23 428157 Camden Open Space Design Manual 1 August 2023 - Flipbook - Page 84
Playgrounds
As a first principle, the location of playgrounds should be carefully considered to avoid proximity to highspeed streets, waterways, shared paths and other high-risk zones. This is to reduce the need for safety
fencing. Playground fencing cannot replace active adult supervision and a child’s own risk awareness.
Playground fencing is sometimes necessary in constrained park environments where there is no
alternative safety barrier or space buffer. For any playground located less than 20 metres from a highspeed, high-volume road such as a collector road, unprotected waterway, off-street carpark or shared
path, the following steps should be applied:
− Provide natural barriers such as garden beds and mounds to contain the play space;
− Consider providing a non-continuous or staggered barrier, where the risk source is located;
− If applying the measures above does not achieve a sufficient safety buffer, a continuous fence with child
safety gate should be provided;
− Fencing and gates must meet the requirements of AS 1926.1: Swimming Pool Safety – Safety Barriers for
Swimming Pools (current edition). In addition to the meeting the standard the fence must be included in
the playground safety certification review;
− The fence and gate should be robust, low maintenance, aesthetically considered and site appropriate;
− Gates with childproof latches must be located in accordance with access code requirements;
− Some areas/equipment may have to have restricted access for users with disabilities only. These areas/
equipment are to be accessed via a keypad with a Council-provided code. Signage must be installed to
inform the users of the process. This is to replace the use of a MLAK key;
− Fences must allow clear sight lines which will not impede natural surveillance of the area;
− If a playground is to be considered inclusive a fence must be provided; and
− For further information refer to CSLD.
Natural Areas
The use of fencing in natural areas should be limited. Ensure that all fencing proposed meets the
requirements of all current applicable regulation and the following:
− If the site has no history of inappropriate use, and the natural area does not have significant protection
requirements, there is no need for physical barriers;
− Where inappropriate use of natural areas is an issue, trees, natural stone, timber or recycled plastic
bollards can be used to prevent vehicular access. Bollard and steel rope should be used where motorbike
and bikes barrier is needed. Refer to CSLD;
− Where regeneration works require temporary restriction of pedestrian access, a post and rope temporary
fence should be used along the perimeter of works.
− Specific areas with high-value vegetation may require fencing to prevent public access. In these locations
1.8 metre high fencing can be used to prevent public access; and
− Where entrance to natural areas is restricted, pram and bike access should be through corral gates.
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DESIGN GUIDELINES