Willoughby is set to embark on a transformative journey with the adoption of the Public Spaces and Recreation Strategy which embraces a placemaking lens. This means identifying opportunities to reimagine public spaces in partnership with our community to increase recreational opportunities, and deliver future public spaces that respond to community needs and interests.
This placemaking approach is underpinned by active community involvement and shared responsibility for public space design, activation and management. This will allow us to be more flexible and adaptable in our recreational offerings, as well as test and validate ideas promptly to ensure they suit our community’s needs. The strategy was adopted by Council at its Ordinary Meeting on 25 March 2024, and marks a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities and creating inclusive, engaging public spaces for residents and visitors.
The five strategic opportunities outlined in the strategy are:
1. Create and promote a network of public spaces via recreational links.
2. Leverage future development and underutilised assets to deliver new public spaces.
3. Activate existing public spaces for increased recreational participation.
4. Encourage shared use and multi-purpose design of sports spaces.
5. Promote collaborative and co-ordinated planning and delivery.
Willoughby’s Mayor Tanya Taylor expressed her support for the adoption of the Public Spaces and Recreation Strategy, stating, “This strategy represents a bold vision for the future of Willoughby, one that prioritises the well-being and happiness of our residents. By embracing placemaking principles and fostering vibrant public spaces, we are creating a city that is inclusive, connected, and resilient.”
The implementation of the Public Spaces and Recreation Strategy will commence immediately with a series of initiatives and pilot projects planned for the coming months.
