provision model (the
Active Australia Provider Model). The purpose of the model is to improve the
organisational effectiveness of clubs and organisations – including minimising
barriers to participation based on age and gender. The model includes
implementation kits and assessment processes.

The NSW Government’s 1998-2002 ‘Simply Active Every Day’ Plan is

consistent with the goals of Active Australia. Its purpose is to ‘develop a
comprehensive strategic framework for the promotion of physical activity in
NSW’.

An important focus of the Plan is the improvement of environments and

facilities – in terms of safety and accessibility - to make it easier for people to
be physically active. With respect to this, the NSW Department of Sport and
Recreation (in collaboration with the Department of Health, DUAP, local
councils and other agencies) is leading an initiative to provide advice and
support in the provision of more accessible facilities.

As well, Active Australia has established an Active Australia Local Government

Network - a national network of councils committed to improving the quality of
the sport and physical activity opportunities available to their communities.
Members of the network share common, programs, experiences and activities
and have improved access to Active Australia opportunities.

9
Ku-ring-gai Council, it is noted, is one of 277 council members of the Active
Australia Local Government Network and, as such, is committed to the
principles of the Active Australia participation framework.

2.6 Local Trends in the Recreation Demands of People Aged 55+ Years

Information on the leisure interests and aspirations of older people in Ku-ring-

gai has been identified in several consultations undertaken in recent years -
including the Services and Facilities Plan for Seniors (1996), the Ku-ring-gai
Social Plan (2000) and the two Leisure Participation Surveys (conducted,
respectively, in 1989 and 1999).

The Services and Facilities Plan for Seniors was Council’s first
comprehensive approach to identifying and planning for the needs of seniors –
including their leisure and recreation needs. The research undertaken for the
Plan included a sample survey and consultative meetings with people aged 60
years and over.

Key findings of the research in regard to leisure issues included the following:

· A strong view amongst older people that the natural environment – including
the parks, bushland and trees – is one of the most positive aspects of living
in Ku-ring-gai
· Transport was considered the most important issue in accessing facilities
and activities
· Many respondents were active participants in a range of leisure activities –
including University of the Third Age
· Key motivators for engagement in leisure activity included contact with other
people and maintaining an active mind
· The existence of demands for additional leisure facilities and programs –
particularly for swimming facilities, adult education programs, social
clubs/interest groups and more ‘gentle exercise’ and other fitness programs
· 47% of respondents to the sample survey either indicated that they did not
participate in any leisure activities (or did not answer the question)
· Amongst the other 53% of respondents, the most popular leisure activities
were walking, lawn bowls, golf, sports club activities and reading

The Ku-ring-gai Social Plan (2000) includes a ‘Target Group Plan for Older
People’ which provides the planning framework for people aged 55 years and
over. It updates and builds on the directions established by the Services and
Facilities Plan.

10
Consultation strategies included focus groups, a questionnaire (conducted
during Seniors Week in March 2000 and which received 158 responses), public
and service provider meetings and a random phone survey (February 2000).

Key findings of the research in regard to leisure issues included the following:

· The need for a wider variety of leisure and recreational opportunities for
older people - including an indoor swimming pool, regular events (such as
walks, movies, concerts and lectures supported by appropriate transport)
and more Seniors/Neighbourhood Centres where older people could meet.
· A need for more opportunities for older people to meet other residents - via
both formal groups and informal activities (eg coffee mornings, street
parties, education classes).
· A view that Ku-ring-gai Council is very good at providing Library and Arts
Services and specialist seniors activities (eg Seniors Week) – and that these
services should be continued and expanded.
· The high value placed by older people on Ku-ring-gai’s natural environment
– and its peace and quiet - and the need to avoid erosion of these qualities.
· A strong view amongst older people that cross-generation interaction can
strengthen the community – and that Council has a significant role in
initiating and supporting more activities aimed at encouraging this.

The Leisure Participation Surveys, conducted in 1989 and 1999,

demonstrated that the recreation interests and behaviours of people aged over
50 years in Ku-ring-gai are, when compared to national trends, fairly typical for
their age group.

Table 2.1 illustrates some of the key results from the 1999 Survey. It shows the
percent of survey respondents, according to age group, who participated at
least once in the previous 12 months in a range of sport and recreation
activities and who used a number of designated facilities.

As with the national surveys, the responses illustrate the increased or at least
continuing participation of many older people in a range of sport and outdoor
recreation activities – including golf, lawn bowls, walking for pleasure and
gardening – despite the very low participation, for obvious reasons, in active
team sports. There is also a continuation of high engagement levels in more
passive and cultural activities including hobbies, reading, attending concerts
and visiting galleries.

It is noted that while participation in ‘visiting parks and gardens’ and attending
‘picnics/barbecues’ declines significantly (in terms of numbers and frequency),
the proportion of over 55’s taking part in these activities – at over 60% - is still
high.

11
Table 2.1: Sport/Recreation Participation & Facilities Use x Age, Ku-ring-gai 1999
ACTIVITIES Aged Aged Aged FACILITIES Aged Aged Aged
PARTICIPATED IN 10-17 15-54 55yrs USED 10-17 15-54 55yrs
yrs yrs + yrs yrs +

Sport Generic Facilities

Tennis 55.8 43.6 26.9 Playing Fields 82.3 62.6 19.3
Athletics 50.6 12.3 3.1 Parkland 67.1 74.9 62.3
Cricket 45.6 19.6 11.5 Playgrounds 59.6 55.2 20.0
Golf 30.4 30.6 34.6 Formal Gardens 18.9 46.0 33.8
Rugby Union 17.8 17.8 23.9 Bushland 64.6 69.9 58.5
Lawn Bowls 3.9 3.0 15.4 Swimming Pool 60.7 57.7 16.9
Aerobics 15.2 19.6 6.9 Golf Courses 52.0 30.6 32.3
Courts – Tennis 52.0 38.0 19.3
Outdoor Courts – Netball 24.1 10.5 2.3
Recreation
Picnic/Barbeques 74.7 73.0 62.3 Courts – Basketball 21.5 10.4 0.8
Visiting Parks and 68.4 73.7 65.5 Indoor Sports 44.3 25.2 3.1
Gardens Centre
Cycling 64.6 37.4 7.0 Skate Facility 22.9 6.8 0.0
Bushwalking 63.3 73.1 40.8 Specific Facilities
Walking for pleasure 62.0 79.7 72.4
Jogging & Running 54.5 33.8 10.0 St Ives Show 48.1 46.0 20.0
Ground
Dog Walkers 34.3 25.2 16.9 Bicentennial Park 45.5 52.7 24.6
Gardening 25.3 71.2 76.2 St Ives Village 29.2 31.9 20.7
Green
Wahroonga Park 25.3 30.0 22.3
Recreation Roseville Park 24.1 21.5 7.7
Reading 83.5 79.8 83.1 T’murra Memorial 21.5 22.7 11.6
Park
Shopping for 73.5 74.9 62.3 Lindfield Park 20.2 16.5 9.3
Pleasure
Swimming 73.4 67.4 37.7 Killara Park 19.0 17.8 8.4
Card Games 51.8 15.3 34.6 Golden Jubilee 17.7 13.5 6.9
Fields
Hobbies 44.3 37.5 45.0 Queen Elizabeth 10.1 9.1 2.3
Park

Cultural/Entertain
ment
Library Visits 81.0 71.7 63.1
Concerts/Music 43.1 39.4 35.3

12
Exhibitions/Art 29.1 37.5 47.6
Galleries
Photography 17.8 29.5 30.7
Ballet 8.9 10.9 16.2
Opera 3.9 12.9 16.1
Movies 88.6 84.1 75.4
Theatre 24.1 33.8 51.5

2.7 Recent Council Initiatives in Meeting Leisure Needs of Older People

As noted in the Social Plan, ‘keeping in touch is an important part of wellbeing

and safety, and for most older people, there is no need to provide services for
this to occur. For others, services are a necessary part of maintaining
independence’.

