Posts by kelly goodin

Urban spaces – what are they and how to create an urban space? Urban spaces are areas within a city that are outside and situated in between buildings. Whether it’s a street, plaza or park, urban spaces provide people with a place to communicate, travel and socially interact.  Cities and their urban structures are constantly…

Why outdoor play is so important for kids Over the past 20 years, the world has become a digital playground and a whole generation is growing up with not just video games but smartphones, tablets and so many other devices. Did you know that kids spend an average of 7 hours in front of devices?…

Why we should all care about public transport Public transport is one of those things that we should all be far more engaged with. In a very real sense, it is a lifeblood of both our economies and our social communities. Research from the Victorian Government, for example, has found that public transport provides benefits…

What will outdoor playgrounds of the future be like? Playgrounds have been an essential part of childhood for generations – a place of fun, laughter and fresh air, where young friendships bloom. They’re also critical to children’s cognitive, physical and social development. In the era of video games and social media, children don’t get outside…

Building a pocket park Why should communities in our big cities be deprived of the joys of a space to energise, connect with nature and unwind? A Western Australian study has found that communities with more parks have a stronger sense of community, comfort and safety, highlighting just how important parks are. Pocket parks are…

Colour in School Playgrounds The impact of colour in school playgrounds is often overlooked when designing educational spaces. However, colour plays a huge role in the way people think, feel and act. Here are some different ways you can use colour in school playgrounds to boost your students’ learning, happiness and safety. Create emotional balance…

Designing safer public streets Public streets play a huge role in determining public safety. Policy makers from across the globe have seen better urban street design lead to a decrease in road accidents and casualties, creating happier, healthier cities. Here are three key elements for designing safer public streets that all public administrators should consider.…

Four ways to grow your sports club  Have a team for everybody If there’s one thing Australians love, it’s sport. Apart from the obvious benefits to players (like keeping people fit and healthy, learning about teamwork and trying your best), one of the biggest benefits of sports clubs is how they bring the community together.…

Why choose Australian made outdoor furniture? While it can be tempting to source outdoor furniture cheaply from overseas, communities should always invest in outdoor furniture when designing outdoor spaces. Here are three reasons why.  They are designed to meet Australian needs Australian made outdoor furniture is made for you. Our country receives some of the…

How to make getting to school safer All parents and teachers want their kids to be safe and happy at school. Making sure children travel safely to and from school is an important first step in creating a positive learning environment for children. Here are four ways to make travelling to school safer for children.…