1 Draft Shade Policy Abstract - City of Boroondara Shad… · A draft Shade Policy has been...

Council Meeting Agenda 24/07/17

1 Draft Shade Policy

Abstract A draft Shade Policy has been developed to outline Council's approach to the provision of shade within public outdoor space, and to ensure shade is an integral part of Council’s planning processes. The Policy provides a set of guiding principles to assist decisions related to where built shade (shade sails, gazebos, and shelters) and natural shade (trees) will be considered. It also seeks to communicate the community’s role in adopting on-going sun protection practices for themselves and others in their care. The Policy prioritises the use of ‘natural’ shade over ‘built’ shade as a long term solution for shading the City’s public spaces. The intention is to minimise built structures within open space where possible, and to encourage the use of trees for shade to reinforce the identity and appeal of Boroondara, as well as maximising environmental and community benefits. It is proposed built shade structures may be considered in some defined situations where there are high numbers of users, people stay outside for longer periods, where users are considered more vulnerable (ie, older, mobility impaired and young people), and where natural shade cannot meet the policy objectives in the short term.

Officers' recommendation That Council resolves to approve the draft Shade Policy for community consultation. Document information

City of Boroondara Shade Policy of 21


Responsible director: Bruce Dobson

Environment & Infrastructure ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose

The purpose of this report is to present the draft Shade Policy to Council for approval to commence the community consultation process.

2. Policy implications and relevance to council plan

Preparing a draft Shade Policy aligns with City of Boroondara’s (Council’s) themes of, ‘sustainable environment’, 'enhanced amenity’ and ‘quality facilities and assets’ as outlined in the Council Plan 2017-21. It also supports Strategic Objective 2 of the Boroondara Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, 2013-17, to ‘enhance and develop our neighbourhoods to support health and wellbeing.’ There are recommendations regarding shade in the Boroondara Open Space Strategy 2011 (BOSS) and accompanying Technical Report including:

Planting of additional trees where appropriate to increase shade, natural character and canopy cover in the open space.

Encouraging large canopy shade trees in open space located in and near higher density urban areas, particularly activity centres.

A preference for natural shade from trees where possible, and utilising structures for shade only where natural shade is not viable or as an interim measure while trees mature.

3. Background

Community demand for shade

There is growing awareness of the benefits of shade, along with increased pressure on the City's outdoor public spaces and hotter and drier weather conditions. Council Officers regularly receive customer requests for the installation of built shade (such as shade sails and shelters), particularly within playgrounds. Providing shade in playgrounds and the planting of more shade trees have also been common feedback themes in a number of community consultations; including in the development of the 2011 BOSS, the 2016-17 Parkscape Community Survey, the Boroondara Community Plan feedback and the 2017 draft Tree Strategy. It is anticipated that community demand for shade will continue to rise due to increased awareness of the impacts of sun exposure, demand on Council’s outdoor spaces, and hotter and drier weather conditions. Council’s Playgrounds Development Strategy 2005 does provide some general recommendations for the provision of shade in playgrounds however this document is now dated. More current and broader direction is needed to not only respond to community requests in a transparent and consistent way, but to provide guidance to Officers to assist decision making related to when shade should be considered in Council’s projects.



Benefits of Shade As the population grows and urban density increases, there will be increasing pressure on Council’s parks, gardens and open spaces to meet the outdoor recreational needs and aspirations of our local community. Civic spaces, playgrounds, skate parks, shared paths and walking trails all play an important role in meeting these needs whilst making a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of the community. As temperatures rise and our awareness of the damaging effects of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and heatwaves increases, there is an opportunity to better use shade in Council’s public spaces to:

reduce sun exposure and protect against UV radiation and skin cancer promote walking and healthy active lifestyles by creating more

comfortable and cooler outdoor spaces in hotter weather make the city more resilient to heat-waves by using canopy trees to

reduce urban temperatures. What are other Councils doing? Research has revealed a range of different approaches to shade by other Councils including:

only a small number have specific shade policies some have written guidance on shade within playground policies or

park design guidelines differing methodology for determining where and when built shade

should be considered for playgrounds a consistent preference for use of tree cover (natural shade) over built

shade.

Individual circumstances such as the size and number of existing playgrounds, degree of open space surrounding the playground, level of use and other policy positions within individual Councils all contribute to the nature and extent of built shade provided. Review of Boroondara’s playgrounds Within Boroondara’s open spaces there are:

2 Regional Playgrounds: at Hays Paddock and Markham Victory Reserve (MVR). These are large all-age playgrounds that attract visitors from across the municipality and beyond, and visits can be for a number of hours.

o Hays Paddock Playground has some built shade but additional built shade could be considered as part of the renewal/replacement of parts of the playground. This is scheduled to occur within the next few years, with design commencing in 2017-18.

o MVR Playground has built shade over the sandpit and picnic tables, with most of the play equipment lacking shade.



