GIS based mapping has been provided by Chris Bowey, Team Leader Property.

Transcription

1 DRAFT July 2017

2 Acknowledgements The Recreation and Open Space Study has been undertaken by Suter Planners in consultation with City of Victor Harbor Council staff and representatives. Suter Planners personnel involved in the analysis and report and mapping development include: Suzanne Suter, Principal Suter Planners Carina Sidwell, Assistant Planner and Design, Suter Planners The study has been project managed by the following Council staff: Brian Doman, Manager Environment and Recreation Jeremy Bell, STARCLUB Field Officer GIS based mapping has been provided by Chris Bowey, Team Leader Property. Other Council staff have contributed to the project through a Project Control Group listed below as well as planning sessions with a range of staff. Project Control Group Name Brian Doman Jeremy Bell Mark Oliphant David Read Department Manager Environment and Recreation STARCLUB Field Officer (Fleurieu/KI) Manager Community Services Strategic and Policy Planner Sport and recreation groups and the community have also contributed to the study through participation in consultations including through: Council s Environment and Infrastructure Committee Council s Recreation and Sport Advisory Committee (a sub-committee of the Environment and Infrastructure Committee) Planning sessions with Encounter Bay Recreation Ground users, Victor Harbor Oval users and sports groups located at other locations Community survey using Survey Monkey

3 CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY i 1 INTRODUCTION 1 Focus and Purpose of the Strategy 1 Study Outputs 2 The Study Area 3 2 DEMAND AND SUPPLY 7 Key Community Needs 7 Open Space Provision 9 Key Recreation and Sport Facilities 13 3 THE STRATEGY CONTEXT 21 The Strategy Approach and Themes 21 Open Space and Recreation Vision 22 4 THEME DIRECTIONS 25 The Foreshore 26 Natural Areas 34 Non-Foreshore Recreation Spaces 42 Connections and Corridors 48 Sports Facilities 54 Place Activation 60 5 IMPLEMENTATION 67 Implementation Approach 67 Priority Projects 68 Resources and Partnerships 71

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5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background Open space and recreation facilities define the character of the City of Victor Harbor, enhance community wellbeing and contribute to achieving social, environmental and economic objectives. The City of Victor Harbor has a unique coastal and rural environment that supports diverse recreation activities. Council has developed the City of Victor Harbor Recreation and Open Space Strategy to ensure open spaces and recreation opportunities continue to be provided and enhanced for the benefit of the community and visitors. The Strategy will guide the future provision, development and management of open space and recreation facilities across the Council area. The Strategy relates to all types of open space and recreation facilities including: The Foreshore Natural Areas Non Foreshore Recreation Spaces Connections and Corridors (linear open space) Sport and Recreation Facilities Consideration has also been given to achieving community wellness through activating spaces, supporting health initiatives and encouraging sport and community groups to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes. The Recreation and Open Space Study has involved developing two reports as follows: Strategic Directions Report (this report which provides directions, actions and projects) Background Report (key information and findings that support the Strategic Directions Report directions) The directions and actions in the Strategic Directions Report are based on a comprehensive analysis of Demand and Supply with the main findings outlined below. Key Findings Community Needs (Demand) There is a need to plan for: - A future (2031) population of 21,231 for organised sport - A future (2031) population of around 30,000 for informal recreation - Large visitor numbers in the peak season and holiday periods (around 50,000) The main outdoor sporting needs raised by sports groups and confirmed through the study include: - Fields for soccer - An improved athletics track and field (400m 8 lane desired) - Support and advice from Council to obtain funding and achieve facility improvements The main indoor sports facility needs raised by sports groups include: - Desire by the Great Southern Basketball Association for a new 3 court indoor sports centre (as supported in Encounter Bay Recreation Ground master planning) - Need for an improved gymnastics facility (supported in the Encounter Bay Recreation Ground master planning or could be achieved through the existing Recreation Centre) Key community priorities raised through the study include: - Maintained and improved foreshore reserves and facilities - Increased and improved pathways and trails to support walking and bike riding - Protected and maintained natural area - Improved picnic and barbecue facilities - Improved non-foreshore recreation parks - Improved streetscapes and landscapes - Upgrades to sportsgrounds Page i

6 Open Space and Facility Provision (Supply) The City of Victor Harbor has a very good provision of open space with hectares. However, 227.8ha of the open space is natural area and only hectares has a sport or recreation focus. The open space provision of hectares is still relatively good but not excessive as shown below: ha per 1,000 people for a 2016 population of 15, ha per 1,000 people for a future 2031 population of 21, ha per 1,000 people for a future 2031 population of 30,000 that allows for unoccupied dwellings Industry benchmarks suggest around 3ha per 1,000 people for recreation and sporting open space. Open space is lacking in the Victor Harbor Central area to the west of Torrens Street and north of Crozier Road. This could be partly compensated through improved streetscapes in the area, or acquiring open space in any new subdivisions such as the land north of Canterbury Road zoned residential. A large number of the open space parcels in the Encounter Bay area are less functional (as part of gullies, on sloping land or too small). The higher priority open spaces in relation to their location, profile, community demands and the potential for improvement include: - The foreshore areas, particularly around the Victor Harbor town centre, from the bowls club to the yacht club and The Bluff - Open spaces along the Inman River and Hindmarsh River - The sporting open spaces and related facilities - Larger natural open spaces The main gaps in outdoor sports facility provision are: - Soccer fields (around 2-4 soccer pitches on the basis that needs could be partly met through Alexandrina Council and schools) - An improved athletics track and field (400m grass track, community level but good quality) The provision of ovals should be adequate to meet future Australian rules football and cricket needs providing there is access to good standard school fields. There is no need for additional outdoor recreation facilities (with the exception of the potential for 1-2 exercise facilities if appropriate). The greater focus should be on maintaining and enhancing existing facilities and recreation spaces including through landscapes and picnic settings. Directions The Recreation and Open Space Strategy focuses on six Themes and a goal, strategic directions and actions and projects have been identified for each Theme. The Theme goals are below. Theme Goals Theme The Foreshore Natural Areas Non-Foreshore Recreation Spaces Connections and Corridors Sports Facilities Community Wellness Theme Goals Quality foreshore destinations with distinctive recreation and natural spaces Protected and enhanced natural areas that support biodiversity and connect people to nature A hierarchy of recreation spaces to support diverse age groups, interests and abilities Improved walkability through paths, streetscapes and trail connections Sustainable outdoor and indoor sporting facilities that support an active community An active, healthy and engaged community through recreation and activated places A summary of the strategic directions is provided on the following page and this is followed by a map of suggested priority projects. A rationale for the directions and other projects and actions are included in the report. Page ii

7 Strategic Directions Summarised* Theme The Foreshore Natural Areas Non Foreshore Recreation Spaces Connections and Corridors Sport and Recreation Facilities Community Wellness Strategic Direction Strengthen the quality and uniqueness of foreshore destinations. Improve the provision, location and quality of recreation and sport facilities and related amenities. Manage and where appropriate reduce the dominance of buildings, structures and car parking. Protect, maintain and strengthen coastal vegetation, estuaries and natural foreshore settings. Continue to respond to the risks associated with climate change. Protect and regenerate key coastal and bushland areas. Create and enhance some natural area destinations to support community use. Create and enhance wetlands as part of stormwater management and the creation of habitat. Create nature based landscape parks and urban forests in open spaces that have less recreation value. Encourage and support community involvement in maintaining and regenerating natural areas. Continue to respond to climate change through natural area revegetation and management. Enhance and establish some key non foreshore recreation and event destinations. Create and promote local recreation destinations through higher quality neighbourhood parks. Improve the quality of key local parks through facility, infrastructure and landscape upgrades. Consider land acquisition in the Victor Harbor suburb to address the gap in open space provision. Design spaces to be resilient to climate change and conserve water and energy use. Continue to maintain and further improve existing trails and paths along the foreshore. Upgrade and extend trails along the Inman River and Hindmarsh River. Create walking loops through the river trails, local linear open space and larger open spaces. Continue to provide bike riding opportunities around and beyond the City. Improve the appeal, function and safety of streets. Continue to develop corridors and linkages as part of the climate change response. Undertake and support improvements to sportsgrounds in accordance with hierarchy and feasibility. Provide opportunities for participation in water sports through appropriate facilities and spaces. Improve the provision and quality of indoor sport and recreation facilities. Support non team organised sports, including equestrian clubs and motor sports, through access to good spaces and facilities. Seek to increase the availability and affordability of school facilities through equitable and achievable agreements with schools. Continue to work with the Office for Recreation and Sport to support sports clubs and sports development through the STARCLUB initiative. Design and construct facilities to be energy efficient. Integrate innovative and unique features within key foreshore areas and parks as part of site design. Continue to facilitate and encourage community events and recreation and sport programs. Support mobile food catering services and mobile activity opportunities in key open spaces and linked to events where appropriate. Place a greater focus on promoting and encouraging the use of open spaces and sport and recreation facilities through marketing, information and programs. Encourage and support sport and recreation groups to participate in management programs and prepare strategic plans for their facilities, activities and clubs. Support and encourage community groups to undertake recreation, community and conservation projects and programs. Design open spaces to support use in all weather conditions. * The strategic directions are outlined in full in the report together with a rationale Page iii

