FAQs

Physical activity undertaken in leisure time and not part of structured competition. This strategy refers to popular activities including fitness workouts, basketball and skateboarding, tennis, informal play, etc.

Often interchangeable, a play space or playground is a purpose-built setting for play. A play space may include play equipment and accompanying areas of impact-absorbing surfacing, but may also include the surrounding natural features, built environment and landscape available for the purpose of play. In this survey, a play space also refers to purpose-built settings for active recreation including skate parks, basketball courts, tennis courts and exercise stations.

This strategy does not include sporting ovals, swimming pools or bike paths.  Council has a Sports Field Plan 2016-2026 to guide the use, development and management of sporting fields and ovals in the City of Darwin.

Council's 2030 Movement Strategy includes actions around walking and cycling infrastructure.

Accessibility refers to the physical ability of people to access a space. Accessible design mainly addresses the movement needs of people with a disability.

An inclusive space invites people of all ages, abilities and cultures to come together. It utilises principles of inclusive design, creating spaces people of all ages and abilities can enjoy.

A Play Space Strategy is a plan that helps City of Darwin prioritise the development and maintenance of play and active recreation spaces. The strategy helps Council ensure there is adequate play spaces now and into the future, and that they are accessible, well maintained and suit the needs of the local community, and provide opportunities to improve health, wellbeing and social connectedness.

This strategy will provide a framework for City of Darwin to provide an accessible network of parks and active recreation spaces to encourage active participation for all ages and abilities to help achieve Council’s strategic direction of ‘A Safe, Liveable and Healthy City’.

City of Darwin is genuinely interested in listening to the ideas, preferences and needs of its communities. Your insights will be valued, and help us to plan how we can deliver the best play spaces that help our lifestyles thrive.

The draft strategy classifies play spaces as Local, District or Regional, and proposes a list of recommended facilities at each level.  

This hierarchy also considers City of Darwin’s Asset Management Framework and requirements of the Northern Territory Government's Planning Scheme.

Local:

• Within 400-500m walking distance of residential areas
• Small-scale
• Designed to meet the needs of local residents
• Reflects local context
• Intended for short, frequent visits
• Focused on pre-school age groups
• Integrated with trees and planting where possible

District:

• 5-10 minute drive from residential areas
• Medium scale
• Designed to meet the needs of the local community
• Includes additional facilities e.g. amenities
• Includes a variety of play structures, surfaces and play spaces
• Services a range of age groups
• Integrated with the surrounding landscape

Regional:

• 15-20 minute drive from residential areas
• Large scale
• Designed to provide unique experiences
• Includes amenities, BBQs and other facilities
• Provides a range of play opportunities
• Serves the regional catchment area and a range of age groups