21 District Playgrounds: three of these already have built shade;

Beckett Park, Greythorn Park and Howard Dawson Reserve. These playgrounds draw visitors from further afield, usually travelling by car, and they generally attract longer visits than local playgrounds.

79 Local Playgrounds and Pocket Park Playgrounds: none of these have built shade. Playgrounds that cater for local residents, are within walking and cycling distance from their homes, and generally attract shorter visits.

10 playground sandpits: three of these already have built shade (including the sandpits at the regional playgrounds), and one sandpit is proposed to be removed as part of the playground replacement.

4. Outline of key issues/options

Draft Shade Policy Officers have developed a draft Shade Policy (refer Attachment 1) to:

1. Articulate Council’s commitment and approach to providing shade in public outdoor spaces that are managed by Council.

2. Communicate the community’s own role in sun protection (via personal sun protection measures such as clothing, hat, sunscreen and limiting exposure).

3. Provide a clear set of guiding principles to assist decision making in relation to where built and natural shade will be considered within the public realm including playgrounds.

4. Ensure the provision of shade is an integral part of Council’s planning processes.

The key rationale that formed the basis of the draft Shade Policy is summarised following:

Council plays a role in providing shade as the owner and/or manager of public spaces.

The community plays a role in protecting against sun exposure by adopting personal sun protective measures.

The benefits of shade go beyond reducing skin cancer. Shade is also an important factor in creating cool and comfortable spaces that encourage healthy and active lifestyles, as well as improving the cities resilience to heat-waves.

Community demand has been demonstrated for built shade within playgrounds. However the community also values:

o the sense of open space without the clutter of built form and infrastructure

o shade trees and Boroondara’s leafy treed streets and open spaces (refer Section 5).

Full shade coverage is not desirable or practical in public open spaces.

Shade should be prioritised at places where there are high numbers of users, people stay outdoors for longer; and there are more vulnerable users.



The draft policy statement outlines Council’s commitment to shade and how this will be achieved by:

Prioritising the use of natural shade in open space (above that of built shade) as a long term shade solution.

Prioritising the use of shade at selected key assets and places including:

o playgrounds o along key walking and cycling routes o other facilities and places where a particular need has been

identified. Encouraging community members to participate in outdoor activities

safely by using personal sun protection measures. It is important to note the Policy's reliance on the limited use of built shade, as an interim measure, only where natural shade cannot meet the intent of the policy in the short term. The intention of this is to limit the clutter of built form within open space which was a municipal-wide recommendation from the BOSS. In some circumstances, built shade may be permanent (ie at regional playgrounds), while in other circumstances the built shade may be a temporary feature, designed to be removed once the preferred natural shade has grown to a sufficient size to meet the intent of the policy (ie at district playgrounds). The Policy will affect all users of the public realm within the municipality and applies to council managed public spaces including parks, reserves, playgrounds, skate parks, civic spaces, car parks, unstructured recreation infrastructure, shared paths and walking routes along streets and into and around key destinations. Appropriate locations for built shade structures Regional and District Playgrounds The regional and district playgrounds are larger facilities that attract higher numbers of children for longer periods of time than smaller local and pocket park playgrounds. Given this, the Policy supports the use of built shade structures at these playgrounds, where adequate natural shade cannot be achieved in the short term. For regional playgrounds, this will be in the form of permanent shade structures, while built shade installed at district playgrounds will be an interim shade solution, and may be considered for removal once the natural shade meets the desired purpose. It is anticipated future removal of temporary shade will be subject to a consultation process to ensure there is support prior to its removal. It is also noted there are advantages in coordinating the installation of shade structures with the scheduled playground renewal to better integrate the shade design with the design of the playground, offer greater economies of scale through the design and construction process and to reduce the amount of time the facility is not available for community use. Coordination also allows the design to more easily respond to issues associated with unwanted climbing, and ensuring the shade structure is adequately off-set from play equipment in order to comply with relevant standards.



Sandpits The Shade Policy proposes built shade be prioritised over sandpits as users of these facilities:

are often more vulnerable community members (children and toddlers) may sit in one location for extended periods are exposed to direct sunlight as well as reflected UV light from the