8 Recommended Priorities The recommended priorities are listed below and mapped on the following page. Theme Map No. High Priority Projects* The Foreshore 1 Further enhance Warland Reserve as a major events and recreation space. 2 Redesign GT Fisher Playground with new and innovative playspace equipment and improved spatial design and landscape to reinforce this area as a major regional destination. 3 Maintain and further enhance Foreshore Youth Park 4 Redesign and upgrade the outdoor court and beach volleyball areas. 5 Replace existing amenities and change facilities at Bridge Point with a new amenity building with a minimal footprint. Natural Areas 6 Protect and regenerate The Bluff to retain and strength the site as a significant coastal area. 7 Contribute to the conservation and regeneration of Section 696 land and seek to have the land transferred to Council. 8 Strengthen the coastal and natural destination value of The Bluff through plantings, defined and upgraded paths and steps, seating, viewing areas and interpretation. Monitor and manage bike paths on the lower sections of the Bluff. 9 Encourage the DEWNR to maintain and strengthen the natural features and natural destination value of Granite Island. Non Foreshore Recreation Spaces Connections and Corridors 10 Improve the quality and scope of key parks to create local destinations (focussing on Stan Farquhar Reserve, Brandwood Reserve, Connell Reserve) 11 Create the Victor Harbor Dog Park as a quality location for people with dogs including through picnic settings, seating, shade, paths and drinking water for dogs within the fenced dog area. 12 Continue to undertake path and landscape improvements along the Encounter Bikeway, particularly focussed on connectivity and ease of use. 13 Upgrade and widen the foreshore pathway between Causeway Plaza and the Yacht Club facilities. 14 Undertake pathway, landscape and signage improvements to the Inman and Hindmarsh River trails. Sports Facilities 15 Modify the Encounter Bay Recreation Ground master plan to reflect the inclusion of the Gillespie Land and plan for future facility improvements. 16 Support improvements to the Victor Harbor Oval complex including the development of a new club facility to support all user groups. 17 Continue to maintain the Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre, related recreation facilities and the site surrounds to a high quality. 18 Plan for an indoor sports facility to cater for basketball and other indoor sports through detailed planning and feasibility assessment. 19 Provide for gymnastics either through a new indoor sport and recreation facility or the dedicated allocation of one court and storage space at the existing Victor Harbor Recreation Centre. Not mapped Continue to support sports clubs and associations and increase the sustainability of sports (through STARClub, grants, and advice) Community Wellness Not mapped Work with local artists and community art groups to create permanent and temporary design features within destination open spaces. 20 Support major and local events in open space destinations and larger parks and sportsgrounds through the provision of appropriate infrastructure with priorities being Warland Reserve and Kent Reserve. Not mapped Not mapped Promote facilities and activity opportunities including those provided by sport and recreation groups. Encourage and support sport and recreation groups to participate in management programs and prepare strategic plans (as part of the STARCLUB initiative). Not mapped Increase the funding and resources available for community projects and initiatives (environment, art, participation). *Further details of the projects are included in the Theme Directions section Items that are Not mapped relate to broader actions that are not site specific. Page iv

9 Priority Projects Map Page v

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11 1 INTRODUCTION Focus and Purpose of the Strategy Open space and recreation facilities are a priority in the City of Victor Harbor as they contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community and encourage visitors to the area, which ultimately has an economic benefit. The unique and diverse foreshore areas provide a destination for recreation, entertainment and sports activities, natural open spaces have high environmental value and other parks and open spaces support a range of activities and enhance the character of the City of Victor Harbor. The Open Space and Recreation Study has been undertaken to ensure open spaces and recreation facilities are appropriately provided, developed and managed to achieve social, environmental and economic benefits for the community and for visitors. The study has involved developing a 10 year strategy that will: 1. Provide a framework for improving open space and recreation facilities 2. Assist Council to make informed decisions regarding open space and recreation facilities 3. Guide Council and other organisations to undertake actions and projects Whilst the Open Space and Recreation Study does not commit Council or any other organisation to implement an action or project, it will guide open space and facility improvements as resources become available and in accordance with other priorities. Open space refers to all types of community land included in Council s land register including crown land under the care and control of Council. Consideration is also given to other Crown and Government land opportunities such as the potential community use of schools and SA Water land. Specifically the Open Space and Recreation Study relates to: All open space along the foreshore Natural areas including along the rivers (Inman and Hindmarsh rivers) Recreation parks and spaces Sportsgrounds and sports facilities Any facilities, amenities or infrastructure located within open spaces The 2017 Open Space and Recreation Strategy will assist Council to seek grant funding and work with partners to achieve sustainable open space and recreation improvements based on current needs, opportunities and priorities. The Open Space and Recreation Strategy will contribute to strengthening the City of Victor Harbor s unique character and lifestyle opportunities and achieving a healthy and active community. The Strategy will also contribute to attracting visitors through unique places and distinctive visitor experiences. This will ultimately contribute to achieving vibrant and sustainable places that support active and engaged people of all ages. Page 1

12 The Study Outputs The Open Space and Recreation Study incorporates two main documents as outlined below: The Strategic Directions Report The strategic framework and directions that will guide open space and facility improvements Background Report Background information and analysis relating to recreation and open space demand and supply to assist Council with decision making and future planning Collectively these reports will assist Council, other organisations and the community to achieve open space and recreation facility improvements over the next 10 years and beyond. 1. THE STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS REPORT Guiding open space and facility improvements 2. BACKGROUND REPORT Information and analysis to assist with decision making Page 2

13 The Study Area The City of Victor Harbor is located on the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula around 80km south of Adelaide. The City covers an area of m 2 and includes the township of Victor Harbor and rural areas. The City of Victor Harbor is a unique and appealing coastal and rural local government area that is continuing to be seen as a quality place to live and attracts both retirees and families. The City of Victor Harbor is a growth area and a key visitor destination that is ideally close to the capital city of Adelaide. The Recreation and Open Space Strategy considers opportunities across the City of Victor Harbor and within five Planning Precincts including: Hayborough McCracken Victor Harbor Central Encounter Bay Victor Harbor Rural A map of these areas is provided on the following page. In 2016, the resident population was estimated to be 15,337 and this is projected to increase to 21,231 by These figures exclude a considerable number of unoccupied dwellings. Taking holiday homes and temporary residents into consideration there could be closer to 30,000 people by Particular appealing features and attractions for residents and visitors in the City of Victor Harbor include: The coastline and foreshore areas Natural areas including Granite Island and Rosetta Head (The Bluff) Encounter Lakes The Inman River and Hindmarsh River open spaces and walking opportunities The diverse sport and recreation activity opportunities (golf, fishing, boating, field sports, indoor sport) Page 3

14 The Planning Precincts Page 4

15 Past Planning and Considerations 2007 Open Space and Recreation Strategy The 2017 Open Space and Recreation Strategy will replace the 2007 Open Space and Recreation Strategy, which Council has been using to guide decisions over the past 10 years. Council and community groups have achieved a number of initiatives over this time including: Enhancements to the foreshore (Causeway Plaza, Soldiers Memorial Reserve, Warland Reserve, irrigation and landscaping) Outdoor sports facility upgrades (Encounter Bay Recreation Ground, Victor Harbor Oval, foreshore sports facilities) Planning for and improving youth facilities (foreshore youth park and BMX park) Neighbourhood park improvements through a number of park and playspace upgrades Trail and pathway developments and improvements Improved seating, picnic settings and landscaping The 2017 Strategy will build on and strengthen the directions in the 2007 Strategy. Victor Harbor Overriding Strategic Plans The Open Space and Recreation Strategy aims to contribute to achieving broader strategic planning including: City of Victor Harbor Community Plan 2036 and particularly: - Objective 1: Healthy Environments - Objective 2: Attractive Lifestyle and Inclusive Community - Objective 4: Services and Infrastructure Supporting the Community City of Victor Harbor Strategic Directions Report 2013 Victor Harbor Open Space Asset Management Plan 2015 Wellbeing in Our Community 2015 (Regional Public Health Plan for the Southern & Hills LGA) Victor Harbor Specific Planning The Open Space and Recreation Strategy gives particular consideration to the following related plans: Victor Harbor Town Centre Master Plan 2006 Encounter Bay Sports Precinct Master Plan 2015 Victor Harbor Environmental Management Plan Victor Harbor Coastal Management Strategy 2013 Soldiers Memorial Gardens Conservation Management Plan 2011 Victor Harbor Bicycle Strategy 2016 Footpath and Pedestrian Strategy 2011 Regional Trails Master Plan 2012 Victor Harbor Boating Strategy 2004 Community land management plans Native Title Considerations Native Title is a consideration for Council for any Crown land that has been dedicated to Council for the care control and management of the land. Where Native Title is determined to exist on the land, access to public spaces such as parks, reserves and beaches will not be limited. However, some activities will require a notice to be forwarded to the Native Title claimant s representative body, including improvements to open space such as construction of toilet, walking tracks and tennis courts. Further Information on the past planning and considerations is included in the Background Report. Page 5

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17 2 DEMAND AND SUPPLY Key findings relating to community needs and open space and facility provision are provided below and further information is included in the Background Report. Specific gaps, issues and opportunities are outlined in the Theme Directions section. Key Community Needs Community needs are diverse in the City of Victor Harbor due to the mix of older adults and families and the visitor destination focus of the township of Victor Harbor. The main community needs based on demographics, participation data, surveys and consultations are presented below for the different aspects of analysis. Analysis Demographic Considerations (based on ABS data) Sports Participation Findings (based on actual participation) Outdoor Sport Demands (based on consultations) Indoor Sport Demand (based on consultations) Broader Community Needs (based on community survey and consultations) Visitor Needs Community Needs There is a need for affordable and accessible open spaces and recreation and sport activity opportunities that support older adults and people with a disability, as well as spaces and facilities for children and families. Diverse spaces and activity opportunities will be required to support the various age and family groups and contribute to achieving a healthy, active and connected community. There is justification for a good provision of sports facilities for most of the sports and particularly athletics, Australian Rules Football, basketball, gymnastics, hockey and netball given these sports have higher participation numbers. There are many social benefits to children, young people and families being actively engaged in sport and physical activity including the reduced risk of obesity and youth issues and increased family unity. The health and social connection benefits are also very high for older adults who can otherwise experience social isolation and declining health. Through the Recreation and Open Space Strategy consultations, sporting groups have expressed a desire for the following facility improvements: - Upgrades to existing facilities within the Encounter Bay Recreation Ground (oval clubroom, oval surface, netball amenity and need for additional court, lawn bowls car parking and kitchen upgrades, cricket club shed, hockey field maintenance and road upgrades) - Upgrades to the Victor Harbor Oval facilities (new clubroom, lighting, oval surface, potential turf cricket, court amenity improvements) - New athletics track and field required (ideally as part of sports complex) - Demand for soccer fields in the City of Victor Harbor - Improved water sport facilities linked to Encounter Lakes - Motor sports facility (motorcycling) where there can be increased use or need existing facility upgrades (toilets, change rooms, pit area, parking) The listing of sports demands does not guarantee that they will be provided or supported by Council. Some the expressed demands require feasibility assessment and a number will need to be achieved and managed by the sports clubs. - Demand for new 3 court indoor sports centre raised by basketball association - Need for improved gymnastics facility (health and safety issues with existing) - Parks & Leisure Australia benchmarks suggest a population of 50,000 is required to justify a 3 court indoor sports facility Based on the community survey for the Recreation and Open Space Study (with 124 respondents), the main needs and priorities of the community are (in order of priority): - Maintained and improved foreshore reserves and facilities - Increased and improved pathways and trails to support walking and bike riding - Protected and maintained natural area - Improved picnic and barbecue facilities - Improved non-foreshore recreation parks - Improved streetscapes and landscapes - Upgrades to sportsgrounds There is a need for quality natural, foreshore and event spaces as well as a range of facilities to support activities including walking and bike tracks and trails, play spaces and picnic facilities to attract and support visitors. Quality open spaces and recreation opportunities are major contributors to tourism. Page 7

