Project Update – Active Knox Plan Adopted

Active Knox Plan was endorsed by Council on Monday 9 September – Thanks for your input!

Following initial consultations in the development of the Plan we sought your feedback on the Draft Plan. Thank you to all who contributed either in the initial development phase or in the reviewing the draft Plan, your feedback has helped us finalise this document or will be used when implementing some of the actions in the Action and Implementation Plan.

The purpose of “Active Knox” is to guide Council’s planning processes, encourage cross agency, community led initiatives, as well as promoting internal organisational collaboration to maximise the benefits of active recreation for the local community.

Objectives

The Active Knox Plan objectives are to:

• Increase physical activity participation: promote, create, instigate activities that increase community participation in physical activity.
• Guide provision of a wider range of active recreation opportunities: through design and decision making to better accommodate the diverse community needs and preferences.
• Amplify the value of Council’s existing spaces and assets: enhance and adapt existing spaces and Facilities to welcome more users to build on strengths without requiring significant new investment.

Key themes and areas of opportunity

Promote	Welcome	Adapt	Partner
Seek opportunities to articulate benefits and options available for active recreation, encouraging physical activity.	Encourage the community to make the most of the opportunities that exist and support participation through programming and management activities.	Improve infrastructure to accommodate changing needs and trends and provide multiple active recreation options for the diverse community.	Work together with community groups and partners to initiate, provide and sustain activities and services.

Community Aspirations

Based on targeted conversations, the following community aspirations were identified.

Youth Spaces	Interactive Play	Social Hangouts	Bike Facilities	Active Cities	Placemaking
Spaces that encourage physical activity, social interaction and overall well-being among young people.	Play equipment offering a range of social, developmental, cognitive, and physical benefits.	Spaces that foster social connections, promote community well-being and create a sense of unity among residents.	Facilities that cater to users of all skill levels and provide connection with like-minded individuals.	Connected, safe and comfortable pathways which link parks, shops, schools and other community destinations.	Places that are reimagined and reinvented to create a welcoming sense of place and social connection.

What We Heard – Community Engagement

The key themes mentioned were:

• Toilet availability is important for participation.
• Promotion and communication is needed to raise awareness of the many opportunities Knox has to offer.
• Spaces need to be well signed, welcoming, and safe. Space can feel unsafe after hours when there is not adequate lighting – especially for women.
• More opportunities that encourage the community to be physically active in natural settings like parks and reserves.
• Programs that reach all target groups such as culturally diverse communities, people with a disability and socially disadvantaged as a priority.
• Support for and advocate for programs that are organised and run by the community and community organisations.
• Programs need to be culturally appropriate to attract diverse attendees.

All of which have been identified as areas of opportunity within the Plan. We incorporated all feedback either into the Plan or will be used as part of the implementation.