sand. Other suitable locations for built shade structures Built shade (such as picnic, seating or BBQ shelters) to provide respite from the sun should also be considered at skate parks, junior play spaces, regional playgrounds, and at some district playgrounds (as long as these are spread equitably across the municipality to provide users with options). It is also recognised that there may be other high use facilities and places that have a demonstrated need for built shade. However this should be carefully contemplated to ensure a place based and planned approach. The Policy therefore proposes that built shade may be considered during the development of a master plan or landscape concept plan where a particular need has been identified. An example of this is the Balwyn Park Concept Master Plan where a lack of peripheral shade to the ovals was a key feedback theme in community consultation during the development of the master plan. Shade in smaller playgrounds (local and pocket park playgrounds) Currently Boroondara has 79 local and pocket park playgrounds. None of these currently has built shade structures such as shade sails. Local playgrounds are small playgrounds that offer less play opportunities. They are generally used by nearby residents who are able to make a quick retreat home if needed. The draft Shade Policy therefore proposes use of natural shade from trees at these playgrounds (rather than built shade). This is consistent with the recommendations of the now dated Playground Strategy and is current practice. Built structures - installation, maintenance and renewal Built shade structures are more expensive to install and maintain compared with shade trees, and the costs can vary depending on the size and type of structure. Shade sails are commonly used in playgrounds due to their ‘light weight’ look and feel, and also their ability to span greater distances for less cost. Playground shade sails that are suitable for a public environment can vary between $50k and $150k each depending on the extent/span. Some councils remove the fabric shade sails in cooler months to allow winter sun, extend the life and reduce maintenance of the shade sail. More solid shelter structures with roofs (such as a corrugated roof) are generally more expensive than shade sails when larger and/or customised. However a small off-the-shelf roofed shelter for a sandpit can be more cost effective than a shade sail at approximately $15 to 25k each.



The fabric of shade sails is estimated to last approximately eight to ten years before requiring replacement. They can also be subject to vandalism, theft and may require cleaning due to leaf litter and build-up. It is therefore important that an inspection and auditing regime is established; as well as funding for the ongoing maintenance, repair and renewal of built shade structures. Refer to Section 6 of this report for further discussion on the proposed costs associated with installing built shade within Boroodara’s regional and district playgrounds and sandpits. Trees for shade The draft Shade Policy recognises natural (tree shade) as the preferred long-term solution for shade in public open spaces. It is proposed to increase shade tree planting in places where people gather (e.g. park destinations, periphery of sports grounds etc), where more vulnerable members of the community congregate (young children, older people etc), and along key pedestrian corridors, and in highly paved areas of the municipality (shopping centres, car parks etc). This will require careful selection of suitable tree species to achieve the desired canopy, be suited to the local conditions and character, and have a low risk of falling branches and debris. The inclusion of extra trees in high profile areas where people spend a considerable amount of time will also require a higher level of service with regards to maintenance. The trees will also require regular inspection and proactive tree management (such as monitoring, pruning and pest and disease control) to monitor and mitigate risks. There is an excellent opportunity to consider the principles of the draft Shade Policy in the implementation planning for the draft Tree Strategy which has recently been endorsed by Council for community consultation.

5. Consultation/communication

Previous consultations with the community have provided useful insights regarding the need and value of shade in Boroondara. This feedback is summarised following:

Boroondara Open Space Strategy 2013 - Appendix A Community

Consultation Report - in the Overall Summary of the Household Survey Outcomes:

o ‘More trees and vegetation required……… along with more shade trees to provide protection from the sun.’

o ‘The lack of shade over playground equipment in the form of shade sails or trees……..’



Parkscape Urban Parks, User Survey Program Nov 2016-Feb 2017

for Melbourne and Regional Victoria (produced by Scape data) which involved 100 user intercept interviews across 13 of Boroondara’s parks. ‘Shade and shelter’ along with ‘seats and tables’, and ‘dog facilities and management’ all recorded the most comments for facility and service improvement or provision within the City of Boroondara. Specific requests were made for:

o installing shade over the playground in Anderson Park o building more shelters in Beckett Park o building shelters near the playground in Bowen Gardens o building more shelters near the playground/oval area in Ferndale

Park.

Draft Community Plan 2017-2027 - 61 specific comments from the community consultation up until March 2017 included:

o 23 regarding the provision of shade in playgrounds and parks o 22 general comments around tree shade on public land o 6 specifically identified the need for built shade over

playgrounds.

Draft Tree Strategy 2018-2028 - the consultation in Dec 2016 to March 2017 revealed that overall, participants valued trees most highly for their shading and cooling (25.6%).

The development of the draft Shade Policy was a collaborative process led by the Environment and Sustainable Living Department (ESL) with involvement from a number of departments including Parks and Infrastructure, Family, Youth and Recreation, Community Planning and Development, Traffic and Transport, Asset Management and Projects and Strategy. ESL Officers also worked with Parks and Gardens to ensure the draft Shade Policy was consistent with the findings and recommendations of the draft Tree Strategy currently being developed. Pending Council’s approval consultation on the draft Shade Policy will occur in the coming months. During this period the community will be provided with a number of opportunities to learn more and provide feedback on the draft Policy. This will include broad scale consultation with local community members, as well as targeted consultation with key stakeholders. The draft Policy will be promoted via the Progress Leader, Council website and relevant social media channels. Following the consultation process, the final Shade Policy is scheduled to be presented to Council for adoption in December 2017.