18 Key Community Needs (continued) Analysis Community Needs Potential Sports Facility Requirements Based on Benchmarks Using 2012 Parks and Leisure Australia benchmarks and based on a future projected permanent population of 21,231 in 2031, the City of Victor Harbor is generally well catered for with outdoor sports facilities with the exception of soccer and diamond sports (baseball, softball). The benchmarks and potential facility requirements for sport are provided below. However, this is based on clubs having good access to quality school facilities, which is not necessarily the case in the City of Victor Harbor. The R-7 school oval has quality issues and the Investigator College oval is not always available to community sports groups. Potential Recreation facility Requirements Based on Benchmarks An analysis of potential recreation facility demand based on Parks & Leisure Australia benchmarks (2012) suggests the City of Victor Harbor is well catered for with recreation facilities (play spaces, youth facilities, recreation courts). The greater focus should therefore be on improving the quality of existing facilities rather than establishing additional facilities. Outdoor Sports Facility Benchmarks and Potential Facility Requirements Facility Benchmark* 2016 Population 15,337 (excludes unoccupied dwellings**) Sports Space Field Types (as part of sports areas) 1: 4,000 5,000 for grassed sports area of minimum 3.5ha with oval and rectangle field and shared-use pavilion 3 sports areas (including school ovals) 2031 Population 21,231 (excludes unoccupied dwellings**) 4 sports areas (including school ovals) AFL oval: 3: 15,000 3 ovals (including school ovals) 4 ovals (including school ovals) Cricket: 1: 8,000-10,000 2 cricket pitches 2-3 cricket pitches Soccer: 1: 3,000 4,000 4 soccer pitches 5 soccer pitches Diamond sports: 1: 15,000-20,000 1 diamond (baseball, softball) 1 diamond (baseball, softball) Hockey synthetic: 1: 75,000 0 synthetic hockey 2 grass could be adequate 0 synthetic hockey 2-3 grass could be adequate Netball 1: 3,000 4,000 4 netball courts 5 netball courts Tennis 8 court club facility for 15,000 (1: 1,875) 8 tennis courts (including through schools) 11 tennis courts (including through schools) Lawn Bowls 1:25,000 50,000 district facility 1 district bowls club 1 district bowls club Athletics 1:250,000+ for regional synthetic District = grass over existing public open space 1 grass athletic track and field 1 grass athletic track and field * Based on Parks and Leisure Australia Draft Industry Benchmarks 2012 ** The analysis excludes unoccupied dwellings as temporary residents may not commit to organised sport It should be noted that the benchmark data relates to metropolitan areas and demand in a regional area such as Victor Harbor could be greater or less than the benchmarks suggest. The soccer pitch needs and the needs of other sports could be partly met through Alexandrina Council sports facilities and through school fields. Page 8

19 Open Space Provision The City of Victor Harbor currently has hectares of open space including all Council and non-council reserves. This includes: hectares of Council owned open space hectares of Crown land Dedicated to Council 10.4 hectares Crown Land The above figures suggest that the amount of open space in the City of Victor Harbor is good with hectares per 1,000 people for a projected 2031 population of around 30,000 people (including unoccupied dwellings). However, as shown in the open space type chart below and on the map on the following page, 227.8ha of the open space is natural area which is less usable for recreation and a number of the open spaces have an operational focus (there is 32.7ha of operational land and 13.4ha of cemeteries). In addition, the City of Victor Harbor attracts large numbers of visitors, particularly in the peak summer season of December to February where the population can double in size. City of Victor Harbor Open Space Type Natural (227.8ha) Park (43.6ha) Foreshore (33.1ha) Sport (25.2ha) Community (13.4ha) Streetscape (5.7ha) Drainage (0.9ha) Water Sports (1.9ha) Operanons (32.7ha) The amount of usable recreation, sport and foreshore open space is hectares, which represents: 5.17 hectares per 1,000 people for a 2016 population of around 20,000 people (including unoccupied dwellings) 3.44 hectares per 1,000 people for a projected 2031 population of around 30,000 people (including unoccupied dwellings) 2.07 hectares per 1,000 people in the peak season by 2031 (allowing for a total resident and visitor population of around 50,000) Page 9

20 Industry benchmarks suggest that 3 hectares of recreation and sporting open space per 1,000 people is a good provision to meet local needs. Allowing for tourism in the area, the provision of usable recreation and sporting open space is not overly high and the existing provision of open space should therefore generally be retained. Some parcels of land that are less usable for recreation and have little environmental value could be considered for disposal in order to fund other improvements. However, relinquishing community land is difficult to achieve and requires substantial resources and consultation in accordance with the Local Government Act Specific opportunities have not been identified as part of this study. City of Victor Harbor Open Space Hierarchy Regional (159.4ha) District (163.9ha) Neighbourhood (54ha) Local (7ha) As shown in the hierarchy chart, the City of Victor Harbor has a large proportion of regional and district open space. This is consistent with the larger proportion of natural and foreshore open spaces and the visitor destination character of the area. Regional and district open spaces generally justify being developed and maintained to a high quality. Page 10

21 Open Space Type Map Page 11

22 The Open Space Type Map highlights that the City of Victor Harbor generally has a good spread of open space. However, there are some gaps in provision as follows: Open space is significantly lacking in the Victor Harbor Central area to the west of Torrens Street and north of Crozier Road A large number of the open space parcels in the Encounter Bay area are less functional, being part of gullies or on sloping land, or being too small to be usable The rural areas are lacking Council owned open space and this increases the importance of Crown and other Government land The higher priority open spaces based on their location, profile and community demands include: The foreshore areas, particularly around the Victor Harbor town centre, Granite Island and Rosetta Head (The Bluff) Open spaces along the Inman River and Hindmarsh River The sporting open spaces and related facilities Larger natural open spaces Council has allocated resources to improving the quality of the foreshore areas, key parks, sportsgrounds and linear open spaces over the past 10 years and the City of Victor Harbor has a number of quality open spaces and facilities. However, there is potential to undertake further improvements with the main priorities being: Foreshore areas Linear open spaces (paths and stop off areas) Larger and higher profile recreation parks Sportsgrounds and sports facilities Site visits undertaken as part of the Recreation and Open Space Study identified the following open spaces as justifying the greatest improvement. Foreshore Natural Non Foreshore Recreation - GT Fisher Playground space - Warland Reserve - Foreshore Youth Park and the adjoining court and volleyball areas - Bridge Reserve and Bridge Point - Yacht Club area and facilities - The Bluff (Rosetta Head) - The Bluff (Rosetta Head) - Section 696 land - Tom Stephens Memorial Reserve - Inman River natural open space - Inman and Hindmarsh estuaries - Days Road Reserve - Hindmarsh Falls - C.M. Thorpe Park - Victor Harbor BMX Park - Key neighbourhood parks including: - Stan Farquhar Reserve - Brandwood Reserve - Connell Reserve - Grosvenor Gardens - John W Crompton Junior Reserve Linear Connections - Foreshore connections - Encounter Bikeway - Victor Harbor Heritage Trail - Inman River trail - Hindmarsh River trail - Inland residential connections Sport - Encounter Bay Recreation Ground and connected Gillespie land (including to cater for new sports) - Victor Harbor Oval - Yacht Club area Details of the specific open space improvement opportunities are included in the Theme Directions section. Page 12

23 Key Recreation and Sport Facilities Existing Facility Provision The City of Victor Harbor provides a range of recreation and sport facilities, with the main facilities being: Play spaces, youth facilities, outdoor courts and picnic settings along the foreshore and in key parks Walking and bike tracks and trails along the foreshore (Encounter Bikeway) and the Inman and Hindmarsh rivers Event spaces such as in Warland Reserve and other foreshore areas Outdoor sports facilities linked to the Encounter Bay Recreation Ground, Victor Harbor Oval, Back Valley sports area and along the Victor Harbor foreshore Indoor and aquatic facilities through the Victor Harbor Recreation Centre and Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre A summary of the existing sport and recreation facilities is outlined below for each type of facility. Existing City of Victor Harbor Sport and Recreation Facilities Facility Type Ovals and Fields Outdoor Sports Courts Lawn Bowls and Croquet Other Outdoor Sport Golf Courses Indoor Sport Play Spaces and Youth Recreation Courts Other Recreation Existing Provision 2 ovals (1 EBRG, 1 Victor Harbor Oval) 3 cricket pitches (1 turf + 1 concrete EBRG and 1 concrete Victor Harbor Oval) 3 hockey fields (EBRG) 3 school ovals (Investigator College, Victor Harbor R-7 used by athletics and small oval at Encounter Lutheran) 9 netball courts with tennis overlaid (6 Victor Harbor Oval, 3 EBRG) 16 tennis courts of which 13 are overlaid by netball (8 Victor Harbor Oval, 3 EBRG, 4 Back Valley) 6 full size and 1 ¾ size (3 EBRG, 3 + ¾ Victor Harbor foreshore) 3 croquet greens (Victor Harbor foreshore) Equestrian riding school (EBRG) Motorcycle facility (Mud n Tars Days Road Reserve) 2 golf courses (both non Council) 2 indoor sports courts (Victor Harbor Recreation Centre) 22 play spaces 2 skate ramps 2 bike jump spaces (BMX) 4 foreshore recreation courts 4 beach volleyball courts with space for additional 2 1 Exercise equipment Aquatic 1 regional aquatic centre (also caters for Alexandrina and Yankalilla Council areas) Yacht club and sea rescue building Storage spaces linked to Encounter Lakes water sports 2 boat ramps EBRG = Encounter Bay Recreation Ground The existing sport and recreation facilities are mapped and listed on the following pages. Page 13

24 Existing Sports Facilities Map Page 14

25 Existing Sports Facilities Listing Map No. Reserve Name Sportsground Courts for Sports 01 Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre Aquatic and Indoor Facility Water Sport Bowling or Croquet 02 Days Road Reserve X 03 Victor Harbor Bowling Club X 04 Victor Harbor Croquet Club X 05 Victor Harbor Yacht Club X 06 Encounter Bay Recreation Ground 07 Victor Harbor Oval X X 08 Victor Harbor Recreation Centre X Other Sports X X X X 09 C.M. Thorpe Reserve X 10 John W. Crompton Jnr Reserve 11 Back Valley X X X X Page 15