In accordance with this observation and the general findings of the study, the
Plan recommended that Council facilitate the increased provision of recreation
and educational opportunities for seniors in Ku-ring-gai – as one component of
ensuring that older people remain involved in the life of the community.

Progress, to date, in the implementation of this recommendation includes the

following:

· Assistance with the establishment of additional classes for the University of

the Third Age (U3A) and satellite classes in St Ives.
· Assistance with the development of an Older Women's Wellness Centre
· Encouragement of the diversified use of seniors facilities in Ku-ring-gai
· Promotion of the opportunities available through U3A by including sessions
in the Seniors’ Week program.
· Assistance with the establishment of new recreation activities in the Seniors’
Centres by offering initial rental rebate incentives.
· Initiation of the Spring Into Action program – a twice annual program
(offered in spring and autumn) to provide older residents with opportunities
to participate in a variety of leisure pursuits

The more recent Social Plan reiterated the objectives of the Facilities and
Services Plan – specifically recommending that ‘Council consider increasing the
range of recreation activities and leisure options available to older people as
identified in this report’. The strategies proposed under this recommendation
were as follows:

· That Council continue to resource the Senior’s Centres

13
· That Council consider the needs of older people when developing recreation
programs and facilities in Ku-ring-gai
· That Council encourage use of concessions for older people on low income
accessing recreational facilities
· That Council provide affordable space to existing providers of community
based leisure and recreation activities so that they can expand their services

2.8 Conclusions

Ku-ring-gai’s age structure is changing rapidly and significantly – with

substantial growth of the 50+ age groups and probable declines in younger
groups (unless arrested by a continuation of recently emerged trends and the
Residential Strategy).

An aging population, as detailed above, is normally associated with a trend to

lower participation rates across most away-from-home sport and recreation
activities. There are exceptions to this, as was also noted above, including golf,
lawn bowls, walking for pleasure, bushwalking, attending exhibitions and
concerts, visiting libraries and undertaking courses and other learning
programs.

It was also noted that, as people age, recreation preferences and rates of
participation might not change in the same way that they did in the past. Social
and personal changes, such as heightened awareness of the links between
recreation and health may lead to higher than current participation levels by
older age groups across a broader range of activities.

Government agencies, at all levels, are endeavouring to ensure that this is the
case – via initiatives such as ‘Active Australia’, the NSW Government’s 1998-
2002 ‘Simply Active Every Day’ Plan to promote physical activity and local
government disability action plans.

If successful, these programs will promote an increase in the proportion of older

people participating in recreation activities and also possibly using a wider
range of facilities.

14
3. Use of Recreation Facilities by SEPP 5 Residents

3.1 Draft SEPP 5 Housing Survey

As separately reported to Council8, a survey of SEPP 5 Housing residents was

undertaken in June 2001. The survey of 100 people living in SEPP 5 housing,
identified a range of issues – including some of particular importance to this
recreation needs study. These were:

· Types of recreational and leisure services and facilities used

· Types of transport services used
· Incidence of illness and disabilities which affect mobility

Recreational & Leisure Services Used

The proportion of respondents using recreation and leisure services and

facilities is summarised in Table 3. The most used facilities were the library
(48%), parks and natural areas (37%), cultural centres (26%), bowls/croquet
clubs (22%) and walking/cycle tracks (20%).

Table 3.1: Use of Recreation/Leisure Services and Facilities

Services & Facilities Ku-ring-gai LGA

(%)

Library 48
Parks/natural bushland 37
Cultural centre* 26
Bowling/croquet clubs 22
Walking/cycle tracks 20
Golf clubs 10
Sports field 8
Community centre/halls 8
Senior citizens centre 8
Tennis courts 3
Hydrotherapy pool 8
Playgrounds 4
Swimming pools 3
University of the Third Age 3
Notes: * Town Hall and Performing Arts Centre

Nearly a half of respondents did not use any recreation/leisure services and
facilities situated outside of their home/retirement village.

8
BBC Consulting Planners, Draft SEPP 5 Housing Survey, July 2001
15
As indicated in the Survey Report, the use of recreation and leisure facilities
was influenced by age, health and car usage – with lower levels of use for older
age groups, those with an illness or disability and those households without a
car.

Thus, only 43% of respondents aged 76 years plus used at least one recreation
facility – compared with 90% of those aged 56-65 years

The lack of private transport was associated with significantly lower levels of
facility use. 70% of respondents in households with one or two cars used at
least one recreational facility, compared to 27% of respondents in households
which did not use a car. (The use of libraries and cultural centres, in particular,
was much lower).

The majority of respondents in households where no member had an illness or

disability which affected their mobility, had used at least one recreational facility
(61%), compared to 41% of respondents in other households.

Transport Issues

Public and/or community transport is a major issue for SEPP 5 residents –

particularly for the 40% of respondents (mainly older people or people with an
illness/disability) who do not use or own a private vehicle.

Public transport availability is quite high – with 97% of respondents stating that
public bus services were available where they lived and 87% saying that taxis
were available (with public transport train services available to only 47% of
respondents).

Public transport bus services were rated as either excellent or good by 45

respondents, compared to 38 for taxis and 36 for public transport train services.

In contrast 18 respondents rated public transport bus services as either poor or

very poor, compared to 10 respondents for taxis and 7 respondents for public
transport train services.

The main reasons why public transport services were rated poor or very poor
were infrequent service, hard to access and no disabled access and hard to get
disabled specific services.

Illness/disability Issues

The survey found that a significant proportion of respondents (41%) had a

household member with an illness or disability which affected their mobility. Of
these people, 42% were ‘affected a lot or somewhat’ when doing duties such as
light shopping or going to a library.

16
3.2 Comparison with Previous Surveys

As indicated in Section 2.6, above, several previous surveys and consultations

have been undertaken in recent years - including the Services and Facilities
Plan for Seniors (1996), the Ku-ring-gai Social Plan (2000) and the two Leisure
Participation Surveys (in 1989 and 1999).

The SEPP 5 Survey findings echo many of the findings of these previous
surveys – as illustrated in the following Table 3.2.