6. Financial and resource implications

Implementation of the draft Shade Policy is to be progressive and ongoing. Implementation activities are planned to be rolled out in conjunction with other programmed renewal and operational works, along with one off capital works projects at key assets as discussed further.



Playgrounds - built shade structures At regional and district playgrounds that don’t have adequate existing shade it is proposed to progressively install built shade to coincide with the scheduled playground replacement/renewal program. The exceptions are Anderson Park District Playground which already has funding allocated in 2017-18, and Markham Victory Reserve Regional Playground which is a large high use playground with limited existing shade; as both these playgrounds are not due for replacement for many years. To implement the strategy, Capital Works funding (in addition to the existing playground renewal funding) would be required to implement built shade at 18 of Boroondara’s district playgrounds and two regional playgrounds. Council on average replaces one to two district playgrounds per year. At this rate of installation, in approximately 12 years all district playgrounds would have built shade (if required). When replacing playgrounds, officers intend to review other options to built shade, such as moving equipment to take advantage of existing surrounding shade and to plant additional trees. Confirmation of the need and extent of built shade required would be undertaken as part of the re-design of the replacement playground (close to the time of replacement). Given this, the exact funding required to implement built shade within the district and regional playgrounds would be subject to confirmation through further detailed investigation; however the schedule below provides an informed estimate of the costs for the next five years for budgeting purposes. Table 6.1 - Proposed Regional and Playgrounds built shade expenditure

2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22

REGIONAL PLAYGROUNDS

Markham Victory Reserve, Ashburton $150,000

Hays Paddock, Kew $125,000

DISTRICT PLAYGROUNDS

Anderson Park, Hawthorn East

$85,000 foreshadowed

Canterbury Sports Ground, Canterbury

$50,000

Central Gardens, Hawthorn $100,000

Ferndale Park, Glen Iris $82,000 foreshadowed

Koonung Creek Reserve, Balwyn North $60,000

Highfield Park, Camberwell $60,000

HA Smith Reserve, Hawthorn

$85,000

TOTAL $135k ($50k new bid)

$182k ($100k new bid)

$275k $120k $85k



Sandpits - built shade structures Additional capital works funding of $125,000 is proposed to implement built shade at all existing sandpits that do not already have shade structures (refer Table 6.2). Table 6.2 - Proposed sandpit expenditure

SANDPIT SITE 2017-18 2018-19

Summerhill Park, Glen Iris $25,000

Watson Park, Ashburton $25,000

Through Road Reserve, Camberwell $25,000

Grace Park, Hawthorn $15,000*

Sir William Angliss Reserve, Kew $25,000

Fenton Reserve, Kew $15,000

TOTAL $25,000 $125,000

*Subject to further investigation as to whether built shade is needed in this location due to existing shade trees. Tree planting Officers will seek opportunities for implementing natural (tree) shade via existing funded Council projects and tree planting programs, such as through the Street Tree Planting Program, Shopping Centre Improvement Plan, Master Plans, and the Playground Replacement Program. Additional funding may be required in the future to proactively increase shade tree planting at prioritised locations and along key pedestrian routes. This would be subject to further review of existing programs and the outcomes of the draft Tree Strategy. Grant funding Officers will also proactively seek grant funding wherever possible such as the Department of Health and Human Services Community Shade Grants Program. The last round of this grant required applicants to have a shade policy in order to be applicable for funding of between $5,000 to $50,000.

7. Governance issues

Officers involved in the preparation of this report have no conflict of interest. The list of prescribed human rights contained in the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities has been reviewed in accordance with Council’s Human Rights Compatibility Assessment Tool and it is considered that the proposed actions contained in this report represent no breaches of, or infringements upon, those prescribed rights.

8. Social and environmental issues

The use and implementation of the Shade Policy will have positive impacts on the social well-being of the community and the environment by promoting the targeted use of shade to:

reduce the community’s exposure to sun and protect against UV radiation and skin cancer



promote walking and healthy active lifestyles by creating more

comfortable and cooler outdoor spaces in hotter weather making the city more resilient to heat-waves by using canopy trees to

reduce urban temperatures. The prioritisation of more tree planting to provide shade will also have added benefits including carbon sequestration; providing habitat; linking biodiversity sites; reducing pollution; and providing opportunities for people to connect with nature.

Manager: Adam Hall, Environment and Sustainable Living Report officer: Caroline Martin, Senior Landscape Architect, Environment and

Sustainable Living


Shade Policy (Draft) 24 July 2017

1

Shade Policy (draft)

2017

Boroondara is named from an Aboriginal word meaning “where the ground is thickly shaded”.

