Outcomes of the Hazelmere Reserve Community Survey

Transcription

1 Outcomes of the Hazelmere Reserve Community Survey In October 2012, a community survey was mailed to 955 residents within a 400m radius of Hazelmere Reserve, as an evaluation of the playground upgrade. Council initiated the community survey in response to the following Council resolution: GC R05 Hazelmere Reserve Location of Public Toilets, Outcomes of Public Consultation a comprehensive review of the Reserve s use to be undertaken after 12 months of the reserves full operation, including consideration of other suggested design elements. This report provides the outcomes of the community survey. 1. How far do you live from the reserve? Over 90% of survey respondents live walking distance from the reserve. Walking Distance % Surrounding Suburbs 13 7% In another Council Area 2 1% 2. How do you get to the reserve? The great majority (74%) of survey respondents walk to the reserve. Walk % Ride a Bike 19 8% Car 36 16% Public Transport 1 0% Other 3 1%

2 3. How often do you visit the reserve? Survey responses to this question were more evenly spread, with most respondents visiting the reserve daily, weekly or fortnightly. Some survey respondents who selected other noted that they visit the reserve in school holidays or when they have grandchildren visiting. Daily 38 20% Once a Week 32 17% Twice a Week 42 22% Once a Fortnight 34 18% Don t 20 11% Other 21 11%

3 4. On average, how long do you visit the reserve? The majority of survey respondents visit the reserve for ½ to 1 hour. ½ Hour 56 31% 1 Hour 78 43% 1.5 Hours 20 11% 2 Hours 11 6% Other 16 9% 5. What is your primary use of Hazelmere Reserve? 36% of survey respondents use the reserve for its playground, followed by 24% for dog exercise, 17% for the picnic area, 16% for the sport court, and 7% for the sport oval. Playground 86 36% Dog Exercise 57 24% Sport Oval 17 7% Sport Court 39 16% Picnic Area 41 17%

4 6. Do you use the reserve more following the upgrade? The majority of survey respondents use the reserve more following the upgrade. The main comments received relating to increased usage of the reserve include: Zoning to separate dogs from the playground (and children) has increased usage of the reserve Wesley Netball Club now use courts for netball games Playground is a big improvement and is good for old and young children, birthday parties, and mother s groups The basketball ring is popular The toilet is an important facility, particularly for the elderly Popular reserve for dog exercise A few comments received from survey respondents stated that they have stopped using the reserve as dogs are allowed in the playground and picnic area of the reserve. Yes % No 55 32%

5 7. Are you happy with the reserve following the upgrade? The great majority of survey respondents are happy with the reserve following the upgrade. The main comments received to further improve the reserve include: Shade over the play equipment More trees Restrict car parking to one side of Hazelmere Road (adjacent to the reserve), and encourage people to park in the designated car park, as there are currently traffic management issues on Hazelmere Road. Provide more dog bags and bins Increase attendance of inspectors at the reserve Yes % No 15 9% 8. Were you happy with the method of community information and consultation prior to and during the reserve upgrade? The majority of survey respondents were happy with the method of community information and consultation prior to and during the reserve upgrade. Was not aware or could not remember consultation Initially not happy with consultation (boundary put in incorrectly and issue with the location of the toilet block). However, happy with consultation over the last couple of years. Yes 92 77% No 28 23%

6 9. Do you feel your comments and suggestions from the consultations have been reflected in the reserve? Nearly 60% of survey respondents were not involved in the consultation. Of the respondents that were involved in the consultation, 30% felt that their comments and suggestions from the consultation have been reflected in the reserve, while 11% did not. Initially suggestions were ignored until further action was instigated Eventually some note was taken with the dispute between dog owners and parents with children it is good now When Council was phoned with a request for seating around the playground it was actioned Suggestion of installing two toilets instead of one (as per original plans) was implemented Not aware of consultation, however happy with the outcome Consultation should have been sought and highly considered from residents abutting the reserve Comments reflected in the reserve, with one exception allowing dogs (even on lead) to be in contact with children in the playground area. Pleased that the issue of car parking in the street leading to Oaklands Road has been addressed Yes 50 30% No 18 11% Wasn t Involved in Consultation 97 59%

7 ZONE 1: SPORT COURTS 10. If the sports courts were improved further in the future, what improvements would you like to see there? No improvements are required Seating Shade / shelter structures Resurfacing of courts Paint courts blue and green Something to hit a ball against e.g. a solid wall with a line at tennis net height Adjustable netball post / separate lower basketball ring for younger children Gate latches that work properly so the gates can be shut Better signage to make dog owners aware that the courts are dog free Keep nets on all the time Addition court Lighting Make courts multi-use ZONE 2: PLAYGROUND AND PICNIC AREA 11. What is the age of children from your household who visit the playground? Survey responses indicate that the age of children who visit the playground is well spread from ages Years 54 33% 5-7 Years 38 23% 8-10 Years 45 27% Years 27 16%