Table 3.2: Comparison of Survey Findings

SEPP 5 Survey
The most used leisure and
recreation facilities were the
library, parks and natural areas,
cultural centres, bowls/croquet
clubs and walking/cycle tracks
Nearly a half of respondents did
not use any ‘away from home’
recreation/leisure services
Parks and natural bushland are
the second most used ‘away
from home’ recreation facilities
(with only ‘libraries’ used by
more respondents)
Services & Facilities Plan for
Seniors (1996)
The most popular leisure activities
were walking, lawn bowls, golf,
sports club activities and reading
47% of respondents to the sample
survey either indicated that they
did not participate in any leisure
activities (or did not answer the
question)
A strong view amongst older
people that the natural
environment – including the
parks, bushland and trees – is
one of the most positive aspects
of living in Ku-ring-gai
Leisure Participation Survey
(1999)
The increased or at least
continuing participation of many
older people in a range of sport
and outdoor recreation activities
(including golf, lawn bowls,
walking for pleasure and
gardening), reading and
attending concerts
‘Visiting parks and gardens’ was
the second most popular outdoor
away from home activity for 55+
year respondents (with only
‘walking for pleasure’ being more
popular)

The lack of private transport is Transport was considered the

associated with significantly most important issue in accessing
lower levels of recreation facility facilities and activities
use

Notwithstanding the similarities in the findings, as indicated in Table 3.2, the

rates of participation identified in the SEPP 5 Survey are significantly lower than
the rates identified for the 55+ age group in the 1999 Leisure Participation
Survey. This is illustrated in Table 3.3 for a range of sport and recreation
facilities.

Table 3.3: Use of Recreation/Leisure Services and Facilities

17
 Services & Facilities SEPP 5 Survey Leisure Needs Survey
(2001) (1999)
(%) (%)
Library 48 63
Parks/natural bushland 37 65
Cultural centre* 26 35
Bowling/croquet clubs 22 15*
Golf clubs 10 34
Sports field 8 19
Tennis courts 3 19
Playgrounds 4 20
Swimming pools 3 17
* Lawn Bowls only

The major probable reason for this is the relatively old age profile of the SEPP
5 Survey respondent population – compared to the 56+ years population in the
Municipality generally – together with the declining rates of participation in most
activities as people grow older.

Thus, the survey population comprised 18% in the 56-65 years age group, 22%
in the 66-75 age group and 68% in the 76+ years age group. In Ku-ring-gai
overall, however, the 56-65 years age group accounts for 40% of the 55+ years
population and the 66-75 years and 76+ years groups account, respectively, for
30%.

Coupled with the older age profile of the respondents is the likelihood that those
residing in non-retirement village SEPP 5 housing (38% of the survey sample)
experience greater than average access difficulties.

The differences could, to some extent, also be due to variations in survey

methodology.

3.3 Conclusions on SEPP 5 Survey

The Survey demonstrated a relatively high engagement by existing SEPP 5

residents in ‘away from home’ recreation activities – with around half of
residents using at least one recreation or leisure facility.

This was so despite the fact that many respondents – particularly those in the
older age groups – are constrained by one or more difficulties (including
illness/disability, frailty, lack of private transport, poor access to reliable public
transport, lack of a partner to participate with).

It is probable that where the impact of these difficulties can be lessened

(through, for example, improved physical access for disabled people, more

18
reliable/frequent public and community transport and more effective
programming), levels of use of public leisure facilities would be even higher.

While the survey sample of ‘younger’ SEPP 5 residents (ie those aged 56-65
years) was quite small (thereby necessitating caution in interpreting the
findings), the use of public leisure facilities by this group is relatively high. It is
commensurate, in fact, with the high participation rates of the 55+ years
population identified in the 1999 Leisure Needs Survey (discussed in Section
2.6, above).

19
4. Adequacy of Existing Facilities

4.1 Introduction

In identifying the adequacy and appropriateness of existing facilities for people

aged over 55 years, it is important to bear in mind the diversity of older people’s
interests, abilities and aspirations – as emphasised in Chapter 2.

As indicated, the needs and aspirations vary because of differences in health,

financial capacity, cultural background and interests. In particular, there is a
wide divergence in the needs of active, independent older people on the one
hand, and ‘frail’ aged people on the other.

As emphasised in Council’s Social Plan (2000), the ‘challenge for Ku-ring-gai is

to ensure that there is a broad range of activities and pursuits that respond to
the needs of both ‘well’ older people and those who are frail’.

4.2 S94 Plan - Demand/Supply Analysis

The stage one and two open space and recreation studies (undertaken in
support of the S94 Contribution Plan) found that, while Ku-ring-gai LGA has a
generous supply of bushland, it has a relatively low provision of local and
district parks.

It was concluded, additionally, that many local parks were not of sufficient size
and/or quality to meet the diverse recreation needs of Ku-ring-gai’s current and
future populations.

These conclusions are supported by the outcomes of recent market research

on open space and leisure needs in Ku-ring-gai. Thus, leisure surveys
undertaken in 1989 and 1999 identified significant demands for indoor sport
and swimming facilities, additional open space linkages (cycle and walking
trails), more family picnic/play areas and dog walking areas, upgraded and
additional sports fields and improved access (‘access for all’) to parks.

Key specific findings included the following:

· Sports reserves are used at capacity at peak times – and have little or no
capacity to absorb the demands of new populations.
· All areas of the municipality have a relatively low provision of local and
district parks – particularly Gordon and Roseville9.

9
This is reflected in the observation that at least 34% of residences within the
municipality are not currently serviced by quality local open space (ie there is no
quality open space within 500 metres walking distance of their homes).
20
· Additionally, many parks do not possess the variety of features and uses
that are most valued and sought by the users and potential users of local
open space10.
· Despite the widespread need for further embellishments, many parks are
too small to accommodate the required improvements.
· Future population growth will exacerbate existing demand pressures and
many existing facilities, due to their specific locations and/or capacities, will
not be able to adequately cater to the increased demands.
· It will be necessary, therefore, to acquire open space facilities at least at the
current per capita levels of provision for the LGA as a whole11 - to both meet
the reasonable demands of the new population and to maintain service
standards for the existing population.

On the basis of these findings, open space acquisition and recreation facility
improvement strategies were developed for the interim (ie three-year) Section
94 Plan.

While it was recognised that open space needs were likely to change over time,
the view was taken that the changes would not, over the following three years,
be of an order to warrant a change in the existing mix of local and district open
space.

4.3 S94 Plan Supporting Study - Land Acquisition & Facility Strategies

The key strategies developed in both the stage one and two open space and
recreation studies are summarised in the following sub-sections.

Urban Park Acquisition

Land for urban parks should be acquired to satisfy the reasonable open space
requirements of the projected new population. These reasonable requirements

10
Highly valued parks are those that combine a range of features (such as
contact with nature, pleasant social settings, children’s play, cultural interest,
varied topography etc.

11
Currently almost 187 hectares of local and district open space - 77 hectares of which is urban
park (of both local and district significance) and 110 hectares is sports reserve. Based on the
current estimated residential population of 107,610 population, this amounts to 0.7184
hectares/1000 people of urban park and 1.0190 hectares/1000 of sports reserves a total of
1.7374/1000.

21
are deemed to be the existing municipal wide per capita provision of ‘urban
park’ (ie 0.7184 hectares/1000 people)
.
Where possible, land acquired for urban parks should contribute to the
achievement of the following objectives:

· provision of local parks within a minimum of 500 metres from every

residence,
· augmentation of local parks – where they are presently too small to provide
for a diversity of local recreation needs,
· conservation of land parcels of environmental significance, and
· the improvement of linkages between open space areas – in the form of
pathways, tracks, cycle paths and/or wildlife corridors.