Responsible Directorate: Environment and Infrastructure Authorised by: <Council or ELT> Date of adoption: <Date> Review date: <Date> Policy type: Council

Council Meeting Agenda 24/07/17______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________City of Boroondara Shade Policy of 21


2

Table of contents

1. Introduction ...................................................... 31.1. Purpose 31.2. Scope 31.3. Corporate framework 3

2. Background ...................................................... 32.1. Benefits of shade 42.2. Use of shade 52.3. Types of Shade 62.4. Policy environment 72.1 Policy context 7

3. Policy statement .............................................. 73.1. Guiding principles 8

4. Implementation and monitoring ..................... 94.1. Accountabilities 94.2. Implementation 94.3. Financial Implications 9

5. Definitions ........................................................ 10




3

1. Introduction

1.1. Purpose Providing shade is important in contributing to the creation of comfortable and safe environments that encourage people outdoors and to have healthy active lifestyles. The purpose of the Shade Policy (Policy) is to outline Council's approach and to guide decision making in relation to the provision of shade within the public realm. The aim is to provide the Boroondara community with opportunities for shade, while at the same time encouraging the ongoing personal sun protection practices of the community.

1.2. Scope The Shade Policy provides a framework for the provision of shade (natural and built) within the public realm.

The Policy will affect all users of public realm and applies to Council managed public spaces including parks, reserves, playgrounds, skate parks, civic spaces, car parks, unstructured recreation infrastructure, shared paths and walking routes along streets and into and around key destinations. The Policy does not cover Council owned facilities that are fenced or have restricted access i.e. swimming pools, tennis clubs, bowls clubs, kindergartens and childcare facilities etc.

1.3. Corporate framework This Policy supports the strategic objective of The Boroondara Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017 to ‘enhance and develop our neighbourhoods to support health and wellbeing’. It also aligns with the Council Plan 2017 - 21 key themes of:

Sustainable environment - our natural and urban environment is improved in a sustainable way

Enhanced amenity - the character of our neighbourhood is protected and improved

Quality facilities and assets - the community’s current and future needs for assets and facilities are proactively managed.

This policy is also aligned with recommendations contained in the Boroondara Open Space Strategy 2013 (BOSS) and the Playground Development Strategy 2005.

2. Background As our population grows there is increasing pressure on our parks, gardens and open spaces to meet the outdoor recreational needs and aspirations of our local community. Civic spaces, playgrounds, skate parks, shared paths and walking trails all play an important role in meeting these needs whilst making a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of our residents. As temperatures rise and our awareness of the damaging effects of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and heatwaves increases, there is an opportunity to improve the way we provide much needed shade to key assets and facilities within the public realm.

There is increasing awareness of the benefits of shade to:

reduce sun exposure and protect against UV radiation and skin cancer

promote walking and healthy active lifestyles by creating more comfortable and cooler outdoor spaces in hotter weather

make the city more resilient to heat-waves by using canopy trees to reduce urban temperatures.




4

2.1. Benefits of shade

2.1.1. Reducing sun exposure

‘Sun exposure has been identified as the cause of around 99 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and 95 percent of melanoma in Australia. Skin cancer is therefore one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Skin cancers account for around 83 percent of all new cancers diagnosed each year in Australia with at least one in every two Australians being diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Shade provides good protection from the sun and is easy for people to use. Shade alone can reduce overall exposure to UV radiation by about 75 percent, and when used in conjunction with sun protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen – shade enables maximum sun protection to be achieved.’ 1

It is important that shade is provided to reduce exposure to solar UV radiation at effective times of the day and year. For example shade should generally be provided from the east for morning use, overhead for midday use in summer and from the west for afternoon use.

Even when shaded from direct sunlight, people can still be exposed to considerable indirect UV radiation reflected from surfaces such as buildings, paved areas, sand and water.

2.1.2. Promote walking and healthy active lifestyles

The public realm plays an important role in the community's mental and physical health and wellbeing by providing opportunities for people to socialise, participate in active recreation, walk, play, recover from illness, and to come in contact with nature. Shade is an important feature in creating inviting, cool and comfortable outdoor places that encourage walking and healthy active lifestyles.

2.1.3. Reducing urban heat island

The urban heat island effect is the localised increase in air and surface temperatures in urban areas due to the extent of non-porous surfaces that absorb heat during the day and then radiate heat during the evening. This results in longer sustained periods of heat, particularly during the late afternoon and evening and especially during heatwaves. This has significant impacts on human health and comfort, particularly those members of the community who are more vulnerable to extreme heat such as the elderly, very young children, those who are socio-economically disadvantaged, those living in public housing and those who require assistance such as the disabled or chronically ill.2 3

Boroondara’s shade trees play an important role in cooling the city during hot periods and helping to mitigate the impacts of the urban heat island effect by reflecting sunlight, releasing moisture into the air and providing shade. Shade provided by trees on hot days can help reduce ambient temperatures by up to two degrees Celsius2 and surface temperatures by up to 20 degrees celcius4. This reduces the community’s exposure to hotter temperatures and associated heat related illness.

