As part of its asset registry local government should maintain a comprehensive database of relevant data on open space and recreation facilities in the area, including:
- location and site area of each open space parcel and recreation facilities linked to a geographic information system system
- function of each parcel (sport, recreation and/or nature spaces)
- capital improvements on each parcel (buildings with areas, playing fields by type and infrastructure)
- condition of improvements, replacement costs and depreciated value
- management, operation and maintenance costs
- land administration information such as leases, licenses, permits, easements etc
- occupants and tenure
- rent and other income.
Reports from the database should include:
- information for council’s budget setting processes and open space planning
- total value and extent of depreciation of improvements of open space land by type
- forecast of all revenues and costs by open space characteristics.
Periodic surveys can monitor and gather feedback on performance including:
- permitted user surveys – surveys of the sporting clubs and other user groups who have access rights via a lease, permit or other agreements. Information should include the number of people using the land at various times by activity type
- casual user surveys – surveys of the people using open space for activities on a casual basis, via field surveys that capture visitor numbers at various times of the year, week and day. It will necessary to apply a sampling approach.
The surveys should ascertain:
- origin of visitor
- visitor characteristics
- purpose of visit
- activities carried out
- time engaged in activities
- frequency of use
- positive and negative aspect of the space.
The strategy should also contain a commitment to both comprehensive review (say a 7 to 10 year cycle), and interim or ad hoc reviews if there is a major change in the planning context (for example if the State or federal governments provide funding for
a major new facility which changes the supply context).