We’re creating quality public open spaces to enhance community well-being and make our places more liveable.
Access to great public open space near where you live has never been more important.
New and improved public open spaces to swim, play, roam, ride and connect with nature are being delivered across NSW through a $50 million investment by the state government.
This investment in quality public open space infrastructure supports the delivery of a pipeline of new homes with improved neighbourhood spaces to connect, unwind, relax and play. It will also deliver jobs, stimulate businesses and encourage recreation and visitor economy.
Over 3 years, the NSW Government is delivering to high-quality open space through grant funding, pilot and demonstration projects and the creation of best practice design guidelines.
Objectives
The objectives of the Open Spaces Program are to:
- support community health and wellbeing for NSW residents
- contribute to the post pandemic economic recovery of NSW through the creation of jobs, stimulating businesses and the recreation and visitor economy
- support investment in the creation of high-quality public open spaces
- address shortfalls in freely accessible public places.
Applications and timing
Applications for both the Place to Swim and Places to Play Grant Program 2022/23 have closed. Successful applications were announced in early 2023.
Applications for the Places to Roam 2022-23 grant program are closed. Successful applications were announced in December 2022. No future rounds have been announced.
Successful projects must be completed and acquitted before 1 June 2024. Community Garden projects must be delivered within 12 months of execution of the funding agreement.
Assessment
These are outlined in guidelines that are now available:
An independent assessment panel assessed the applications using the criteria developed for each program. The assessment criteria is weighted, and following independent assessment scores are compiled, with the final stage convening the panel to discuss and agree on the successful applicants.
Applicants may be contacted during this phase to clarify aspects of their submission or request additional information.
The assessment panel will be made up of NSW Government representatives from different agencies and external planning and design experts.
Support
Program guidelines are available on this page that provide guidance around project eligibility, assessment criteria and other considerations that will assist you in preparing a robust proposal.
We also encourage you to look at the Public Open Space Strategy for NSW and Everyone Can Play Guidelines for further guidance on creating spaces that are inclusive.
If you have any other questions about the Places to Swim and Places to Play programs, email the team at [email protected]
If you have any other questions about the Places to Roam program, email the team at [email protected]