Results of the Benchmark Park Users Satisfaction Survey have been released, with Glen Eira City Council ranked number one for its parks and reserves.
Seventeen metropolitan councils participated in the annual Survey, which has been developed to measure park users’ satisfaction with the level of park maintenance and to provide a means for comparison of results with other park managers.
The Survey was conducted by Integrated Open Space Services (IOSS) between November and December 2011.
The Survey process involved interviewing park users in a number of parks of different sizes and types within the municipality — in Glen Eira’s case, IOSS surveyed 134 park users across 17 parks.
Participants were asked to rate their level of satisfaction on a scale of one to 10 in regards to 24 park elements.
Out of the 24, Glen Eira were top in 11 categories, including tree health, quality of grass, removal of graffiti, fences and barriers, pathways and trails, signs and recreation facilities.
Glen Eira Mayor Cr Jamie Hyams said upgrading the City’s parks has been one of Council’s key priorities for a number of years.
“The results of this Survey are supported by the results of the annual Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey, which show consistently high levels of community satisfaction with Glen Eira’s parks and gardens,” Cr Hyams said.
Cr Hyams said these types of surveys are useful in providing feedback on what areas can be improved.
“The Benchmark Park Users Satisfaction Survey indicated that the main areas for improvement are for further provision of shade/shelter, drinking fountains, seating and table facilities,” Cr Hyams said.
Stage one works to redevelop the former lawn bowls site at Packer Park west in Carnegie are now complete.
Cr Hyams said the redevelopment features a combination of the two outdoor bowling sports, lawn bowls and bocce, and is supported by tree plantings associated with the countries in which each of the bowling forms originate.
“The project has increased public open space available for the community to enjoy”,
Cr Hyams said.
“The site is a unique recreational space that connects with all ages and can be enjoyed by the whole community.”
Subject to final budget approval, stage two works, which will include a rotunda, picnic and barbecue area and planting works, will be undertaken during the 2012–13 financial year.