Urban Park Enhancements

The quality of local and district parks should be improved in the following ways:

· Improved visitor facilities (tables/seats, barbecues, shade, signage and/or

attractive play equipment) at a range of underdeveloped parks.
· Improved ‘access for all’ consistent with the requirements of the Disability
Discrimination Act Action Plan – particularly in terms of access routes to
local parks, disabled parking, the provision of one or two accessible
playgrounds, more and improved lighting and more adequately shaded
picnic shelters.
· improved diversity of play experiences – ensuring that, at all major parks, at
least some equipment suitable for children from 2 years to 14 years is
available (including facilities suitable for youth).

Sports Ground Acquisition

Land for sports reserves should be acquired to satisfy the reasonable sports
facility requirements of the projected new population. These reasonable
requirements are deemed to be the existing municipal wide per capita provision
of ‘sports reserve’ (ie 1.0190 hectares/1000).

To maintain the existing provision of specific sporting facilities to the year 2003,
the additional sport reserve area should preferably accommodate two sports
fields, a cricket wicket, cricket nets, one netball court and two tennis courts.

The ‘reasonableness’ of this requirement is supported by the high use of

existing facilities – including the full utilisation of peak time capacity at most
playing fields.

22
Sports Ground Enhancements

The quality and effectiveness of sports grounds should be improved in the

following ways:

· The upgrading of several sportsgrounds (including new lighting and sports

surface, lighting and amenities upgrades) both to increase their ‘carrying
capacity’ and to provide user services of an acceptable standard.
· The relocation of the district netball facility from Canoon Road (where
impacts on local residential areas inhibit any further expansion) to a site
which both allows expansion and allows the floodlighting of at least ten
courts.
· Providing more opportunities for non-playing siblings and supervising
parents – to make major sports areas more ‘family friendly’.
· Improving the better utilised tennis courts (ie making them more ‘family
friendly’ and/or improving disabled access) and converting under-utilised
facilities (to appropriate other uses including basketball, dual use
tennis/netball and multi-purpose recreation facilities).

Natural Areas/Bushland Enhancements

The high natural and heritage values of Ku-ring-gai’s regionally significant

bushland resource should be protected via improved stormwater control,
catchment management and bush protection and regeneration programs.

Additionally, opportunities would be pursued to add strategically important

linkages to the bushland system – as indicated in the following sub-section.

Provision and Enhancement of Linkages

The quality and comprehensiveness of off-road movement systems should be

improved in the following ways:

· More sophisticated ‘off road’ bicycle circuits in parkland (and mountain bike
routes as proposed in the 1992 report Mountain Bike Riding on Fire Trails in
Ku-ring-gai Municipality).
· More on and off-road linear cycle routes, especially those with the potential
to link areas of interest and to extend existing routes
· Additional walking tracks – with priority to be given to those proposed at Sir
David Martin Reserve, Upper Gordon Creek Bushland Reserve and
Richmond Park

23
Leisure Centre Provision and Enhancements

The quality and effectiveness of aquatic and/or leisure centres should be

improved in the following ways:

· Upgrading of West Pymble Pool – to provide an indoor aquatic-only facility

at an anticipated cost of $3.5 million
· Provision of a centrally located ‘wet/dry’ leisure centre in the municipality
incorporating a district or regional scale indoor sports hall (with the
appropriate scale being determined via a detailed feasibility study which
encompasses district and regional requirements)
· Provision of local/district scale indoor sports courts utilising under-utilised
facilities (such as lawn bowls and croquet facilities, the Lindfield Library
tennis courts site and parts of St Ives Showground)

4.4 S94 (Final) Plan – Schedule of Works

The final plan is based on the findings of the Supporting Document

investigations. However, because of the high capital and recurrent cost
implications for Council (of funding that proportion of the proposed works of
benefit to the existing population) only some of the projects identified as being
needed were carried through to the final schedule of works. These are listed in
Table 4.1.

Item S94 Contribution

Acquisition of open space 9,211,200
Koola Park – reconfiguration and upgrade 290,000
North Turramurra Sports Field Development 2,000,000

4.5 Relevance of Adopted Projects for People Aged 55+ Years

It could be argued that, because of reducing levels of participation in ‘away from

home’ leisure activities as people grow older, the adopted S94 Plan projects are
of less benefit and of less relevance to people aged 55+ years.

It is true that many older people may experience less direct benefits from a
range of recreation and leisure facilities but all people – including older people
experience a range of indirect benefits.

Many recreation and leisure facilities are ‘public’ or ‘merit’ goods – in that they
benefit the whole community in some way and therefore should be funded by
the whole community. Parks and sports facilities, for example, provide ‘public’
and ‘merit’ good benefits in the form, variously, of environmental sustainability
(catchment management and bio-diversity enhancements), improved aesthetics
24
and community identity, higher property values, reduction in anti-social activities
(via ‘constructive’ outlets for young people), reduced public health costs and so
on.

Older people accrue these benefits along with everyone else. Additionally,
many older people experience indirect benefits from the direct use of facilities
by their children, grandchildren and/or others within their family and social
networks.

As well, and as discussed in Chapters 2 and 3 of this report, a large number of

people aged over 55 years are still regular users of public recreation and leisure
facilities – particularly informal open space areas and cultural facilities. In fact,
all the surveys have highlighted the importance to older people of Ku-ring-gai’s
natural environment – particularly the trees, parks and other green spaces.
Many +55 year olds, therefore, are still direct beneficiaries of these facilities.

Finally, it is noted that Government programs (such as Active Australia and the
Masters Games) and sporting organisations are increasingly encouraging older
people to participate in sport and regular physical exercise. If these programs
are successful, and if people over 50 years engage in other recreation
programs more than their predecessors did, then the use of mainstream sport
and recreation facilities may decline with age less rapidly than it did in the past.

25
5. The Appropriateness of Existing Levies

5.1 Introduction

Levies were established according to the relationship (nexus) between the

expected population increase (ie 2,190 over the next three years) and the
demand for additional open space and recreation facilities generated by this
new population.

As indicated in section 4, above, the existing overall supply of local and district
open space in the municipality was considered the appropriate benchmark for
determining additional open space requirements for the three year period.

Thus, for urban parks, the municipal average of 0.7184 hectares of urban
park/1000 people was deemed to be a reasonable level of provision. For
precincts that had more than this amount, the strategy did not propose to
acquire more – unless such was justified by special circumstances. For all other
precincts, the proposed acquisition rate was 0.7184 hectares/1000.

Based on this approach – including the consideration of ‘special circumstances’

- the anticipated new population of 2,190 persons required an additional 1.2192
hectares of ‘urban park’. At the precinct level, the new requirement ranged from
0.0577 Ha (or 0.2000 Ha/1000) in Pymble to 0.2999 Ha (or 0.7806 Ha/1000) in
St Ives.

The total S94 contribution required under the three-year interim plan to acquire
land to meet this additional need is $9.2 million.

Due to the high cost of acquiring land and In order to be reasonable in its S94
levy, Council did not include in the Plan the cost of embellishing this new open
space.