26 Existing Recreation Facilities Map Page 16

27 Existing Recreation Facilities Listing Map No. Reserve Name Playground Exercise Equipment 01 Starfish Park X 02 Blocker Reserve X 03 Drummond Reserve X 04 Tuck Reserve X 05 Brandwood Reserve X 06 Coromandel Drive X 07 Wattle Drive Reserve X 08 Young Reserve X 09 Foreshore Skate Park X 10 Foreshore Playground X Skate BMX Recreation Court 11 Foreshore Tennis Courts X 12 Foreshore Volleyball Courts X 13 GT Fisher Playground X 14 Soldiers Memorial Reserve X 15 Victor Harbor Oval X X 16 Victor Harbor Skate Park X 17 Encounter Bay Recreation Ground 18 Kent Reserve X X 19 John Simmons Reserve X 20 Grimble Reserve X 21 John W. Crompton Jnr Reserve 22 Yilki Common Reserve X X X 23 Wallage Reserve X X 24 Back Valley X Page 17

28 Potential Gaps in Provision A comparison of the existing provision with potential demand in 2031 based on Parks & Leisure Australia benchmarks is provided below for outdoor sports facilities and outdoor recreation facilities to highlight potential gaps in provision. A 2031 population of 21,231 (excluding unoccupied dwellings) is used to assess future sporting needs as owners and users of unoccupied dwellings may be less likely to participate in organised sport. However, a figure of 30,000 (including unoccupied dwellings) has been used to consider recreation needs on the basis that owners and users of unoccupied dwellings will generally utilise informal recreation spaces and facilities. Outdoor Sports Facility Existing Provision vs Potential Facility Requirements in 2031 Facility Existing Provision (2017) 2031 Population 21,231 (excludes unoccupied dwellings**) Sports Space Australian Rules Football 3 Council sports oval areas 3 school ovals 3 Council 3 school 4 sports areas (including school ovals) Potential Gap Adequate provision if schools are accessible 4 ovals (including school ovals) Adequate provision if schools are accessible Cricket 3 cricket pitches (1 turf) 2-3 cricket pitches Adequate provision Soccer None in Victor Harbor 4-5 soccer pitches Gap but could cater for in Alexandrina Council Diamond Sports None in Victor Harbor 1 diamond (baseball, softball) Gap but cater for in Alexandrina Council Hockey 3 grass fields 0 synthetic hockey 2-3 grass could be adequate Good provision Netball 9 netball (with tennis) 5 netball courts Good provision Tennis 16 tennis (13 with netball) 11 tennis courts (including through schools) Good provision Lawn Bowls 2 district lawn bowls clubs 1 district bowls club Good provision Athletics 1 athletics track (at Victor R-7 school), 300m, 6 land 1 grass athletic track and field 400m * Based on Parks and Leisure Australia Draft Industry Benchmarks 2012 ** The analysis excludes unoccupied dwellings as temporary residents may not commit to organised sport No gap, although quality and size of existing is not adequate Outdoor Sports Facility Existing Provision vs Potential Facility Requirements in 2031 Facility Existing Provision (2017) Potential 2031 Needs (based on 30,000) Play Spaces neighbourhood playspaces and/or 3 district playspaces Recreation Tennis Courts Beach Volleyball Courts Gaps in Provision Good provision 4 Not assessed Could consider other courts to be accessible for recreation 4 Not assessed Not usually provided as a key recreation facility Skate Parks 2 1 district skate facility Or 3 neighbourhood Good provision BMX 1 1 district BMX Adequate provision Exercise Facility 1 Not assessed Could consider 1-2 additional Consideration of benchmarks is less relevant for indoor sports facilities as the benchmarks relate to metropolitan areas. As such an analysis of potential needs has been undertaken, and this has found that there could be justification for 6-7 indoor courts in the future to cater for the Southern Fleurieu region, including through the provision of school facilities to support training. Currently there are 2 Council courts in Victor Harbor, 1 Council court in Goolwa and 3 school courts (i.e. 6 courts). The analysis is provided in the background report. Page 18

29 Key Outdoor Sport Facility Findings The analysis suggests that the City of Victor Harbor is relatively well catered for with sport and recreation facilities. The main potential gaps in provision by 2031 relate to sport and include: Potential need for 2 or more soccer pitches (on the basis that soccer pitches are also provided in Alexandrina Council) Potential need for a flexible area for diamond sports (although this could be catered for in the wider region) In addition, the Recreation and Open Space Study has found that: There is justification to continue to support athletics in the City of Victor Harbor The provision of ovals for Australian rules football and cricket should be adequate The additional outdoor sports needs could be met through the Gillespie land and school fields The greatest issues with the existing outdoor sport facilities are as follows: Some sports clubroom facilities require upgrade (particularly Victor Harbor Oval, netball at Encounter Bay Recreation Ground and Victor Harbor Yacht Club) Athletics is not adequately catered for through the R-7 school oval (300m 6 lane track vs desired 400m 8 lane) Key Outdoor Recreation Facility Findings The City of Victor Harbor has a good provision of outdoor recreation facilities and the greater focus should be on improving and replacing existing facilities over time rather than providing additional facilities. The main opportunities for outdoor recreation include the provision of another exercise equipment station (potentially linked to the foreshore Youth Park and play) and the opening of some existing outdoor courts for recreation use. In addition, there is potential to improve a number of play spaces and the recreation outdoor courts. Enhancing outdoor recreation facilities should include improving the landscaping around spaces and providing appealing picnic settings and seating. Key Aquatic and Indoor Facility Findings The City of Victor Harbor is now well catered for with aquatic facilities through the recently established Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre. The analysis of indoor court needs implies that the existing provision of courts should be adequate to meet future needs (i.e. potential demand for 6-7 courts matching an existing provision of 6 courts). However: The existing Recreation Centre has design and quality issues Existing school courts have inadequate run off for competition games and are not always available The existing courts are spread across a number of facilities which makes it difficult to manage activities Past planning and an analysis of options suggests that a new 3 court facility is justified The study has also found that gymnastics is not well catered for through the Recreation Centre and there is a need to address health and safety issues. Gymnastics would ideally have an area that is fully or partly dedicated to the activity or easily set up with good storage and transportable equipment and matting. Page 19

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31 3 THE STRATEGY CONTEXT The Strategy Approach and Themes The Recreation and Open Space Strategy considers and responds to the demand and supply findings and provides directions for improving open spaces and facilities, meeting community needs and contributing to the health and wellbeing of the community and visitors. The Strategy includes: An overriding Vision and Goals to provide a framework for the Strategy Key principles to guide open space and recreation facility provision, development and management Directions relating to Themes including strategies, actions, potential projects and priorities An implementation guide with an indication of timing Six Themes have been identified to present the strategies, actions and projects. These Themes reflect items of importance in the City of Victor Harbor and collectively address the findings of the study. The Themes and the rationale for each Theme are as follows: The Foreshore The foreshore defines the character of the area and has high value Natural Areas Natural areas have high environmental and community value Non-Foreshore Recreation Spaces Recreation spaces provide quality and diverse places for resident and visitor activity Connections and Corridors The rivers and foreshore connections have high value and support physical activity Sports Facilities Sports facilities enable the community to be active and connected Community Wellness An active, healthy and engaged community through recreation and activated places Page 21

32 Open Space and Recreation Vision The Vision for recreation and open space in the City of Victor Harbor over the next 10 years is: Unique and quality open spaces, destinations and facilities that contribute to the wellbeing of the community and visitors Theme Goals The overriding goals for each Theme are outlined below and specific directions are included in the Theme Directions. Theme The Foreshore Natural Areas Non-Foreshore Recreation Spaces Connections and Corridors Sports Facilities Community Wellness Theme Goals Quality foreshore destinations with distinctive recreation and natural spaces Protected and enhanced natural areas that support biodiversity and connect people to nature A hierarchy of recreation spaces to support diverse age groups, interests and abilities Improved walkability through paths, streetscapes and trail connections Sustainable outdoor and indoor sporting facilities that support an active community An active, healthy and engaged community through recreation and activated places Each of the Theme goals will contribute to: Creating unique and appealing places and destinations across the area Achieving an active, healthy and engaged community Attracting and supporting visitors This will ultimately strengthen the economic, environmental and social wellbeing of the City of Victor Harbor. Page 22

33 Key Principles Principles that aim to guide the future provision, development and management of open space and recreation facilities are provided below. Topic Open Space Provision Recreation Spaces and Facilities Recreation Destinations Quality Sports Facilities Place Activation Connections Protected Natural Areas Hierarchy Design Usage Key Events Tourism Heritage Viability Principle Generally retain the existing provision of open space, unless land parcels have limited recreation, environmental or community value and larger usable open space is nearby. Create diverse recreation activity opportunities that support a range of age groups and family types through quality recreation spaces and facilities. Aim to achieve innovative recreation spaces and destinations that provide unique experiences and activity opportunities for residents and visitors. Aim to achieve good quality, sustainable and well designed and managed sporting facilities that support all age groups to be active and engaged in the community. Adopt a proactive approach to place making through design features that draw people to a place and through quality and unique events and program participation opportunities. Maintain and strengthen connections that support people movement around and beyond the City of Victor Harbor and encourage physical activity. Protect, maintain and strengthen the biodiversity of natural areas to enable people to experience natural settings, balance the urban environment and provide habitat for wildlife. Adopt a hierarchy approach to developing and maintaining open space and recreation facilities to achieve some higher level open spaces as well as less developed local parks. Design higher level open spaces and recreation facilities to be flexible, functional and accessible to all ages and abilities. Encourage shared-use and avoid exclusive use of open spaces and recreation facilities to benefit as many groups and people as possible. Support and facilitate diverse and unique events that contribute to community wellbeing and strengthen economic development in the Southern Fleurieu Region. Encourage and support tourism initiatives that contribute to economic development, whilst managing impacts on residents, the environment and the character of places. Future planning and improvements should give consideration to Indigenous and European heritage features and sites and related management requirements. Ensure facility and open space improvements and new facilities are viable and realistic, with consideration to feasibility and other Council priorities. Page 23

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35 4 THEME DIRECTIONS The Directions for each Theme are outlined and presented on the following pages. The following is provided for each Theme: 1. A summary of the key findings for the Theme 2. Overriding strategic directions for key items with a rationale for each direction 3. Potential projects and actions that will contribute to achieving the strategic directions 4. A visual presentation of potential sites for the projects and actions Priorities have been allocated to each project or action based on the following indicative timeframes: High Lower Commence within 5 years Generally achieve within 5-10 years May achieve after 10 years 1. THE KEY FINDINGS Summarises the key findings from the background analysis 2. STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS Overriding strategic direction for key items 3. POTENTIAL PROJECTS AND ACTIONS Potential projects and actions to achieve the strategic direction 4. MAPPING Visually presents the potential projects and actions Page 25

