Open Space & Recreation Study

1. Dealing with our open space deficit
   89% of our community live in high and medium density housing and rely heavily on public open space, with more needed in the future to cater for our increasing population. We would therefore like your ideas on what kind of open space you are missing, and whether you have any ideas about spaces which could be repurposed or multipurposed.
2. Management and use of our open space
   With limited open space available, it is important that we take an equitable and balanced approach to its management. Our parks and reserves are used by a variety of groups such as schools, dog owners and personal trainers. Our foreshore areas are in high demand for events, and there are no permits or fees required for community or commercial gatherings of under 60 people. We want your ideas on how these groups should be managed and how you think Council could best manage New Years Eve to balance the need of visitors and residents.
3. Providing opportunities for organised sport
   Council plays a key role in supporting organised sports by providing sportsgrounds and specialist sporting facilities. We want to hear from you about how we can increase capacity and use our existing facilities more efficiently.
4. Increasing participation
   The benefits of access to open space are well known. Council wants to ensure that we all have access to open space regardless of age and ability. We want to understand if there's anything that prevents you from participating more regularly in sport and recreation, and if there are any suggestions you have for enhancements of a particular space to increase your use of that space.

If you need help accessing the Discussion Paper or would like to view a hard copy version, please call 02 9936 8100.

Council is seeking feedback on five Discussion Papers (Culture and Creativity, Economic Development, Integrated Transport, Open Space and Recreation, and Social Inclusion) via online surveys (open 12 May – 23 June) and dedicated community forums.

The information we collect will help to identify the needs and aspirations of the North Sydney community and will be used to develop a series of strategies that will in turn inform our new 2025-2035 Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Programs and Operational Plans. They will determine our priorities and ensure that Council’s resources are focused on delivering outcomes needed and wanted by our community.

Everyone who provides feedback via our online surveys has the option to go into a prize draw to win a weekly $100 gift voucher. There are 4 x $100 gift vouchers available in total. The winners will be drawn at random each week from Tuesday 4 June – Tuesday 25 June inclusive and announced the same day. It is strictly one entry per person per focus area survey.