For sports grounds, the existing municipal wide provision of 1.0190

hectares/1000 people translated to 2.2316 hectares for the three year projected
population increase of 2,190 persons.

It is planned to meet most of this need in the proposed North Turramurra

Recreation Area development - comprising a full size soccer field, junior and
mini soccer fields and support facilities – and the proposed redevelopment of
Koola Park.

5.2 Appropriateness of Levies for People Aged 55+ Years

Previous chapters of this report reviewed national and local trends in the leisure
and recreation needs and demands of people aged 55+ years. The reviews
identified, that while participation in a range of leisure activities – particularly
26
field sports – declines with age, the participation rates of older people are still
significant.
It was noted, for example, that around 50% of older people use public leisure
and recreation facilities – and for the ‘well aged’ in the ‘younger’ age groups up
to 70 years, use levels are well over 50%.

Older people, in fact, are relatively high users of a large range of public leisure
facilities – including libraries, parks, formal gardens, walking and multi purpose
trails, picnic areas, bushland, heated swimming pools and various sports
facilities (lawn bowls, croquet, golf and tennis). Older people also attend sports
grounds – mainly as spectators (as club supporters and/or accompanying
relatives).

Specific levels of use are closely tied to the accessibility of facilities. With
respect to this, the acquisition of open space strategy (adopted in the S94 Plan)
is predicated on increasing the proportion of the population within at least 500
metres walking distance of quality open space areas. For frail aged and
disabled people, short walking distances are of particular importance.

It was also noted that participation rates of older people could grow in the future
– depending on the effective removal/reduction of barriers to participation (such
as poor access for frail/disabled people, transport and suitable programming)
and the success of programs such as Active Australia.

For these reasons and the ‘public/merit good’ arguments discussed in Section
4.4 above, it is concluded that levies for open space and recreation projects
included in the existing S94 Plan are justified for people aged 55 years+ in
SEPP 5 developments.

It is noted, also, that the projects included in the existing S94 Plan were
identified following full consideration of the demographic characteristics of Ku-
ring-gai’s population – including its relatively ‘old’ age profile.

27
6. Additional Recreation Facility & Open Space Requirements

6.1 Introduction

While there are some community facilities specifically provided for people aged
55+ years (such as U3rd Age, Senior Citizens Centres), this is generally not the
case for recreation and open space facilities.

Some sport and recreation facilities have traditionally tended to attract older
people (lawn bowls and croquet) but these facilities are not exclusively for older
people and are available to people of all ages.

The appropriate approach is not to provide facilities specifically for older people
but, instead, to improve the accessibility and relevance of ‘mainstream’ facilities
– to make them more ‘user-friendly’, safer and/or more appealing to older
people.

This approach is consistent with the findings of both the local and national
surveys identified in Chapter 2 above. These studies demonstrated the central
importance in older people’s leisure of essentially mainstream activities -
including walking for pleasure, golf, lawn bowls, gardening, hobbies, reading,
attending concerts and visiting galleries.

The studies also indicated that the expressed needs of older people for
additional facilities also mainly related to mainstream activities. Thus the
facilities most needed include indoor swimming pools, adult education
programs, social clubs/interest groups, more ‘gentle exercise’ and other fitness
programs and regular events (such as walks, movies, concerts and lectures).

While the need for more ‘seniors’ and/or ‘neighbourhood centres’ (where older
people could meet) was also expressed in the local surveys, it is noted that only
a small minority of older people uses such facilities. The survey of SEPP 5
residents (discussed in Chapter 3) found, for example, that only 8% of
respondents use senior citizen’s centres (compared to 42% for libraries, 37%
for parks and 26% for cultural centres).

(The above comparison is used to illustrate the overriding importance of

mainstream recreation opportunities to older people. It is not intended to deny
the considerable importance of seniors centres for many older people.)

The key issue, then, is the provision of a range of mainstream leisure facilities
that meet the needs of all people – including older and disabled people. This
requires the provision of relevant mainstream facilities in accordance with
‘access for all’ principles (covering the location, distribution, design,
construction and management of those facilities).
6.2 S94 Plan Supporting Document
28
The open space and recreation component of the S94 Plan Supporting
Document included several projects with the potential to ‘improve the
accessibility and relevance of mainstream facilities for older and disabled
people.

For the reasons indicated in section 4.4 above, these projects were not carried
forward into the final S94 Plan. However, some of the projects are of particular
relevance to the recreation needs of older and disabled people. They are listed
in Table 6.1.

The projects focus on activities and facilities of demonstrated importance to

older people – walking, visiting parks and heated swimming pools – and on the
accessibility of those facilities.

The remaining sections of this chapter revisit these projects. They are
discussed within the context of the leisure preferences and needs of older
people and the importance and requirements of ensuring ‘access for all’.

Table 6.1: Proposed Sport/Recreation Projects (S94 Supporting Document)

Facility Nature of Works Proposed Capital

Cost
Estimate
Walking Facilities
Walking tracks Walking Track Improvement Strategy $30,000
Sir David Martin Reserve & Construction of new walking track link, lighting, $60,000
Kissing Point Village Green shelter and picnic area

Shot Machine Track (Upper
Gordon Creek Bushland)
Richmond Park (Ashley Grove,
Gordon)
Park Improvements
Bicentennial Park
Turramurra Village Park
Construction of new walking track link - Stanhope $42,000
Rd (Swains Garden) to Northcote Rd (Seven little
Australians Reserve)
Construct walking track from existing track to $22,000
Highlands Avenue
Community picnic shelter and public art project
$60,000
Park improvement works - new planting, fencing $40,000
and park furniture

West Pymble Village Green New park - planting, community space, lighting, $100,000
fencing and furniture, services

Robert Pymble Park (Park Cres, Upgrading - lighting, community events space $45,000
Pymble) and plantings

Heated Swimming
West Pymble Pool refurbishment of existing outdoor pool and $4,500,000
addition of two indoor heated pools + acquisition
of land for additional 200 car spaces
Access
29
 All parks Parks Disability Access Audit – to determine
levels of compliance with access standards in $30,000
parks and at sport and recreation facilities & to
identify required remedial works

Tennis courts – Morona Ave Provide disabled toilet $30,000

(Wahroonga)

Tennis courts – Alan Small Park Provide disabled toilet $30,000

(Killara)

Tennis courts – Killara Park Extend disabled toilet building $ 65,000

6.3 Walking Opportunities

Walking is one of the most popular activities for older people – as

demonstrated in both national and local scale surveys (and documented in
sections 2.4 and 2.6, above).

In most circumstances, walking opportunities can be facilitated via the normal

network of pathways and streets. Pathways are required, however, to be
appropriately located (linking relevant points of interest – such as attractive and
well-furnished parks) and to be constructed and maintained in accordance with
recommended standards.

Specialist bushland walking tracks may also be appropriate for aged and
disabled people.

Council has an active ‘walking track and recreation trail’ strategy – but this
mostly concerns general-purpose recreation trails in the steep bushland areas
within the Lane Cove River, Cowan Creek and Upper Middle Harbour
catchment areas. Due to their steepness and ruggedness, most of these areas
are inaccessible to frail aged and disabled people.

Investigations are required to identify sites/trails with the potential to provide

nature and heritage based recreation experiences for frail aged and disabled
people.