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37 The Foreshore The Goal: Quality foreshore destinations with distinctive recreation and natural spaces Key Findings The City of Victor Harbor is endowed with diverse and significant foreshore areas which define the unique and appealing character of the area. This includes: Developed and commercial spaces around the Causeway Plaza and the entrance to Granite Island Open less developed spaces through Warland Reserve, Soldiers Memorial Gardens and Bridge Terrace Reserve Spaces designed for recreation and play including Soldiers Memorial Reserve, GT Fisher Playground and the Foreshore Youth Park Defined spaces with sport and recreation facilities from the Encounter Bay Bowling Club to the Victor Harbor Yacht Club (bowls, croquet, volleyball, tennis and yachting) Natural settings with coastal vegetation such as Inman Estuary Reserve, Hindmarsh Estuary Reserve and G.S. Read Reserve Pathway connections through the Encounter Bikeway, Victor Harbor Heritage Trail and the Heysen Trail Natural coastal edges including The Bluff and along the Heysen Trail through to the Newland Head Conservation Park The various foreshore spaces collectively provide diverse experiences and activity opportunities. The Recreation and Open Space Study has found there is potential to improve the quality of a number of the foreshore areas. This includes the need for some additional picnic settings and improved paths as well as upgraded play and activity opportunities and enhanced landscapes. Warland Reserve, the Causeway Plaza and the sporting facilities along the foreshore are areas that would particularly benefit from upgrades and redesign over time. This includes reviewing the location of the boat ramp and creating a more flexible Causeway Plaza space with good viewing and walking opportunities, whist continuing to support amusements and other commercial activities. Whilst there is a need for improvement, the level of development should be managed and the openness of spaces should be retained and for some spaces increased. The simplistic character of the Victor Harbor foreshore is part of its attraction. Maintaining diverse spaces including lower key and natural areas where people can step back in time will ensure the foreshore appeals to a wide range of users. Ideally the Esplanade Car Park Reserve would be less harsh in its design and more flexible in its use, whilst still being able to cater for car parking needs when required. Page 27

38 Strategic Directions Topic Strategic Directions Rationale Quality Foreshore Destinations Foreshore Facility Upgrades Balanced Development Nature Focus Climate Response Strengthen the quality and uniqueness of foreshore destinations through design and infrastructure improvements. This could include creating some additional destinations. Improve the provision, location and quality of recreation and sport facilities and related amenities and infrastructure along the foreshore. Manage and where appropriate reduce the dominance of buildings, structures and car parking to enhance the open and natural foreshore character. Protect, maintain and strengthen coastal vegetation, estuaries and natural foreshore settings. Continue to respond to the risks associated with climate change through rock walls and other initiatives that will protect the foreshore from sea level rise. The foreshore destinations provide a focus for activities and visitors, and a number of key locations along the foreshore would benefit from improvement. There is a need to upgrade a number of the recreation and sport facilities and amenities as part of achieving quality destinations and supporting organised activities. Maintaining less developed foreshore spaces will diversify the foreshore experience and enable people to enjoy quieter spaces and ocean views. Car parking and some structures impact on the natural character of the foreshore. The foreshore incorporates the Inman and Hindmarsh estuaries and coastal vegetation that have high environmental value. There is potential to enhance the quality of the coastal vegetation. As a coastal Council area, the City of Victor Harbor is at risk of experiencing sea level rise linked to climate change and targeted responses will be required. Page 28

39 Actions and Potential Projects Topic Actions and Projects Priority Quality Foreshore Destinations Foreshore Facility Upgrades Continue to enhance the central foreshore area around the Causeway Plaza and GT Fisher Playground, including enhanced landscape and structures over time. Any improvements should contribute to maintaining a quality flexible space that will support amusements and commercial services as well as broad community use. Further enhance Warland Reserve as a major events and recreation space giving consideration to additional picnic settings, natural shade and unique features (art works, water features) whist maintaining the open character of the reserve to support large events. Further enhance Kent Reserve to create a key foreshore destination that supports family oriented activities, events and broad community use. There is potential to improve picnic settings including for larger groups and event spaces. Undertake improvements to The Bluff to create a quality foreshore destination with a nature based recreation focus (refer Natural Areas Redesign the GT Fisher Playground with new and innovative playspace equipment and improved spatial design and landscape to reinforce this area as a major regional destination. The playspace should include natural elements and complement the character of the surrounding foreshore. Maintain and further enhance the Foreshore Youth Park including increased shade and seating around the skate and play facilities. Redesign and upgrade the outdoor court and beach volleyball areas giving consideration to the following: Upgrade the 2 outdoor courts near the youth play area (improve court surface and fencing) and strengthen the connection to the youth area Reduce beach volleyball to 4 courts and convert the northern section into a grassed, treed picnic setting linked to the outdoor courts near the playspace Remove the 2 courts to the south of volleyball and create an outdoor café area potentially linked to a playspace for smaller children as well as the beach volleyball area An indicative sketch of the opportunity is provided on the following page to guide future detailed concept planning. Replace the existing amenities and change facilities at Bridge Point with a new small amenity building that is located and designed to minimise social issues. In consultation with users and the wider community, redesign the boating and yacht club area to improve the quality, function and safety of facilities and the space. Any development should be moderate and complement broader community use of the foreshore. As part of further improving the Causeway Plaza area, review the appropriateness of the boat ramp and connected car parking and investigate options for relocating these facilities if and when appropriate. This will require specialist investigation (beyond this study) recognising that any new proposed boat ramp must have minimal coastal and environmental impacts. High (planning) (improvements) High High High High High (planning and improvements) High Page 29

40 Foreshore Court Area Redesign Opportunity (for further detailed planning) Page 30

41 Topic Actions and Projects Priority Balanced Development Foreshore Nature Focus Landfill Site Regeneration Climate Response Maintain Soldiers Memorial Gardens and Bridge Terrace Reserve as less developed open grassed and treed areas that are representative of past decades. Some additional quality seating and picnic settings could be considered and the landscapes could be enhanced, but otherwise the reserves should provide quieter and less developed places. Maintain Soldiers Memorial Reserve as an open recreation space with quality picnic and play settings whilst ensuring the space does not become over developed. There could be some further picnic and play settings towards GS Read Reserve to achieve a Lion s Park. However, the design, character and quality of any improvements should be consistent with the existing Soldiers Memorial Reserve and guided by Council. Redesign the Esplanade Car Park Reserve to enhance the foreshore character and increase the multi-use potential of the reserve, e.g. tree retention and additional planting for shade, less dominant car park surface, connected viewing and picnic settings, increased foreshore space. Various options could be considered based on the findings and recommendations of the Victor Harbor Parking Strategy and the Victor Harbor Town Centre Master Plan. Strengthen the natural value of the foreshore through native coastal vegetation and additional planting of Norfolk Island pines where appropriate and as part of an ongoing tree replacement program. Place a particular focus on: GS Read Reserve (coastal vegetation) Olivers Parade Foreshore Reserve (coastal vegetation) Franklin Parade (Norfolk Island pines and coastal vegetation along North, Central and South sections) Soldiers Memorial Gardens (Norfolk Pine tree planting towards the bowls club) Maintain and strengthen the natural values and awareness of the Hindmarsh Estuary and the Inman Estuary Reserve through management, access and interpretation initiatives. Maintain and strengthen the natural features and destination value of The Bluff (refer Natural Areas). Over time regenerate the former landfill site in accordance with Environmental Protection Authority requirements and agreements, to create an informal treed space suitable for walking and bike riding. Continue to maintain and upgrade rock walls and adopt other environmentally sensitive responses that will help protect the foreshore from sea level rise and erosion. A particular focus should be placed on protecting the area between GS Read Reserve and Bridge Reserve and adopting other recommendations in the Victor Harbor Coastal Management Strategy and the Climate Change Adaptation Plan developed for the region. High High Lower Page 31

42 THE FORESHORE KEY POTENTIAL PROJECTS Key Reserves and Facilities Referred to in Actions and Projects with Map Number 1. Causeway Plaza Area 2. GT Fisher Playground 3. Warland Reserve 4. Kent Reserve 5. The Bluff Reserve 6. Foreshore Youth Park 7. Outdoor Court Area 8. Bridge Point 9. Yacht Club Area 10. Soldiers Memorial Gardens 11. Bridge Terrace Reserve 12. Soldiers Memorial Reserve 13. Esplanade Car Park Reserve 14. GS Read Reserve 15. Olivers Parade Foreshore Reserve 16. Franklin Parade (North, Central and South) 17. Hindmarsh Estuary 18. Inman Estuary Reserve Page 32

43 THE FORESHORE KEY POTENTIAL PROJECTS Page 33

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45 Natural Areas The Goal: Protected and enhanced natural areas that support biodiversity and connect people to nature Key Findings The main natural areas in the City of Victor Harbor are along the Inman River and Hindmarsh River and on non- Council land around Hindmarsh Falls and in the rural areas. In addition, The Bluff and sections of the coastline incorporate some natural vegetation as do some larger Council Reserves. The key parcels of natural area include: Inman Estuary Hindmarsh Estuary Section 696 land Tom Stephens Memorial Reserve The Bluff Reserve Hindmarsh Falls Reserve Smaller parcels that are or have the potential to be important natural parcels include: Bacchus Scrub Reserve McNamara Reserve Greenhills Reserve Brooke Water Reserve Water Reserve on Water Reserve Road Days Road Reserve (particularly if motor sport is relocated from the site) A number of the natural areas have quality issues including the need for increased weed management and regeneration particularly on the Section 696 land, the Bluff Reserve and Tom Stephens Memorial Reserve. A large part of the Section 696 land is owned by Water SA and this makes conservation and public access more difficult. A number of smaller reserves in the City of Victor Harbor lack vegetation and also have limited recreation potential. There could be an opportunity to strengthen biodiversity across the City of Victor Harbor by creating natural landscape reserves through these land parcels. Days Road Reserve incorporates native trees and could be further planted to achieve a usable natural area that is ideal for picnics and walking. However, motor sport would need to be relocated to another site for this to occur. There is a need to improve infrastructure associated with natural areas including defined walking paths, seating, picnic settings and viewing areas (viewing platforms, bird hides). Enhancing existing and creating additional natural areas across the City of Victor Harbor could be achieved through community involvement in projects with support from Council. Page 35

