128
x
There is increasing recognition by the general public of the benefits of recreation and sport in
improving quality of life, general health and enjoyment. This has led to higher expectations regarding
the standard of recreation and sport facilities that are provided.
x
There is growing flexibility in the working arrangements of many people, including working on any of
the seven days of the week at any time. Therefore, recreational spaces need to be accessible and
available for use at all times of the week (including evenings).
x
South Australia has the lowest participation rate in the country in relation to physical activity, with
many Government agencies attempting to encourage participation in both deliberate and incidental
activities.
x
Over twenty percent of the South Australian population have some degree of disability. This figure
represents a higher than national average, combined with growth in participation by individuals with
disabilities in recreation activities.
x
There is general recognition of the need to distribute open space and recreation resources more
equitably, including a re-allocation away from traditional male dominated team sports to those groups
who have previously had less opportunity e.g. women and people with disabilities.
x
There is increasing concern about the conservation of ‘green space’, not only to satisfy recreation
needs but also to satisfy environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation objectives.
8.2.
Open Space and Recreational Assets in the Study Area
The region as a whole has significant tracts of diverse public open spaces, including coast lines to the
west, direct access to city parklands in the east, linear park through the centre, and several smaller
distributed parks. Private spaces predominately sporting facilities are also prevalent. While some open
space and recreational assets are privately owned and others are managed by community clubs and
groups, open space and recreation is a key responsibility for Local Governments.
Figures 8.1 to 8.3
below summarise the key open space and
assets across the Study Area.
Parks and reserves
constitute the main form of open space in many neighbourhoods. These parks and
reserves range from ‘pocket parks’ and patches of grassed reserves right through to highly developed
parks, district scale ovals, coastal and aquatic reserves (e.g. parks along the beach and West Lakes) and
golf courses.
In total, the region has 1,473 ha of parks and reserves – 552 ha in Port Adelaide Enfield, 559 ha in
Charles Sturt and 361 ha in West Torrens.
Of the top ten largest open spaces in the Study Area, eight are
golf courses
, with the region being home
to public and private golf courses of metropolitan significance. There is a total of 457 ha of golf courses in
the Study Area, accounting for 31% of the region’s open space. Irrigation of golf courses may become a
more significant challenge in coming years with declining rainfall and changes to weather patterns (such
as an overall increase in average temperatures and thus evaporation).
