Playgrounds


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Did you know Canberra has more playgrounds per child compared to the national average and the majority of homes are within 400 m of a local playground? Our play spaces are well used, valued and cared for by the ACT community. They are places where we enjoy time with friends, family and community and gain from the many benefits of play.

Find a playground

There are more than 500 playgrounds across Canberra which are managed by Transport Canberra and City Services. View the playground map below to find a playground near you.

There are 3 types of playgrounds included on the map:

  • District playgrounds: Recreation facilities which offer a number of play experiences and amenities for a wide range of users. They may include structured play equipment, nature play, open space, barbecues, picnic shelters, toilets, car parks and landscaped areas.
  • Central community playgrounds: Play spaces often located near community facilities, sports fields, parks or suburban shopping centres. They generally provide a range of equipment and amenity such as path access, seating, picnic shelters, shade and drinking fountains.
  • Local playgrounds: Play spaces located close to homes and providing basic structured play equipment, nature play, or a mix of both. Seating and open space may also be available.
View larger map

Improving play

We recognise the importance of play in enriching the lives of Canberrans and creating a healthy, connected, vibrant and sustainable place to live. The ACT Play Space Strategy (PDF 3.4 MB) sets the direction for the future of our playgrounds.

Across the ACT, playgrounds are being improved and new play activities are being delivered to provide children of all ages with fun, creative and engaging play experiences. For information about playground upgrades, see the playground improvements page.

Safety

If you see a potential safety hazard at a playground, please contact Access Canberra by telephone on 13 22 81 or report to Fix My Street.

We conduct regular safety inspections at all ACT playgrounds. The main aim is to identify hazards, assess risks and conduct repairs.

The type and frequency of the inspections vary. High use playgrounds like town and district parks usually need a more rigorous inspection program than smaller neighbourhood playgrounds.

The Australian Playground Standards recommend a 3-level approach to safety inspections. The standards are not mandatory, but the ACT Government aims to achieve them as a minimum.

This is a visual inspection to check for vandalism, sharps and obvious equipment faults. We also collect litter and rake bark into heavy use areas such as under swings and slides.

If we find a problem, a level 2 qualified inspector will assess the playground and authorise repairs.

The frequency of a level 1 inspection varies from twice weekly to fortnightly depending on the size and use of the playground.

This is a more detailed inspection. We test all equipment for operational defects, wear and tear, deterioration and any other faults. We will conduct repairs on site or as soon as possible if parts are needed.

We also test for hazards, such as:

  • head or torso entrapment
  • timber post checking
  • swing chain entrapment
  • measuring height of swing sets (to ensure a safe distance between the seat and the ground).

Depending on the level of risk, the playground may need to be temporarily fenced off or closed until we complete the repairs.

The frequency of a level 2 inspection varies from monthly to bi-monthly depending on the size and use of the playground.

This inspection happens once a year. It is undertaken by an independent assessor with an engineering qualification or equivalent.

This inspection checks the playground against current Australian playground standards.

We regularly review the number and type of inspections that each playground receives.

Related links

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

To see how we are building stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the ACT view the Reconciliation Action Plan.