46 Strategic Directions Topic Strategic Directions Rationale Natural Area Protection and Regeneration Natural Area Destinations Wetland Opportunities Nature Based Landscapes Community Involvement in Nature Climate Response Protect and regenerate key coastal and bushland areas to maintain and increase their quality and environmental value. Create and enhance some natural area destinations through appropriate infrastructure, pathways and interpretation to support community use. Create and enhance wetlands in urban settings as part of stormwater management and the creation of habitat. Create nature based landscape parks and urban forests in open spaces that have less recreation value or potential. Encourage and support community involvement in maintaining and regenerating natural areas. Continue to manage biodiversity in natural areas through vigilant weed and pest control and revegetation with indigenous species. The City of Victor Harbor is endowed with significant natural areas that should be protected. A number of these natural areas are in a declining condition with excessive weeds or a lack native vegetation. The provision of some natural area destinations with picnic settings, walking tracks and amenities will support people to experience the natural environment and increase well-being opportunities. Wetlands provide an appealing environment for recreation as well as a resource for wildlife and an opportunity to manage stormwater. Small parks, gullies and sloping land have limited recreation value and could add greater benefit as a landscape park. Community involvement in maintaining natural areas is required due to Council resource limitations and there is a social benefit to involving people in nature based projects. Weather events with high rainfall are increasing the risk of weeds and pests and indigenous species will be more drought tolerant. Page 36

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48 Actions and Potential Projects Topic Actions and Projects Priority Natural Area Protection and Regeneration Natural Area Destinations Wetland Opportunities Protect and regenerate The Bluff with the aim to retain and strength the site as a significant coastal area. Remove or relocate any paths that impact on the environmental value of the site. Contribute to the conservation and regeneration of Section 696 land and integrating this land within the Inman River natural vegetation corridor as a key environmental and recreation resource. Seek to have a greater proportion of Section 696 land transferred to Council to enable greater control over the quality and accessibility of the land. Support the regeneration of Tom Stephen s Memorial Reserve as an important part of the Hindmarsh River natural vegetation corridor. Regenerate and increase the usability of reserves connected to the Inman River through weed management, defined paths and stop off areas, with a particular focus on: Oval Road Reserve Bruce Reserve Stevenson Reserve Continue to protect and maintain Bacchus Scrub Reserve as a significant conservation area, whilst also managing fire risks. Strengthen the coastal and natural destination value of The Bluff including through plantings, defined and upgraded paths and steps (e.g. Rosetta Steps), seating, viewing areas and interpretation. This includes monitoring and managing bike paths on the lower sections of the Bluff. Strengthen the natural destination value of the Inman Estuary and Hindmarsh Estuary reserves through quality coastal vegetation, boardwalks and interpretation. Undertake improvements to Hindmarsh Falls to create appealing picnic settings with links to defined walking tracks and interpretation. If motor sport is relocated from Days Road Reserve in the future, strengthen the natural value of the reserve through bush regeneration and the creation of paths, picnic settings and nature play opportunities over time. Regardless, native vegetation management should be a focus with better delineation of the boundaries to protect the vegetation. Encourage the Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) to maintain and strengthen the natural features and natural destination value of Granite Island. Establish and strengthen the natural values of wetlands in key reserves linked to stormwater management. Opportunities could include: Stan Farquhar Reserve (further enhancement and interpretation) Encounter Wetlands (vegetation, viewing areas) Yilki Common Reserve (new wetland) Bacchus Wetland (new wetland and landscaping) Mayfield Terrace Wetlands (vegetation, tracks) Hicks Reserve (vegetation, extended path) High Lower High High High to Lower Page 38

49 Topic Actions and Projects Priority Nature Based Landscapes Community Involvement in Nature Create nature based landscape parks through smaller parks that would otherwise have limited recreation need or value. The main focus of the parks could be on connecting people to nature and providing habitat for birds and wildlife, and facilities could be generally limited to seating and paths. The main opportunities could include (from north to south): Trade Court Drainage Reserve Missen Reserve Stringer Reserve Swains Crossing Reserve Water Reserve Greenhills Reserve Freebairn Reserve Armstrong Reserve Ewen Reserve Davis Reserve Moore Reserve Jack Roads Reserve Peter Matthews Reserve Hurrell Reserve Raminjeri Crescent Reserve Island View Crescent Drainway Francis Douglas Reserve Brookman Reserve Solway Reserve Maintain, upgrade and increase the natural landscape in recreation and linear open spaces to enhance the character, amenity and natural value of recreation open spaces. Encourage community projects and involvement associated with natural areas, with a particular focus on supporting projects linked to: Days Road Reserve Tom Stephen s Memorial Reserve Estuaries linked to the Inman River and Hindmarsh River Other reserves along the Inman River and Hindmarsh River to Lower Any natural areas not mentioned should be managed to minimise fire risks and provide habitat. Page 39

50 NATURAL AREAS KEY POTENTIAL PROJECTS Key Reserves and Facilities Referred to in Actions and Projects with Map Number 1. Section 696 Land 2. Tom Stephen s Memorial Reserve 3. Oval Road Reserve 4. Bruce Reserve 5. Stevenson Reserve 6. Bacchus Scrub Reserve 7. The Bluff Reserve 8. Inman Estuary 9. Hindmarsh Estuary 10. Days Road Reserve 11. Granite Island 12. Stan Farquhar Reserve 13. Encounter Wetlands 14. Yilki Common Reserve 15. Mayfield Terrace Wetlands 16. Hicks Reserve 17. Bacchus Wetland Page 40

51 NATURAL AREAS KEY POTENTIAL PROJECTS Page 41

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53 Non-Foreshore Recreation Spaces The Goal: A hierarchy of recreation spaces to support diverse age groups, interests and abilities Key Findings In the City of Victor Harbor there is demand for lower impact activity opportunities to support the large proportion of older adults as well as facilities and spaces that support families, young children and youth. In addition, visitors of all age groups including families, older adults and young people are attracted to Victor Harbor and the wider area. The population and visitor character creates demand for walking and bike tracks, picnic areas, playspaces, youth facilities and various other recreation activity opportunities. In addition, the physical character of the City of Victor Harbor supports and encourages water sports and activities such as swimming, surfing, sailing, boating, canoeing and kayaking. Many of the informal recreation spaces in the City of Victor Harbor are located on the foreshore as discussed in The Foreshore theme or they are natural areas as discussed in the Natural Areas theme. However, there are also some important non-foreshore recreation open spaces including: Recreation open spaces along the Inman River including Barker Reserve Victor Harbor BMX Park and recreation area Key reserves linked to Encounter Lakes (CM Thorpe Park and John W Crompton Junior Reserve) The City of Victor Harbor also has a number of neighbourhood and local recreation parks and reserves that have good recreation value. However, there is a need to improve the quality of a number of these reserves including improved playspaces and picnic settings. The Victor Harbor suburb is lacking open space and ideally there would be some land acquisition to create a park as well as improved streetscapes to support walking in the streets (and compensate for the lack of recreation open space). Whilst the Encounter Bay area has a good provision of open space, a large number of reserves are less usable for recreation as they are part of a gully, have a steep slope or are very small. A number of the smaller reserves across the City are undeveloped and often not suitable for recreation. These reserves could be more appropriate as landscape reserves as suggested in the Natural Areas theme. Existing and potential recreation spaces also exist in the rural area including large parcels of bushland that could be suitable for mountain bike riding and bushwalking. Particular opportunities include: Hindmarsh Falls (bushwalking) SA Water land adjacent to Hindmarsh Falls (mountain bike riding) Forestry SA land on the western edge of the City of Victor Harbor (Second Valley Forest, mountain bike riding) Page 43

54 Strategic Directions Topic Strategic Directions Rationale Key Recreation and Event Destinations Local Recreation Destinations Improved Local Parks Addressing Gaps in Provision Climate Response Enhance and establish some key non foreshore recreation and event destinations to broaden the types of spaces and facilities available for recreation activity and events. Create and promote local recreation destinations through higher quality neighbourhood parks that provide quality family oriented spaces and recreation spaces. Improve the quality of key local parks through facility, infrastructure and landscape upgrades. Consider land acquisition in the Victor Harbor suburb to address the gap in open space provision in that area. Design spaces to tolerate extreme weather conditions and include shelter, shade, plantings and water and energy conservation initiatives. Quality recreation destinations away from the foreshore and in the rural area are needed to support diverse activities. There is strong demand for family oriented open space in the City of Victor Harbor and the need for a spread of some higher level parks within neighbourhoods. A number of Council s local parks are undeveloped or in poor condition and there is justification to improve the quality of some of these parks. The Victor Harbor suburb is lacking open space and options for establishing a quality neighbourhood park in that area should be considered. The design of spaces should aim to address hotter temperatures, rain events and the need to manage energy and water use. Page 44

55 Actions and Potential Projects Topic Actions and Projects Priority Recreation and Event Destinations Local Recreation Destinations Improved Local Parks Addressing Gaps in Provision Further enhance the activity and youth space linked to the Victor Harbor BMX Park including: Undertake further improvements to the bike space including upgrade to the skate ramp (for bike and scooter use) and further enhancement of the space as a family oriented area Consider connecting a quality play space linked to the bike facility Establish some additional picnic settings Plan for some mountain bike destinations in the City of Victor Harbor, giving consideration to SA Water land adjacent to Hindmarsh Falls, Second Valley Forest land Forestry SA and other potential site options. In time, review the design of CM Thorpe Park to increase the reserve s ability to support water sport events and activities on Encounter Lakes. Ideally the reserve would be larger but acquiring additional properties may not be feasible. Improve the quality and scope of a number of key parks to create local destinations. Give consideration to the following parks with a focus on improved play and recreation activity, and picnic and walking opportunities: Stan Farquhar Reserve (existing quality space with potential for picnic settings, tracks and nature play) Brandwood Reserve (existing quality play that justifies shelter, seating and improved landscape) Connell Reserve (potential play and activity opportunities linked to picnic settings ensuring improvements are in accordance with the Trust agreement for this site) Grosvenor Gardens (central park that justifies quality paths and seating as well as improved landscape) Barker Reserve (picnic area and stop off area for walking and bike riders with improved amenities and picnic settings ) John W Crompton Junior Reserve (key water sports area that justifies being higher quality) Create the Victor Harbor Dog Park as a quality location for people with dogs including through picnic settings, seating, shade, paths and drinking water for dogs within the fenced dog area. Develop a new quality small park through the Eyre Street Railway Turntable site. Continue to maintain Starfish Park to a good quality. However, at the end of the life of the playspace do not replace the equipment to the same level (a local park should not have such a high standard playspace). Improve the play value, usability and appeal of larger and higher profile local recreation parks over time including: Blocker Reserve (improved play, landscape and seating) Tuck Reserve (review reserve size and create quality play area) Graham Shipway Reserve (play and seating) Young Reserve (improved play, seating and landscape) Yilka Common Reserve (play, seating, landscape) Frank Swain Reserve (play, seating, landscape) James Long Reserve (play, seating, landscape) Wallage Reserve (improved play and seating) Improve the landscape and address safety and access issues in other local open spaces with a particular focus on: Missen Reserve (landscape, paths, seats) Poltong reserve (landscape and path) Adams Reserve (landscape, seating) Investigate the potential to create a quality neighbourhood park in the Victor Harbor suburb to contribute to addressing the lack of open space. This will require acquiring at least 0.3 ha of connected land, ideally within Hill, O Leary or William Street. Any non-foreshore recreation spaces not mentioned should continue to be maintained. Lower High to High to Lower Page 45

