Oral Presentation IPWEA Victoria Public Works Conference 2025

Abstract:
In inner urban environments of modern cities, where space is often limited, and dense population often heightens needs the requirement for innovative and collaborative solutions to maximize the utility of existing infrastructure is paramount. "Sharing Solutions" is a powerful concept that emphasizes the collective efforts of various stakeholders—including local governments, schools, sports organizations, and community groups—in resolving the challenges associated with providing public sporting and community infrastructure.

This presentation will explore how strategic partnerships and shared resources can transform these spaces into vibrant, communal sporting hubs that cater to a wide range of activities, promote inclusivity, and foster a sense of community. By integrating public school open spaces and public sporting facilities, we can create multi-use environments that not only meet the physical activity needs of diverse populations but also serve as centres for social interaction and community engagement.

Themes: 

Maximizing Space Utilization:

• Innovative approaches to optimize the use of limited urban spaces, ensuring they serve multiple functions and are accessible to all.
• The role of smart design in enhancing the functionality of communal sporting hubs.

Collaborative Planning and Design:

• Strategies for bringing together stakeholders from various sectors to co-design and repurpose open spaces & community sporting infrastructure.
• The process of aligning the 10-year development plan with community needs and expectations, ensuring that the improvements meet both current and future demands.

Community Engagement and Participation:

• Methods for involving local communities in the planning, development, and ongoing management of shared spaces.
• The impact of the project on social cohesion, health outcomes, and overall community well-being, demonstrating the power of community-driven initiatives.

Sustainability and Long-Term Impact:

• How collaborative sporting hubs can contribute to sustainable urban development and long-term community benefits.
• Best practices for ensuring the longevity and adaptability of these spaces to meet future needs.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the importance of cross-sector collaboration in the development of shared sporting infrastructure.
• Explore innovative design and planning strategies that maximize the use of school open spaces and public facilities.

Target Audience:
This presentation will be of interest to urban planners, architects, local government officials, educators, sports administrators, and community organizers who are involved in the development and management of public spaces and sporting infrastructure.

Case study:

The case study will explore the challenge MVCC has in accommodating the current and future needs of soccer clubs based in the municipality, and the innovative solution it is proposing, including Partners discussions.

The MVSH Hub seeks to build upon the A.J. Davis Reserve Masterplan (2017) and the Moonee Valley Soccer Strategy (2022), providing four new soccer fields that can accommodate soccer participation of all ages, levels and abilities.

Conclusion:
By embracing the concept of Sharing Solutions, we can create resilient, inclusive, and multifunctional spaces that not only meet the current needs of our communities but also adapt to the evolving demands of urban living. This presentation aims to inspire attendees to think creatively about how we can collaborate to maximize the potential of our shared environments, ultimately leading to stronger, healthier, & more connected communities.