8 12. What is their favourite piece of equipment in the playground? All equipment Climbing web / net Swinging hammock Spinning wheel Scooter paths Swings Slide Basketball ring Netball court 13. If the playground is upgraded further in the future, what other items would you like to see there? No additional items required More swings Slide that is not as steep More challenging play equipment for older children More play equipment for toddlers Flying fox See-saw Monkey bars Cubby house Hopscotch Hand tennis square court Sand pit with built in diggers and trucks Rubber matting instead of bark chips More trees / shade over play equipment 14. Council is seeking feedback on dog use within Zone 2 (the playground and picnic area). Refer to map on front page for location of Zone 2. (a) Please indicate your level of support for dogs in Zone 2 (the playground and picnic area):

9 The majority of survey respondents (36%) are very unhappy with dogs in Zone 2 (the playground and picnic area), followed by 18% who are unhappy, 18% who don t mind, 16% who are very happy and 12% who are happy. Very Unhappy 62 36% Unhappy 32 18% I Don t Mind 31 18% Happy 20 12% Very Happy 28 16% (b) Would you like to see Zone 2 (the playground and picnic area) as: Over 50% of survey respondents would like to see Zone 2 (the playground and picnic area) as no dogs. 34% would like Zone 2 as dogs on leash and 10% would like Zone 2 as Dogs off Leash. No Dogs 99 56% Dogs on Leash 61 34% Dogs off Leash 18 10%

10 (c) Why is that your choice? The main comments received supporting No Dogs in Zone 2 include: Safety Risk for children and adults dogs can be aggressive and bite Hygiene Issue dogs urinating and defecating in areas where children crawl, roll, and eat food Dogs on leash still urinate and defecate Children can be scared of dogs Some dog owners do not have their dogs under effective control and do not obey the rules e.g. dogs on leash or cleaning up after their dogs Large portion of the reserve is already dedicated to dogs off leash the playground / picnic area should be dedicated to children and their families Impossible to policy rules such as no dogs within 3m of play equipment Ball sports should be able to be played without people being hassled by dogs The main comments received supporting Dogs on Leash in Zone 2 include: Families should be able to be together with their children and dogs, but need dogs on leash to prevent any accidents Should be able to take dogs to picnic area, and won t bother others if on leash The main comments received supporting Dogs off Leash in Zone 2 include: Dogs are great Need small and large dog sections to prevent large dogs attacking small dogs 15. What are your household s requirements when visiting playgrounds? The playground elements that rated highest as required in playgrounds include: Seating Trees Public Toilets Sheltered Areas Fenced Areas Walking Distance Irrigated Grass Play Equipment Drink Fountains Shade over Equipment The playground elements that rated highest as not required in playgrounds include:

11 Shops close by Public Art Close to school / kindergarten / child care Disability Access Bicycle Locking Facilities Bicycle Paths Car Parking Outdoor Exercise Equipment BBQs Garden Beds

12 16. Are there any playgrounds outside the City of Marion that you regularly visit? If yes, which ones and why? The main playgrounds visited outside the City of Marion include: Those located near the beach access to beach as well as playground Port Noarlunga Adventure Playground variety of play equipment Wigley Reserve, Glenelg Oaklands Park shade, easy parking Da Costa Park Heywood Park, Unley Sutherland Park shade and it is enclosed Buffalo fitness equipment Bindarra Reserve Happy Valley Skate Park / Recreation Reserve Bonython Park Parkridge House dog free Sheok Ave, Novar Gardens shade Princess Margaret excellent equipment, sand pit and trains South Terrace variety of play equipment, access to toilets and shade Hamilton Park Thorndon Park variety of activities West Beach Skate Park Brighton Skate Park 17. Are there any other playground sites in the City of Marion that you would recommend for an upgrade? The main playground sites in the City of Marion recommended for an upgrade include: Hamilton Park Oaklands Estate Reserve Stanley Street, Glengowrie Sturt Creek 18. Do you have any other comments regarding the future of the City of Marion Parks and Playgrounds? Keep all parks and encourage sport / recreation to reduce obesity Spend no more money reduce rates Concentrate on facilities for humans, not dogs Doing a great job / keep updating parks Ensure there is community consultation in park upgrades The following elements are sought in parks and playgrounds: More shade and shelters More dog poo bags and bins Toilets Exercise equipment Security cameras BBQ s Drinking fountains Native plants BMX facilities Skate facilities Dog Park e.g. at Mitchell Park Oval

13 ZONE 3: SPORTS OVAL / DOG EXERCISE AREA 19. If the oval / dog exercise area was improved in the future, what would you like to see there? Mobile coffee van Dog training facilities e.g. tunnels, hurdles More shade / trees More seating More dog poo bags Drainage problem to be rectified Increase presence of dog inspectors / dog owners to obey the rules Holes in ground filled in regularly Additional water tap Walking path around oval Large and small dog areas Reduce size of dog area and increase dog free area More time allocated for sports games (cricket and football) without dogs