Unsafe and poor quality children's playgrounds mean the Waitaki District Council may have to spend more in coming years to bring them up to standard.
The alert follows a draft playground strategy prepared for the council to be considered by its corporate services committee on Tuesday.
Property manager Dougall McIntyre said a playground audit was undertaken last year, identifying many safety issues.
They had a low 31.5% compliance with New Zealand Standards for playground safety.
Assessed on quality, they also had a low 26% "play value".
That indicated a clear need for a greater range in equipment across all playgrounds, he said.
"There is a need for the council to take a more considered approach to its investment in order to contribute meaningfully to desired community outcomes," he said.
The strategy analysed what was needed, including basic equipment, improved facilities, easy access, provision and development of playgrounds at key recreation destinations and town centres, improved provision for teenagers, and communication and promotion.
A capital works programme of between $120,000 and $150,000 a year over the next 10 years was needed to improve playgrounds.
As well, three new playgrounds were proposed at Moeraki, the Oamaru harbour and north Oamaru.
At present, the council budgeted $35,000 a year, funded from development contributions collected under the Reserves Management Act.
In this financial year, an additional $30,000 had been provided for seed funding for skateboard parks.
Groups in Hampden, Palmerston, Kurow and Oamaru were fund-raising to develop facilities for teenagers.
Mr McIntyre said some rates funding or community fund-raising would be needed.