56 NON FORESHORE RECREATION SPACES KEY POTENTIAL PROJECTS Key Reserves and Facilities Referred to in Actions and Projects with Map Number 1. Victor Harbor Oval 2. CM Thorpe Park 3. Stan Farquhar Reserve 4. Brandwood Reserve 5. Connell Reserve 6. Grosvenor Gardens 7. Barker Reserve 8. John W Crompton Junior Reserve 9. Victor Harbor Dog Park 10. Starfish Park 11. Blocker Reserve 12. Tuck Reserve 13. Graham Shipway Reserve 14. Young Reserve 15. Yilka Common Reserve 16. Frank Swain Reserve 17. James Long Reserve 18. Wallage Reserve 19. Missen Reserve 20. Poltong Reserve 21. Adams Reserve Page 46

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59 Connections and Corridors The Goal: Improved walkability through paths, streetscapes and trail connections Key Findings Walking and bike riding are key recreation activities across Australia and the older population in the City of Victor Harbor could further increase the demand for low impact activity opportunities and accessible pathways. Walking and bike riding are more likely to occur where there are good pathways and safe bike connections. The City of Victor Harbor has a good provision of trails and paths including through: Inman River walking trails, loops and connections Hindmarsh River Walk trail and connections Encounter Bikeway connections The Bluff Summit Walk The Victor Harbor Heritage Trail (within the Encounter Bikeway and the link to the Heysen Trail from The Bluff) The Heysen Trail (linked to The Bluff by the Victor Harbor Heritage Trail) Victor Harbor Foreshore trail connections including the Causeway Walk to and around Granite Island There is potential to improve the quality and safety of some of the trail connections including through improved paths, stop off picnic areas, viewing areas and interpretation. The trails that justify improvement most due to their greater use and higher profile are the Encounter Bikeway (all foreshore trails) and the Inman River trail. The Inman river trail would ideally be extended through the Section 696 land and onto Pages Reserve and Summerlea Reserve to create a longer and more diverse trail. A connection to the cemetery and Swains Crossing Reserve could also be considered if there can be access to SA Water land. The Hindmarsh river trail could be extended and potentially connected to Morgan Reserve to the north. Paths are often lacking on the smaller linear open spaces and there could be potential to create some local walks through these spaces. Loop walks could also be created around the river trails and linked to key open space destinations. Council has recently developed the Victor Harbor Bicycle Strategy (2016), which will need to be implemented over time. This will guide the cycling opportunities around the City of Victor Harbor. Page 49

60 Strategic Directions Topic Strategic Directions Rationale Foreshore Connections River Connections Creating Walking Loops and Paths Bike Riding Opportunities Quality Streetscapes Climate Response Continue to maintain and further improve the existing trails and paths along the foreshore, as part of achieving one quality interconnected trail. Upgrade and extend the trails along the Inman River and Hindmarsh River including through right of ways on other Government and private land. Create walking loops and walking opportunities through the river trails, local linear open space and larger open spaces where appropriate. Continue to provide bike riding opportunities around and beyond the City of Victor Harbor. Improve the appeal, function and safety of streets including through paths, appropriate tree planting and lighting, with a particular focus on areas connecting to the foreshore and where there is a lack of open space. Continue to develop corridors and linkages between natural areas to provide a buffer for biodiversity from rapid change. Sections of the foreshore trails are in poor condition and there is a need for upgrade, particularly as walking and bike riding are high participation activities and the foreshore is a key destination. The river trails have great potential, are already quite well used and require improvements. Short walks encourage local communities and visitors to be more active and a loop trail can provide a more interesting experience. Victor harbor is a key location for bike riding. Streetscapes support physical activity and provide connections to open spaces. Where there is a lack of open space it is important to support people to walk around the area as compensation. Natural areas and linear open spaces will contribute to supporting biodiversity. Page 50

61 Actions and Potential Projects Topic Actions and Projects Priority Foreshore Connections River Connections Creating Walking Loops Equestrian Trails Bike Riding Opportunities Quality Streetscapes Continue to undertake path and landscape improvements along the Encounter Bikeway from The Bluff through to Alexandrina Council. This includes creating pathways in gap areas as defined in the Victor Harbor Bicycle Strategy 2016, e.g. through Olivers Parade Foreshore Reserve and the Hindmarsh River area. Upgrade and widen the foreshore pathway between the Causeway Plaza and the Yacht Club facilities to improve walking opportunities along the primary foreshore area. Continue to maintain the trail and interpretation, seating and viewing areas along the Victor Harbor Heritage Trail and support improvements to the Heysen Trail. Maintain the trail along the Inman River land bounded by Ewen Terrace and Armstrong Road (linked to Government land), to enable the continued shared-use river trail. Plan for extensions to walking trails within the Section 696 land including a potential trail on the northern side of the river linked to the cemetery and Swains Crossing Reserve. Investigate opportunities to extend the river trails through land to the west and north including through potential right of ways on Government and private property. In particular consider: A continued extension through Section 696 open space onto Pages Reserve and Summerlea Reserve A link between Scott McKenzie Reserve and Morgan Reserve (along the Hindmarsh River) Undertake pathway, landscape and signage improvements to the Inman River and Hindmarsh River trails. Plan for walking loops and short walks giving consideration to: Loop opportunities connected to the Inman River and Hindmarsh River trails (refer map) Encounter Bay southern area linear open space (Geoff Walker Reserve, Wallage Reserve, WB Lalor Reserve) Small linear reserves that connect streets (e.g. Francis Douglas Reserve) Day Road Reserve (if this is established as a nature reserve) Continue to maintain and enhance the Morgan Park Horse Trails to support horse riding in the area. Implement the Victor Harbor Bicycle Strategy 2016 to achieve good bicycle connections and stop off areas that support bike riding (including through pathway and road connections, bike racks, shelters, picnic settings, seating, viewing platforms). Undertake streetscape upgrades in the following areas and as shown on the Connections and Corridors map: The Victor Harbor suburb focussing on main streets The foreshore area in Encounter Bay (creating quality street connections to the Encounter Bikeway) The foreshore area in Hayborough with streetscape links to key open spaces including Olivers Parade Foreshore Reserve Adelaide Road from the Ring Road to the foreshore High High High Lower High to Lower High and ongoing to Lower Any connections and corridors not mentioned should continue to be maintained. Page 51

62 CONNECTIONS AND CORRIDORS KEY POTENTIAL PROJECTS Key Reserves and Facilities Referred to in Actions and Projects with Map Number 1. Encounter Bikeway 2. Causeway to Yacht Club pathway 3. Victor Harbor Heritage Trail 4. Inman River Trail 5. Hindmarsh River Trail 6. Section 696 Land 7. Inman River Trail Loops 8. Hindmarsh River Trail Loop 9. Encounter Bay South Loop 10. Days Road Reserve Loop 11. Morgan Reserve 12. Morgan Park Horse Trails Page 52

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65 Sports Facilities The Goal: Sustainable outdoor and indoor sporting facilities that support active communities Key Findings Sports participation in the City of Victor Harbor is strong with good numbers of participants in football, basketball and lawn bowls as well as demand for hockey, soccer, cricket, tennis, netball, gymnastics, little athletics, croquet, yachting, equestrian activities and various other sports. Australian Rules Football continues to be a strong sport with increasing demand for women s participation in the game, which ultimately will require improved amenities and facilities. Soccer is a growth sport that is currently catered for in the Alexandrina Council area, but would ideally also have access to playing fields in the City of Victor Harbor. Little Athletics has expressed demand for a better quality track and field (currently the R-7 Victor Harbor School oval is used but is considered to be inadequate by the sport). Water sports are strong in the City of Victor Harbor including yachting, boating, surfing and surf lifesaving activities connected to the ocean and canoeing, kayaking and dragon boat racing through Encounter Lakes. There is also demand for motor cycling through the Mud n Tars Motorcycle Club as well as archery. The City of Victor Harbor has two main sportsgrounds and a smaller rural sportsground as follows: Encounter Bay Recreation Ground (11.4ha regional sports hub that caters for diverse sports and activities) Victor Harbor Oval (6.2ha district sports complex with a quality oval and courts that are also used by the Victor Harbor High School) Back Valley Oval (catering for the rural community for tennis as well as archery for the region) Council has recently acquired a large parcel of land (6.8ha) near the Encounter Bay Recreation Ground known as the Gillespie land, and this could contribute to meeting future sport and recreation needs. Retaining two key sportsgrounds in the City of Victor Harbor is justified for a future projected permanent population of around 25,000 (2031) and based on the current demand for sports. A population of that size could require 3-4 ovals plus 2-3 playing fields as well as outdoor courts (between tennis and netball). Benchmarks also suggest that around 25 hectares of land could be justified for sport which is consistent with the potential facility requirements. Sports facilities are also located on the Victor Harbor foreshore including lawn bowls and croquet facilities as well as a yacht club. A riding club is catered for within the Encounter Bay Recreation Ground and motorcycling is supported through a facility within Days Road Reserve. A two court indoor sport facility is provided through the Victor Harbor Recreation Centre. The centre is used for a range of sports including basketball and gymnastics as well as various High School activities. However, there are issues with the quality and design of this facility and the Great Southern Basketball Association has expressed the need for a new 3 court indoor facility. Various school facilities contribute to catering for sport and community activities with the key facilities being at Investigator College and the R-7 Victor Harbor School. However, availability and cost can be constraints. Based on the demand and supply findings, the greatest needs for sport will be to: 1. Improve the quality of the existing facilities in accordance with available resources 2. Address gaps in provision and demands that are not currently met (e.g. basketball, gymnastics, soccer, athletics) 3. Continue to cater for the diversity of sports demands where feasible, including through the appropriate design and use of the Gillespie land Page 55

