The Public Open Space Handbook (POSH) was developed and funded through a partnership between PLA (VIC/TAS) and VicHealth. The Public Open Space Handbook was created for the people who plan, design, manage and care for the public spaces. Put simply, the POSH is significant piece of work and a nationally recognised parks and recreation industry document. The Handbook is split into 3 functions – Plan, Design and Manage. There are multiple modules within these functions covering everything from parks provision planning to contract management.
Xyst was the consultant who delivered the Handbook project, and it was written by Xyst Director Jenn Benden. This included a literature and existing information review, industry engagement, and multiple workshops with a large project steering group that provided feedback at every stage of the process.
Due to the large number of important topics found through the literature review and industry engagement, the number of modules went through a multi-criteria prioritisation process. 18 modules were delivered for the first edition of the Handbook.
It is anticipated that there will be further editions of the Handbook as modules are added and information updated.
