When we are renewing our playgrounds we will make sure there is:

• somewhere to run;
• somewhere to swing;
• somewhere to slide; and
• somewhere to climb.

The current playground equipment will be replaced with new equipment. The surface around the play equipment will remain as soft fall (playground safe tan bark) with some rubber surfacing, consistent with your current playground. A seat will be installed near the playground.

This renewal does not include fixed shade structures, water play, an increase in playground size or change of playground hierarchy.

• There are currently over 380 public playgrounds managed and maintained by the City of Greater Geelong and an additional 62 supervised early childhood centre-based playgrounds.
• All City playgrounds are inspected regularly to ensure that they are free from defects and meet current Australian standards.
• Playgrounds are included in a monitored upgrade schedule, which is reviewed annually.
• Playgrounds provide challenges and stimulating environments to allow users to explore their boundaries, provide opportunities for exploration, discovery and learning, and will encourage users to make decisions for themselves and have control of their play.
• All playgrounds naturally involve a degree of risk. This is a vital aspect, as it helps develop essential life skills such as resilience, decision-making, and the ability to assess risk. To ensure everyone's safety, it is crucial that playgrounds are always used under the watchful eye of an adult.

Playgrounds can be categorised into a hierarchy of five different tiers, depending on its purpose, size, catchment and the opportunities available. The hierarchy is as follows:

• Local – smallest playground, located close to homes, providing a smaller range of play opportunities and amenities, with a catchment of 400m.
  • although activities are offered they are not as extensive as those offered in district and regional playgrounds;
  • have open space for informal games;
  • offer multi-activity play equipment including swings, slides and climbing elements.
• District - provide a wider range of play opportunities than local playgrounds and cover a greater catchment area (up to 2 km). They are strategically located within larger reserves or sporting reserves and cater for a range of age groups.
  • have open space for informal games;
  • provide some all-abilities play elements;
  • have amenities such as toilets and shelters.
• Regional – largest playground, providing a broad range of play opportunities and amenities, with a catchment of 10km or more.
• State / National – playground of state or national significance, usually part of a precinct.