A new Play Space and Outdoor Exercise Equipment Strategy is underway, and we are inviting the community to share their thoughts.
The Strategy will guide how we plan, design and manage play and exercise infrastructure over the next ten years and we want to find out how spaces are currently used, what works well, and where improvements are needed.
Acting Mayor Councillor Paul Pingiaro said the review was an opportunity to ensure everyone in the Shire has access to high-quality spaces to play, exercise and connect.
"Our playgrounds and outdoor fitness parks are vital community assets - places where children develop and make friends, families connect, and people of all ages stay active and live well," Cr Pingario said.
"A lot has changed since our last strategy was developed, and we want to make sure our planning reflects where our community is today and where it's heading.
"That means hearing directly from residents about what's working, what's missing, and what matters most to them."
The new strategy will assess the quality and condition of every Shire-owned* playground and outdoor exercise facility. Equity and inclusion are important, and under-served communities will be prioritised to ensure future investment is directed where it's needed most.
Importantly, the strategy is a planning document - it does not mean playgrounds will be immediately removed or replaced. Its purpose is to set a clear, evidence-based direction to guide Shire's decisions and investment over the coming decade.
This new strategy builds on the draft Open Space Strategy as well as community feedback to date.
Community consultation is open from Monday 25 May - Sunday 21 June 2026.
Have your say: mornpen.vic.gov.au/playfit
*There are some exercise parks and playgrounds that are owned by private operators such as foreshore committees. These are not included in our Strategy.