1 SunSmart Shade Policy Framework Background Information, October 2015, Cancer Council Victoria and VicHealth2 Boroondara Open Space Strategy 20133 Loughnan ME, Tapper NJ, Phan T, Lynch K and McInnes JA, (2013). A spatial vulnerability analysis of urban populations during extreme heat events in Australian capital cities, National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, Gold Coast, 128 pp.4 Norton, B., Bosomworth K, Coutts A, Williams N, Livesley S, Trundle A, Harris R, McEvoy D (2013). Planning for a Cooler Future: Green Infrastructure to Reduce Urban Heat, Victorian Centre for Climate Change Adaptation Research.




5

2.2. Use of shade How the community uses a space, and the type of user, will help inform the nature and extent of shade provided.

Facilities such as playgrounds that attract younger children and are designed for use by children with mobility issues will have higher requirements for shade. Some types of play spaces will also need special consideration for shade. For example sand pits, where children are particularly prone to exposure both from direct sunlight as well as indirect UV radiation reflected from the sand and often remain in one location for extended periods. Larger playgrounds (such as regional playgrounds like Hays Paddock) will also attract greater numbers of children for longer times, thereby increasing their potential for exposure to harmful UV radiation. These facilities may require a greater consideration for the provision of shade than other comparatively less exposed or shorter visit places.

Shade can encourage physical activity and sustainable transport by making public space, and walking and cycling routes more comfortable and inviting. Shade is particularly important for older people, people with disabilities, parents with prams and young children. Walking trips by these users can often take longer which can increase exposure to heat and UV radiation, and in some cases these users have limited transport alternatives (such as cars).

Natural tree shade in Booroondara’s strip shopping centres can encourage more visitors and longer stays resulting in increased retail activity5. Shade can also be used to activate Boroondara’s main streets and civic spaces and to create places where people can be encouraged to pause, meet, socialise and engage with technology (eg Wi-Fi).

It is recognised that it is impractical and undesirable to shade all outdoor spaces. Public open spaces should seek to provide a diversity of experience and opportunity for the community to go outdoors and be active, including those with Vitamin D deficiency. For example providing a mix of both shaded and unshaded park seating will attract use in both warmer and cooler weather and encourage people into open space.

It can be difficult to contain children and adults to shaded areas when running, playing and participating in active play and sport. It is therefore important that the community also take personal measures to reduce their exposure to sun, such as wearing protective clothing, hats, sunscreen and sunglasses.

5 Wolf, K. L. (2005). ‘Business district streetscapes, trees and consumer response.’ Journal of Forestry 103 (8): 396-400.




6

2.3. Types of Shade Shade can be natural (such as vegetation and canopy trees) or built structures (canopies, pergolas, verandahs, picnic shelters, rotundas, shade sails etc). Shade can also be ‘borrowed’ from buildings, structures and vegetation on surrounding properties.

2.3.1. Natural shade

Boroondara is named from an Aboriginal word meaning “where the ground is thickly shaded” 6 and the city is renowned for its leafy treed streets and open spaces.

Canopy shade trees are an important part of the identity, appeal and valued character of Boroondara. They also deliver a number of other environmental and community health and well-being benefits including carbon sequestration; providing habitat; linking biodiversity sites; reducing air, soil and water pollution; and creating cool7, shaded and comfortable environments. Trees also offer children the opportunity to connect with nature, have sensory experiences and to play with natural materials. However trees can be slow to grow and develop an effective shade canopy and when young they can be prone to vandalism. It is acknowledged that there are risks associated with tree planting in active use areas i.e. playgrounds. These risks will be addressed through careful planning and design, including consideration of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. Appropriate species selection and proactive tree management (such as monitoring, pruning and pest and disease control) is also required to minimise risks.

Vegetation such as tall shrubs and climbing plants can also be useful for providing shade where clear lines of sight do not need to be maintained. The choice of tree species and vegetation type will differ for each site. Deciduous trees can be used to provide shade in summer and to allow sun in winter. Lightly foliaged evergreen trees, such as some of the Eucalypts, can provide dappled sun and shade throughout the year.

2.3.2. Built shade

Built (or constructed) shade can be stand-alone or it can be incorporated into buildings or structures.

While built shade structures may not always be as attractive as natural shade they have some advantages such as providing instant UV protection (when compared to trees that take time to grow), cast more predictable shadow, and provide cover from rain.