Additional ‘one track for all’ trails would complement the ‘Senses Track’ already
available at the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden.

The trails must comply with the mandatory and advisory guidelines for people
with disabilities and they must incorporate places and items of interest to frail
aged and disabled people. Possible concept elements would include the
following:

30
· one or two loop trails up to about one kilometre in length
· viewing platforms at relevant vantage point or places of interest
· shelters with wheelchair access picnic tables
· car park with wide bays and easy access to trail
· signage with trail route, distances, directions and gradients
· environmental and/or heritage interpretation information
· accessible toilets at track head/car park area

The S94 Plan Supporting Document included several walking track extension
projects – as listed in Table 6.1. These projects are of considerable potential
benefit to the whole community. But given the importance of walking – as the
major physical recreation of many older people – these projects would be of
particular benefit to the latter.

The Supporting Document also included a ‘Walking Track Improvement

Strategy’ project. This project also (particularly if it includes consideration of
suitable locations for ‘one track for all’ trails) is of considerable potential benefit
to aged and disabled people.

6.4 Visiting Parks

Visiting parks - particularly larger parks with quality furnishings and presentation
- is also a popular activity for older people. Accordingly, appropriate park
improvement projects (including the provision of adequate shade, seating,
picnic shelters, lighting and public art) increase the appeal of parks and other
public spaces for aged and disabled (and other) people.

The S94 Plan Supporting Document included several park improvement

projects – as listed in Table 6.1. These all entail the improvement of high-
profile, well used parks of the type popular with older people. Together with
other district scale parks, they are likely to be important foci for the walking and
park visitation needs of people moving into SEPP 5 developments within Ku-
ring-gai.

6.5 Heated Swimming Pools

Both local and national scale surveys have demonstrated the strong demand
for accessible swimming opportunities amongst aged and disabled people.
This, in part, has been a result of the widespread development of heated indoor
pools and the associated provision of a range of new aquatic programs
(aquarobics and various types of aquatic ‘gentle exercise’).

31
In all the relevant local surveys undertaken over the past ten years, a broad
cross section of the community (including aged and disabled people) have
expressed a strong need for heated swimming opportunities within Ku-ring-gai.
Accordingly, the S94 Plan Supporting Document included a project for the
provision of heated indoor pools within the existing West Pymble Pool complex.

6.6 Access for All

There are no nationally negotiated DDA Standards in the area of access to

premises (including parks and open spaces). In this circumstance, the Human
Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (the body responsible for
administering the DDA Act) advises that those responsible for premises have to
make their own decisions about what, in their particular circumstances,
amounts to access at a level sufficient to meet their responsibilities under the
DDA.

With respect to parks and open spaces (unlike buildings), there are few
regulatory controls on the design of landscape features to assist this decision
making process. Most of the guidelines are advisory rather than mandatory12.
Nevertheless, the DDA makes both direct and indirect discrimination unlawful
and requires reasonable adjustments to be made to accommodate the needs of
people with disabilities. An adjustment, in this context, is any change that needs
to be made to ensure that a person with a disability does not experience either
direct or indirect discrimination. Adjustments, therefore, will include the
implementation of both advisory and mandatory access design guidelines.

The primary principle underpinning the advisory guidelines is that all people,
irrespective of socio-economic status, gender, geographical location, ability or
age, should have access to a comprehensive range of quality recreation
opportunities. The rationale behind this is the significant physical and mental
health and social benefits flowing from recreation participation.

For some people – including the old and people with disabilities – participation
opportunities are restricted because of barriers to participation and/or the lack
of functional supports.

Participation Barriers

There are three types of participation barrier – physical access barriers, lack of
specific facilities/services and perceptions of safety.

12
Sport and Recreation Access For All produced by the Victorian Department of Sport and
Recreation in 1999; Access for People with Mobility Disabilities produced by the Western Sydney
Regional Organisation Of Councils (WSROC) in 1998

32
Physical access barriers include:

· restricted or minimal access to a facility

· limited parking for people with a disability or parking in inappropriate places
in relation to a facility’s entrance
· limited access to public transport for people who are less mobile
· limited room to move within a facility
· unsafe floor or ground surfaces for wheel chairs or walking frames
· poor signage
· obstructions on pathways and flights of stairs

Lack of specific facilities/services barriers include:

· lack of designated and specifically designed facilities (such as change

rooms and picnic facilities) for disabled people and their families or carers,
· inadequate and/or insensitive programming, and
· lack of appropriate coaching/tuition (or poor access to such tuition)

Safety perception barriers include poor exterior lighting, inappropriate locations

and any other factor which contributes to a sense of being unsafe and/or
unwelcome.

Functional Supports

People may experience one or more of the following disabling conditions:

· difficulty interpreting information

· severe or complete loss of sight
· severe loss of hearing
· inco-ordination
· prevalence of poor balance
· limitations of stamina
· difficulty moving head
· difficulty reaching with arms
· difficulty in handling/fingering
· loss of upper extremity skills
· difficulty bending/kneeling
· reliance on walking aids
· inability to use lower extremities
· extreme of size and weight

33
People with these disabilities may need a range of functional supports –
particular types of signage, additional lighting, extra wide paths, tactile cues on
pathways (for changes of level etc), non-slip surfaces, audio loops, colour
contrasting, handrails and special seating.

Design and Planning Principles

The guidelines recognise that the presence of access barriers and/or the
absence of functional supports will often make the difference between
participating or not. Barriers, therefore, must be eliminated (or at least
minimised) while effective and practical functional supports must be provided
where possible.

With respect to this, the key environmental conditions and design principles
necessary for creating accessible park environments are detailed at Attachment
B.

Access Audit

In the absence of a comprehensive park and recreation access audit, the extent
of current compliance with the above design/development principles in Ku-ring-
gai is not clear.

For this reason, a project to conduct a parks disability access audit was
included in the parks and open space component of the S94 Supporting
Document.

This project was not carried forward into the final S94 Plan – but such an audit
is necessary before a program for the modification of existing facilities
(according to priorities determined by access audit outcomes, relative need and
affordability) can be developed and costed.

An access audit report would provide a basis for the development of an access
improvement plan. The purpose of such a plan would be to guide the design
and construction of access improvements in Ku-ring-gai’s parks and open
space areas.

The plan would comprise a costed program of remedial works. The program
would be developed according to the access barriers and required remedial
works identified in the access audit report, together with the following additional
work:

· quantification of the required remedial works,

· preliminary cost estimates of the required remedial works,

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· environmental effects assessment (where appropriate) of the required
remedial works,
· an evaluation of the use and potential use and importance of each park (and
the use and importance of each zone within each park), and
· prioritisation of remedial works based on the relationship between benefits
(measured by the use and importance ratings) and costs (financial and/or
environmental).

Examples of possible remedial works would include the following:

Public Transport

· Work with relevant public transport agencies to improve the accessibility of

stations/stops.
· Where required, remove barriers (such as uplifted and cracked pavements,
steep kerb ramps and narrow paths) and provide kerb ramps on routes
between transport stops and park entrances.

