Providing rest nodes and recreational facilities in new subdivisions supports community wellbeing, encourages active transport, and enhances the usability of public spaces for people of all ages and abilities.
The Victorian Planning Provisions include the following objectives for integrated urban landscapes (at 56.05-1):
- To incorporate the landscape design into the subdivision layout and street network.
- To create attractive and safe public spaces.
- To provide landscaping that supports stormwater management and biodiversity.
- To ensure public spaces are functional, accessible, and inclusive.
Standard C12 outlines that landscape design should include:
- Appropriate pathways, signage, fencing, public lighting, and street furniture.
BESS rewards subdivisions that incorporate rest nodes and recreational facilities by:
- Providing bench seating and public bicycle hoops along all off-road active transport network paths [/sd-tool-notes/sd1/streets-and-public-realm/2-1a-bench-seating][https://staging.bess.net.au/admin/sd_engine/sddocumentationmodel/39/change/]
- Installing public water fountains in high pedestrian areas (e.g. near playgrounds), active open spaces, and areas with picnic tables or BBQs [https://staging.bess.net.au/admin/sd_engine/sddocumentationmodel/41/change/]
- Providing picnic tables with playgrounds and in open spaces with BBQ facilities [https://staging.bess.net.au/admin/sd_engine/sddocumentationmodel/42/change/]
- Installing shade structures or shelters at major gathering locations such as playgrounds and picnic/BBQ areas [https://staging.bess.net.au/admin/sd_engine/sddocumentationmodel/43/change/]
- Including electric BBQ facilities, co-located with a water source, to support recreational use and community gatherings [https://staging.bess.net.au/admin/sd_engine/sddocumentationmodel/44/change/]