The use of built shade should be considered carefully as ‘the sense of open space without the clutter of built form and infrastructure is highly valued by the community.’8 Built shade is also more expensive compared with natural shade. There is the initial expense to install structures, as well as ongoing costs associated with maintenance, vandalism, graffiti and the renewal of the structure when it has reached the end of its life.

Retrofitting built shade structures into existing facilities can be challenging as there needs to be adequate space to achieve the required off-set distances (of posts and footings) from play equipment, bicycle paths etc. to meet standards.

6 Boroondara is named from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘where the ground is thickly shaded’ (Boroondara Arts Plan). The parish name was translated from the Woiwurrung by Hoddle as ‘where the ground is thickly shaded’ (Cultural Heritage Policy).

7 By reducing the Urban Heat Island Effect (that is, the build-up of heat in hard surfaces during periods of hot weather) (Silva 2010, Rozenzwieg 2009, Gober 2010, Adams Smith 2014, GHD, 2011)8 Boroondara Open Space Strategy 2013




7

Playgrounds can also have small roofs that are part of a multi-unit play structure. These multi-unit play roofs generally only offer minor shade benefit over parts of the playground equipment.

2.4. Policy environment There is greater awareness of the benefits of shade, along with increased pressure on the city’s outdoor public spaces, and hotter and drier weather conditions. There has been increased community demand for shade, in particular for the provision of shade within playgrounds and the planting of shade trees9.

2.1 Policy context This Policy was informed by the following documents:

Vic Health Protecting Victorians from skin cancer – Local government action guide no. 10 November 2012

Shade: A Resource for Local Government, Municipal Association of Victoria

Shade Design for Public Places, Municipal Association of Victoria

Cancer Council Victoria Sun Smart Shade Policy Framework for Local Government and Shade Policy Background Information October 2015

Boroondara Open Space Strategy 2013 and Technical Report, adopted 2013

Playgrounds Development Strategy 2005

Integrated Water Management Strategy 2014-2024

Active Boroondara 2010

Preparing for climate change in the City of Boroondara Summary Report 2009

3. Policy statement

The City of Boroondara is committed to improving the safety, comfort and appearance of the city’s public spaces and ensuring the level of service is appropriate to the place. This includes the provision of shade measures along with other sun protection strategies to encourage healthy active lifestyles in comfortable, cool, shaded spaces.

We will achieve this by:

Prioritising the use of natural shade in open space (above that of built shade) as a long term shade solution.

Prioritising the use of shade at selected key assets and places including:

o playgrounds

o along key walking and cycling routes

o other facilities and places where a particular need has been identified.

Encouraging community members to participate in outdoor activities more safely by using personal sun protection measures.

9 Summary of the household survey undertaken in July 2010 as part of the Boroondara Open Space Strategy 2013




8

3.1. Guiding principles

3.1.1. Prioritise the use of natural shade in open space (above that of built shade) as a long term shade solution to reduce costs and maximise environmental and community health and well-being benefits.

Prioritise the use of trees to provide shade in open space as a long term shade solution tominimise the impacts of built structures.

Plant additional trees when upgrading open space to increase shade where needed.

Plan ahead and plant additional trees on routes into and around key park destinations, and aroundthe periphery of sports grounds (ensuring any tree planting does not impact on existing or futureplanned use of the open space).

Encourage planting of appropriate large canopy shade trees where possible in open spacelocated in and near higher density urban areas, particularly activity centres.

Locate and design Council facilities in open space (such as pavilions and playgrounds) to takeadvantage of existing site shade where appropriate to minimise the need for additional built shadestructures.

3.1.2. Prioritise the use of shade at playgrounds.

For Regional Playgrounds use natural shade from existing trees where possible. Whereadequate natural shade cannot be achieved in the short term, then built shade will be considered as a permanent long term shade solution.

For the design of new or the upgrade of existing District Playgrounds use natural shade fromexisting trees where possible. Where adequate natural shade cover cannot be achieved in theshort term, then built shade may be considered when upgrading the playground. In suchcircumstances built shade solutions will be an interim shade solution only until the natural shadefrom trees becomes effective, at which time the built shade structure may be considered forremoval.

For the design of new or the upgrade of existing Local and Pocket Playgrounds make use ofroofs on multi-unit play structures, shade from existing trees where possible, and incorporate newtree planting where possible.

Incorporate built shade into sandpits

Provide roofed picnic shelter/s at all Regional Playground sites.

Provide roofed picnic shelters at some District Playgrounds, and ensure there is an equitablespread across the municipality of District Playgrounds with picnic shelters.

3.1.3. Prioritise the use of natural shade along key walking and cycling routes.

Utilise natural shade to encourage physical activity and sustainable transport by making keywalking10 and cycling routes more inviting and shaded.