Car Parking

· provide designated car parking spaces where not already provided

· provide correct markings and signage where currently incorrect
· upgrade the surfaces of gravel carparks
· reduce the slope of steep carparks
· provide kerb ramps and/or on-grade access to pathways where not already
provided
· relocate parking spaces and/or pathways where wheelchair users currently
must pass behind parked cars

Signage and Non-Visual Information

· Provide general information signage and directional signage at parks which

is accessible to frail aged and disabled people – particularly at the larger
parks with different uses and values which cannot be seen from park entry
points.
· Clearly mark all elements of parks which comply with AS1428.1.1993 (such
as car parks, toilets, picnic shelters and mobility paths) with the international
symbol of access.
· Provide non-visual information for visually impaired people at some key
sites in accordance with demonstrated need.

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Circulation (Pathways)

· provide and/or widen pathways which restrict movement around parks and
access to specific facilities
· realign pathways to reduce slopes where justified by demonstrated need
· provide functional supports (handrails, kerbs and/or contrasting texture
edges) on pathways at high use locations
· provide and/or relocate some seating (where required) so that it is more
accessible to disabled people using pathways

Circulation (Pathway hazards & obstructions)

· removal of obstructions
· upgraded maintenance of high use pathways to promptly remove trip
hazards
· rectification of erosion damage at the edges of pathways

Circulation (Steps)

· provide additional paving, where required, to improve access to the

bottom/top of steps
· apply contrasting tactile indicator strips to the tread at the nosing of each
step on flights of steps, where justified by the level of use

Park Benches/Seats

· Ensure that at least some seating is linked to and flush with all accessible
pathway systems
· Ensure that all new seating complies with the Australian Standards
· Replace some seating in high use accessible parks with fully accessible
seating – and ensure that sufficient flat space is provided next to these seats
for wheelchair parking

Toilets

· Provide one unisex disabled toilet in all toilet blocks in all high use and
accessible parks (ie parks that have significant flat to gently undulating
areas and that have, or that could have, disabled parking and continuous
accessible pathways).
· Ensure that disabled toilets are available for public use

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Picnic/Barbecue Facilities

· Provide at least one accessible picnic setting (ie linked to a continuous

accessible path with furniture which conforms with Australian Standards) in
all accessible parks where picnic settings are provided.
· At some of these parks, also provide a large shelter and one accessible
barbecue.

Playgrounds

· Improve access both to and around existing playgrounds – particularly those

in high use parks
· Provide accessible play equipment at two or three other locations in the
Council area (where other access facilities – car parks, toilets and pathways
are also provided).

Sports Spectator Facilities

· Provide accessible facilities for sports spectators (parking spaces, toilets,

seating and continuous accessible paths linking toilets, car parks and
seating) at sportsgrounds according to demonstrated need (following
consultation with sports ground user groups).

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7. Conclusions

This study has re-evaluated the levies established in the existing S94 Plan in
terms of their relevance and appropriateness for people aged over 55 years
moving into new SEPP 5 developments. The study has also investigated the
need for additional recreation facilities, not included in the current S94 Plan.

The re-evaluation and investigations have been based upon:

· identification of trends in the open space and recreation needs of people

aged over 55 years,
· consideration of the expressed needs of existing SEPP 5 residents,
· evaluation of the capacity of existing facilities to meet the needs of SEPP 5
residents

The study outcomes – as documented in Chapters 2-6 of this report - provide a

firm basis for establishing a nexus between new SEPP 5 developments and
recreation demand. Specifically, the study concludes that:

· The recreation and open space levies included in the S94 Contribution Plan
are justified for people aged over 55 years in new SEPP 5 developments
· Levies for a range of projects included in the open space and recreation
component of the S94 Supporting Document – but not carried through to the
final plan - are also justified
· These latter projects focus on facilities/activities of high appeal/demand
amongst older (and disabled) people – walking for pleasure, visiting parks
and use of heated swimming pools
· Levies for accessibility improvements to parks and public places are also
justified – but the exact nature of project work needs to be identified via a
comprehensive ‘access audit’
· With respect to this work, consideration could be given to specific access
improvement programs for particular ‘benefit areas’ for locations of SEPP 5
developments (this would facilitate a higher apportionment but Council
would still need to contribute in proportion to the size of the existing
population), and

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 ATTACHMENT A
Existing S94 Projects – Relevance for People Aged
55+ Years

39
 Facility
All parks
Walking tracks
Sir David Martin Reserve & Construction of new walking track link, lighting,
Kissing Point Village Green
Shot Machine Track (Upper
Gordon Creek Bushland)
Richmond Park (Ashley Grove,
Gordon)
Bicentennial Park
Turramurra Village Park
Robert Pymble Park (Park Cres,
Pymble)
West Pymble Village Green
Tennis courts – Morona Ave
(Wahroonga)
Tennis courts – Alan Small Park
(Killara)
Tennis courts – Killara Park
West Pymble Pool
Nature of Works Proposed Capital Cost
Estimate
Parks Disability Access Audit – to determine
levels of compliance with access standards in $30,000
parks and at sport and recreation facilities & to
identify required remedial works
Walking Track Improvement Strategy $30,000
$60,000
shelter and picnic area
Construction of new walking track link - Stanhope $42,000
Rd (Swains Garden) to Northcote Rd (Seven little
Australians Reserve)
Construct walking track from existing track to $22,000
Highlands Avenue
Community picnic shelter and public art project
$60,000
Park improvement works - new planting, fencing $40,000
and park furniture
Upgrading - lighting, community events space $45,000
and plantings
New park - planting, community space, lighting, $100,000
fencing and furniture, services
Provide disabled toilet $30,000
Provide disabled toilet $30,000
Extend disabled toilet building $ 65,000
refurbishment of existing outdoor pool and $4,500,000
addition of two indoor heated pools + acquisition
of land for additional 200 car spaces
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 ATTACHMENT B
‘ACCESS FOR ALL’ DESIGN PRINCIPLES –
PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES

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ACCESS FOR ALL DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Urban parks provide a variety of settings – including sports fields, play areas,
walking tracks, vantage points and places for quiet contemplation. These
settings, collectively, are attractive to a wide range of people, including people
with disabilities.

This section identifies the conditions and key design principles necessary for
ensuring ‘access for all’ to as many park settings as possible. It covers site
access, circulation, the location and design of a wide range of park facilities and
information.

Site Access

· Parks and other local community facilities should be designed so that

people with disabilities can gain access to them independently. Accessible
public transport is a key requirement for this
· Facilities should, ideally, be close to public transport and there should be a
continuous accessible pathway between the transport stops and the park
· Car parking spaces for people with disabilities must be provided, desirably
within 60 metres of areas served (which may require, for large parks,
provision of spaces at several locations around the site)
· The parking spaces must be firm and level (maximum 1:40 gradient),
adequately signed, and have kerb ramps or on-grade access to the
pathway system
· The spaces must be large enough (minimum 3200mm wide) to facilitate
manoeuvring of wheelchairs and the transference of people and their aids.

