We are developing a new Open Space Strategy that will inform how we plan, deliver and maintain open space in Merri-bek. We want to hear directly from the people who use the spaces and places around Merri-bek to make sure the city is livable, green and designed with future generations in mind.

We want to find out:

• How you use Merri-bek's open space.
• What you value about open space.
• How open spaces could be improved in Merri-bek.
• How you think Council can plan and manage open space into the future.

Acknowledging Traditional Owners

Our open space exists on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, the Traditional Owners of the land and waterways in the area now known as Merri-bek. The creation of a new Open Space Strategy is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate a greater level of respect for Country and our open space. The new Open Space Strategy will explore how Council can increase integration of Traditional Owner knowledge into how we use, manage, plan, and maintain our open space. We will build upon existing actions and discussions, such as the renaming of Council to Merri-bek City Council and the recent Merri Creek Parklands discussions. We will aim to work closely with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation throughout the creation of our new Open Space Strategy.

What is Open Space?

When we talk about open space we are talking about land that is used by the community for outdoor recreation and leisure. Some ways people use open space include:

• playing
• relaxing
• walking or jogging
• dog walking
• organised sport or informal sports recreation
• active commuting.

In Merri-bek there are over 350 spaces managed by Council.

How you can participate

We have written a discussion paper that outlines key themes (identified below) through other engagements, comments and questions from our community, research and information from within Council.

The themes are summarised on the pages below. On each page you will find an activity where you can share your own experiences and ideas. Visit them all or just participate in the topics that are important to you.

You will need to have a Conversations Merri-bek account to participate in the activities on these pages. If you don't want to make an account or if you prefer a survey format, you can complete our survey without being logged in.

We also have a calendar of events where you can share your thoughts in person.