10 Key walking routes are identified as Principal Pedestrian Networks (PPNs) which are designated high priority pedestrians walking routes using methodology developed by the Victorian Government Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.




9

3.1.4. Prioritise the use of shade at facilities and places where a particular need has been identified.

Prioritise tree planting and tree renewal in areas where more vulnerable members of the community are concentrated.11

Provide shade where possible to BBQs and picnic tables, making use of shade from existing trees and incorporate new tree planting.

At new Skate Parks and Junior Play Spaces, where there is a lack of peripheral shade, provide roofed shelter/s nearby the skateable/active areas to create shaded social spaces. (Note - shade will not be provided over skate facilities).

Provide shade at sites where a particular need for built and/or natural shade has been identified during the development of a master plan or landscape concept plan.

Incorporate tree planting where possible when upgrading carparks, shopping centre streetscapes and civic spaces to provide shade as well as other amenity, environmental and health and well-being benefits.

3.1.5. Encourage community members to participate in outdoor activities safely.

Encourage community members to adopt personal sun protection practices for themselves and others in their care.

4. Implementation and monitoring

4.1. Accountabilities For all queries or feedback regarding this policy, please use the contact details for the responsible department below.

Contact Department Contact number Contact email

Environment and Sustainable Living 9278 4060 [email protected]

4.2. Implementation Implementation of this policy is to be progressive and ongoing. Implementation activities are planned to be rolled out in conjunction with other programmed renewal and operational works, along with one off capital works projects at key assets.

Key departments have a role to play in the provision of sustainable, quality shade for all Council outdoor facilities and spaces. In particular Environment and Sustainable Living, Projects and Strategy, Parks and Infrastructure, and Traffic and Transport have responsibilities for ensuring compliance with this Policy.

4.3. Financial Implications The provision of natural shade and built shade (in circumstances where natural shade cannot be adequately provided) will require funding for implementation, monitoring, on-going maintenance and renewal. These costs will need to be considered when budget planning, scoping, design and planning for new projects, and also as part of the renewal of existing assets.

11Areas where vulnerable people are concentrated can be determined though the Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas

(SEIFA) developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics using Census data, and also by considering areas where younger children congregate such as playgrounds.




10

5. Definitions

Junior Play Space A play space typically aimed at tween and teens to stimulate play, fun and social interaction. These spaces could include parkour equipment, informal play/skate opportunities, climbing frames, climbing walls etc.

Playground, Regional Large all-age playgrounds that attract visitors from across the municipality and beyond. These playgrounds offer a larger range of activities than a District or Local Playground. Visits to these sites can be for a number of hours, and a range of amenities will be required to provide for these longer visits. Council has two regional playgrounds at Markham Victory Reserve and Hays Paddock, and one planned at Victoria Park.

Playground, District Playgrounds that are used by families and children who visit these sites from further afield, usually travelling by car. The play activities at these playgrounds generally attract longer visits than Local Playgrounds and cater for all age groups. They are generally located in parks or reserves where there are other attractions and activities i.e. the playground is not the primary function of the open space. Council has over 20 District Playgrounds.

Playground, Local Playgrounds that cater for local residents, are within walking and cycling distance from their homes, and are unlikely to attract visitors who do not live in the area. Visits to Local Playgrounds are generally shorter. Sites for Local Playgrounds are likely to be smaller than for other parks. Council has over 60 Local Playgrounds.

Playground, Pocket Playgrounds located on very small reserves which are typically not large enough to provide a full range of social and recreational functions of a full size park or playground. Often these playgrounds include a single swing, or a pair of rockers/spring animals. They cater mainly for local residents, within walking and cycling distance of their homes, and usually offer, at best, the opportunity of a quick swing en route to somewhere else. Council has approximately 15 Pocket Playgrounds.

Public realm All public open space managed by Council along with other publicly owned land managed by Council, between buildings and including streets, which are available for use by everyone on an unrestricted basis, regardless of ownership.

Public open space Land that is set aside for public recreation or public resort; or as parklands; or for similar purposes (including parks, gardens reserves, waterways, civic forecourts and plazas) as identified in the Boroondara Open Space Strategy.

Shade Comparative darkness and coolness caused by shelter from direct sunlight.

Structured sport and recreation

An activity that is organised by a club, association, school or community group and participation requires becoming a member of the club or on a fee paying basis.

Unstructured recreation An activity that is initiated by individuals and not organised by a club or other group.

Urban heat island The localised increase in temperatures in urban areas compared to the surrounding rural countryside, often by several degrees.



1 Draft Shade Policy Abstract - City of Boroondara Shad… · A draft Shade Policy has been...

Documents

Transcript of 1 Draft Shade Policy Abstract - City of Boroondara Shad… · A draft Shade Policy has been...