Circulation (pathways)

· Ideally, for ease of circulation, the topography of accessible parks should be

relatively flat
· Pathway systems must link all accessible facilities within sites
· Appropriate signs will assist people to locate and choose activities (eg trail
signs could advise visitors of trail lengths, features of interest and degree of
difficulty)
· Pathways within parks need to be step free, firm and slip resistant and a
minimum of 1000mm wide (but preferably 1800mm)
· Pathways should not have excessive slopes (greater than 1:20, with a cross
slope not greater than 1:40)
· For steeper slopes paths must be constructed as ramps (maximum slope of
1:14)

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· Pathway surfaces, edges and shoulders must be consistent and suitable for
mobility aids
· Wide paths suitable for wheelchair access (particularly those >2000mm) can
be disorienting for people with impaired vision. Handrails (on kerb or wall)
should, therefore, be provided where possible. Where this is not possible,
the ground on both sides of the path should follow the grade of the path
(with a maximum 10mm height difference), be of contrasting textured
material and extend horizontally for a minimum of 600mm. These edges
(which need not be of the same quality as the path) will provide cues to cane
users and allow for occasional accidental movement over the path edge.
· Pathways must be wide enough to allow pedestrians, cyclists, skaters and
people using mobility aids to pass each other without difficulty
· Rest areas (with appropriate seating) should be provided, particularly on
longer walks
· Pathways must be well maintained and free of debris and other hazards
(such as pot holes, tree roots and ridges)
· There must be a hazard free zone (free of overhanging branches) for the full
width of pathways and for a minimum height of 2040 mm
· Gratings and manhole covers should be avoided on accessible pathways
· Thresholds or small changes in level at junctions between different surface
materials are trip hazards and should be avoided
· Bollards on pathways should allow a clear space of at least 900mm to allow
wheelchairs and prams to pass – and they should be a minimum of 600mm
high and be in a contrasting colour to their surrounds

Circulation (stairs/steps)

· Flights of stairs must consist of between 2 and 18 risers and a maximum

rise of 2000mm between landings
· Stairs should have handrails on both sides and a minimum width of
1000mm (but generally the same width as the adjoining path)
· All steps on the flight should have the same tread width and riser height

Park Seats/Benches

· Seats should be provided at pick up and set down areas and entrances and
next to play grounds for adults supervising children. They should also be
located at regular intervals along paths, walking tracks and boardwalks
· Seats should be located next to pathways and set back at least 600mm (for
leg room)
· The surface under and at the end of seats should be firm and flush with the
adjacent pathway

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· At least 900mm of space should be left between and at the end of seats to
accommodate wheelchairs, strollers and prams
· Seats should be a minimum of 450mm high (but heights up to 520mm are
preferred where many older users are expected)
· Seats with armrests and backrests provide additional comfort and
assistance to people with disabilities and older people who may have
difficulty sitting and standing (but some seats need to provided without
armrests so that wheelchair users can transfer between wheelchair and
seat)

Play Areas

· Play areas should provide shaded seating, with a clear view of the play
areas, for both adults and children – with accessible toilets, bubblers and
litter bins nearby
· Raised lips and kerbs around play areas and between items of equipment
must be avoided
· Accessible playgrounds must provide opportunities for parents with
disabilities to play with their children
· Adequate level space around items of play equipment should be provided to
allow for wheelchair movement
· Handrails should be provided on raised platforms accessible to children
using wheelchairs
· Slides can be built into a mound or hillside to eliminate the need for a ladder
· Swings with arms and backs are preferred for disabled children who require
extra support

Shelters

· Shelters should be provided at major gathering points (picnic areas,

barbecues and viewing areas) and at major pick up and set down areas

Bubblers/Drinking Fountains

· Accessible bubblers should be provided in all parks

· A firm, stable clear space of 900mm should be provided on all sides of the
unit
· The top of the unit should be at 700mm and preferably cantilevered
· Hand controls should be levers and should be provided at the front of units
Picnic Facilities

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· Accessible tables should be sited on a firm and level surface adjacent to a
continuous pathway
· Clear access of 1500mm is required around tables to allow wheelchair
manoeuvrability
· A clear space of 650mm between the underside of the table and the ground
is necessary to allow access for wheelchair users. A clear width of 800mm
and depth of 620mm under the table is also required
· At least one group of tables in every picnic area should be sheltered
· At least one barbecue in each picnic area should be accessible to people
with disabilities
· the barbecues should be gas or electric (because of the difficulty, for many
people, of gathering and chopping wood)
· Barbecues should be located on a firm, flat surface flush with adjacent
paths.
· The cooking surface of barbecues should, desirably, be at 760mm (to allow
access for sitting and standing people)
· Barbecues require a clear area around them (at least 900mm for
manoeuvrability) and should, preferably, be on a central post to allow closer
access for wheelchair users

Toilets

· All public facilities, including parks, should have at least one unisex
wheelchair accessible toilet
· The toilet must be close to utilisation areas and on a continuous accessible
pathway

Sports Spectator Areas

· Seating should recognise the requirements of people with limited mobility

(such as a minimum of 600mm leg space from the front of seating)
· Wheelchair viewing positions must be connected to a continuous accessible
pathway (including accessible entrance gate), be adjacent to at least one
companion fixed seat, have aisle access of at least 1200mm wide, be level,
at least 800mm wide and 1200mm deep

Nature/Interpretive Trails

· Circular walking trails are preferred to linear trails because of the reduced
need for passing

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· Trails and boardwalks should give disabled people access to all parts of a
park that are available to people without a disability (not just the areas that
are easiest to access)
· Compromises may be necessary where the terrain is particularly steep
and/or where environmental constraints exist
· Trails and boardwalks must be wide enough to allow people using mobility
aids to pass others without difficulty
· Rest areas are important, particularly on longer walks
· Trails must be well maintained and free of debris and other hazards (such
as pot holes, tree roots and ridges)
· Observation areas/vantage points require barrier free access (separate
pedestrian and vehicular access), a level and firm surface, a handrail at
900mm and signs to warn of hazards

Lighting

· Lighting is essential for ensuring that park areas remain accessible and
provide a sense of security after dark
· Lighting is also necessary to minimise trip accidents and injuries

Signs and Information

· Information about all accessible features should be widely available to

enable people with disabilities to make appropriate choices on which parks
to visit
· The international symbol for access should be used to indicate accessible
environments (but only when the area is fully accessible)
· Orientation signs at park entries can inform users about opportunities
available in the park, areas of interest, type of access supports, travel
distances to settings within the park, degrees of difficulty of walks and
locations of rest areas
· Signs should be set back from paths (300mm) but located so that vision
impaired people can walk right up to them
· Signs should be non reflective, free from overhanging branches and other
obstructions and well maintained
· Signs should be located between 700mm (bottom of sign) and 1700 (top of
sign) so they are easily visible to standing and sitting adults and children
· Symbols should be used wherever possible and symbols and letters must
be appropriately sized (at least 18 points) so they can be read by vision
impaired people

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· Non-visual information (such tactile maps and ‘talking posts’ – push button
or sensor operated recorded messages) should be provided for vision
impaired people

Vegetation

· Large shady trees are desirable around seating and rest areas but they
should be set back from pathways as they can break paths up and create
trip hazards
· The minimum of height of branches above pathways should be 2040mm
Park Facilities Generally

· The fundamental requirement is for facilities (whether playgrounds, sports

spectator facilities, picnic areas or formal gardens) to be part of a
continuous, barrier free system with links to accessible parking and public
transport set down points.
· Beyond the basics, access to views/vistas and interesting design features
(sensory experiences, public art, sculpture gardens) and can add to the park
experience

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