66 Strategic Directions Topic Strategic Directions Rationale Sportsground Improvements Water Sport Facility Provision Indoor Sport and Recreation Supporting Non Team Organised Sports Access to School Facilities Sports Development Climate Response Undertake and support improvements to sportsgrounds in the City of Victor Harbor in accordance with hierarchy and feasibility. Provide opportunities for participation in water sports through appropriate facilities and spaces, including for ocean and Encounter Lake activities. Improve the provision and quality of indoor sport and recreation facilities to cater for existing and future indoor sport needs. Support non team organised sports, including equestrian clubs and motor sports, through access to good spaces and facilities. Work with schools to increase the availability and affordability of school ovals and courts through equitable and achievable agreements with schools. Continue to support sports clubs and sports development through the STARCLUB initiative. Design and construct new sports facilities and upgrades / renewals to be energy efficient. There is justification to retain all existing sportsgrounds and provide improved facilities. The coastal nature of the City of Victor Harbor creates a community interest in water sports and appropriate facilities are required to support the activities. The existing Victor Harbor Recreation Centre is struggling to meet current needs and additional and improved facilities will be justified in the future. There is demand for spaces to support non team sports and a need to provide a future direction for equestrian and motor sports facilities. School facilities can contribute to meeting needs if constraints are minimised. The STARCLUB program has proven to be very successful in supporting sports clubs to develop and contribute to facilities. Extreme weather conditions will require additional heating and cooling and buildings should be designed and developed to minimise the associated cost of energy use. Page 56

67 Actions and Potential Projects Topic Actions and Projects Priority Sportsground and Facility Improvements Water Sport Facility Provision Indoor Aquatic Indoor Sport and Recreation Supporting Non Team Organised Sports Sports Development Partnerships Modify the Encounter Bay Recreation Ground master plan to reflect the inclusion of the Gillespie Land within the sports complex and to support the independence of some of the sports users (versus one shared-use facility) whilst reducing the number of buildings where possible. As part of the planning consider opportunities for additional and emerging sports including soccer, athletics and other indoor sports (netball, gymnastics) and aim to achieve a safe vehicle and pedestrian link between the Encounter Bay Recreation Ground and the Gillespie Land. Support improvements to the Victor Harbor Oval complex including the development of a new club facility to support all user groups as planned by the clubs, as well as ongoing maintenance of the oval, courts and connected infrastructure. Support the Back Valley sports facilities to be retained and maintained to a good standard by the user groups (but not a high standard). Continue to encourage and support ongoing maintenance and moderate facility improvements to the existing lawn bowls and croquet clubs in Victor Harbor. In consultation with the user groups, redesign and upgrade the Yacht Club area and surrounds. A concept plan for the site and buildings will be required. Continue to maintain the Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre, related recreation facilities and the site surrounds to a high quality and promote the facility to residents and visitors across the region. Plan for an indoor sports facility to cater for basketball and other indoor sports. Detailed planning and a feasibility assessment will be required as a next step to this study. Provide for gymnastics either through a new indoor sport and recreation facility or through the dedicated allocation of one court and storage space at the existing Victor Harbor Recreation Centre. The most appropriate option will need to be determined in consultation with the gymnastic club and other potential users as part of detailed planning and feasibility assessment. Support the Victor Harbor Riding Club through a good quality facility either through the existing facility at the Encounter Bay Recreation Ground or an alternative site and facility that is acceptable to the club. Continue to support Mud n Tars to operate at the motor sports facility at Days Road Reserve given the quality of the facility and the commitment by the club. However, continue to manage the number of events and potential resident impacts and, over time, investigate other larger land opportunities in the region that would enable the club to hold more events and establish a multi discipline facility in the future, subject to available funding and Council support. Continue to support sports clubs and associations and aim to increase the sustainability of sports through: The STARCLUB officer support resource Grant funding through funds to clubs and groups Planning and management support and advice Other government grant funding application support Sports development events and activities Encourage schools and other bodies with land that could be used for sport such as the Victor Harbor Harness Racing Club (Morgan Park) to consider opportunities for the use of their land for sporting activities. This will require negotiations and agreements as appropriate and the existing agreement with Investigator College should be actioned. Any Council owned sports facilities not mentioned should continue to be maintained. High (planning) (improvements) High High High (planning) (development) High High Page 57

68 SPORTS FACILITIES KEY POTENTIAL PROJECTS Key Reserves and Facilities Referred to in Actions and Projects with Map Number 1. Encounter Bay Recreation Ground 2. Gillespie Land 3. Victor Harbor Oval 4. Victor Harbor Lawn Bowls and Croquet Clubs 5. Victor Harbor Yacht Club 6. Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre 7. Equestrian 8. Motorcycling Page 58

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71 Community Wellness The Goal: An active, healthy and engaged community through recreation and activated places Key Findings There are significant social and economic benefits to encouraging and supporting a community to be active, healthy and engaged in community activities. This can be achieved by providing activated spaces through design, events and programs, as well as by supporting and encouraging sporting and community groups to contribute to achieving an active and healthy community. Place activation is defined as planning for diverse human activity in a place. It is an evolving trend that aims to gain the best use of places by making the place unique, appealing and safe to use. There are three main ways to activate a place as follows and often a combination of these is required: 1. Design and develop the place to support diverse activities (through various quality facilities and spaces that attract people to the place and cater for different age groups and interests) 2. Provide and enable services that attract people to use a place such as the amusements on the Causeway Plaza, mobile food vendors, an information centre or a cafe 3. Facilitate and encourage events, programs and activities such as a major community event, fun run or skate or volleyball competition Generally place activation focuses on destination and larger open spaces such as the foreshore, Warland Reserve, Kent Reserve and Victor Harbor Oval, but smaller parcels could also be activated if appropriate. The City of Victor Harbor already has many facilities, design features and services that support diverse activities and the foreshore is particularly activated. In addition, various events and programs are held in Warland Reserve, along the foreshore and at the sportsgrounds. However, there is potential to increase the destination value of some places through innovative design and the provision of services, events and programs could be broadened. Many events and activities are held in Warland Reserve and there could be other locations and opportunities for events, programs and services. In addition, there is potential to increase the promotion of places and activity opportunities to encourage community and visitor usage and participation. There is also potential to place a greater emphasis on supporting and involving sport and community groups including through: Guiding sport and recreation groups to strengthen their management skills and facility planning focus Supporting community involvement in projects such as conservation and bush regeneration projects and community art initiatives Page 61

72 Strategic Directions Topic Strategic Directions Rationale Site Innovation Event and Program Opportunities Flexible Services Marketing and Promotion Sports Development Community Initiatives in Open Space Climate Response Integrate innovative and unique features within key foreshore areas and parks as part of site design. Continue to facilitate and encourage community events and recreation and sport programs including by improving spaces and facilities. Support mobile food catering services and mobile activity opportunities in key open spaces and linked to events where appropriate. Place a greater focus on promoting and encouraging the use of open spaces and sport and recreation facilities through marketing, information and programs. Continue to work with the Office for Recreation and Sport to encourage and support sport and recreation groups to adopt a strategic approach to management and planning, with the aim to increase the sustainability of facilities and activities. Support and encourage community groups to undertake recreation, community and conservation projects and programs through grant funding and other resource opportunities. Design open spaces to encourage use in all weather conditions including the provision of shelter, shade and water in a safe environment. Innovative and unique design features such as art works and landscapes are known to attract users. Events contribute to tourism and economic development and are ideally suited to the coastal character of Victor Harbor. Recreation and sport programs will contribute to activating open spaces and facilities and encourage people to be more active. Flexible services will contribute to activating spaces and enable services to be more viable and appropriately placed. A greater awareness of open spaces and facilities will contribute to an active community and assist facilities to be well used and more viable. Sport and recreation clubs that adopt a strategic approach to management and planning are more likely to achieve sustainable facilities and activities Community groups have the potential to make a significant contribution towards managing and improving open space and facilities, and can achieve more with Council and funding support. More people will use open spaces and participate in activities if there are quality and safe environments to use. Page 62

73 Actions and Potential Projects Topic Actions and Projects Priority Site Innovation Event and Program Opportunities Flexible Services Marketing and Promotion Sports Sustainability Managed Activities Community Initiatives Work with local artists and community art groups to create permanent and temporary design features within destination open spaces. In particular investigate the opportunities for: Art works on the foreshore and in key parks (sculptures, mosaics, paintings) Unique features as part of infrastructure, pathway and building design Art and innovation incorporated within interpretation Displays linked to community projects and events Support major and local events in open space destinations and larger parks and sportsgrounds through the provision of appropriate infrastructure (power, lighting, shelter, seating, stage area where appropriate). Key event spaces that justify infrastructure include: Warland Reserve (larger events) Kent Reserve (medium and smaller events) Encounter Bay Recreation Ground (larger events) Victor Harbor Oval (larger events) Soldiers Memorial Gardens (smaller events) Work with sport and recreation groups to achieve diverse recreation and sport programs and school holiday activities. Place a particular focus on achieving programs linked to key facilities including: Foreshore Youth Park Bike and youth space linked to Victor Harbor Oval Foreshore outdoor court spaces (tennis, volleyball) Encounter Bay Recreation Ground facilities Victor Harbor Oval sports facilities Other foreshore sporting facilities (yachting, croquet, lawn bowls, surf lifesaving) Indoor recreation and sport facilities Consider establishing a regional community wellbeing position that plays a key role in facilitating events and recreation and sport programs in partnership with community, sport and recreation groups. The role could service the Fleurieu Peninsula and have a strong community health and participation focus in alliance with the STARCLUB Field Officer program. Invite expressions of interest for flexible services such as mobile catering, an outdoor cinema (potentially in Warland Reserve or Kent Reserve) and mobile activity opportunities (blow up bouncing toys, transportable skateable spaces) to activate key reserves and support events and activities as appropriate. Promote facilities and activity opportunities including those provided by sport and recreation groups through Council s web site, Victor Viewpoint newsletter and other media outlets. Develop a Victor Harbor trails and attractions map and distribute this to residents and visitors through rate notices, visitor information centre and community facilities. Through a continued commitment to STARCLUB, encourage and support sport and recreation groups to participate in management programs and prepare strategic plans for their facilities, activities and clubs. Continue to manage recreation activities through Council s activity and aquatic permit systems. Increase the funding and resources available for community projects and initiatives with a particular focus on: Bush regeneration and conservation projects Community art projects linked to open spaces Sport and recreation participation initiatives High to High to High High High Page 63

74 COMMUNITY WELLNESS KEY POTENTIAL PROJECTS Key Reserves and Facilities Referred to in Actions and Projects with Map Number 1. Warland Reserve 2. Kent Reserve 3. Encounter Bay Recreation Ground 4. Victor Harbor Oval and BMX Park 5. Foreshore Youth Park 6. Foreshore Outdoor Courts 7. Yacht Club 8. Victor Harbor Recreation Centre Page 64

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