Standards in public administration

Activity spaces rather than playgrounds

When social needs change, the requirements for the "built" environment change as well: Playgrounds – originally intended exclusively for children – will become carefully designed spaces for play and activities of several generations in future.

ÖNORM B 2607 points in this direction and takes account of changes in the social environment. It does not deal with "playgrounds for children" but rather with concepts for "grounds for play and physical activity". To allow for needs-oriented implementation, the ÖNORM standard offers the basis for local development planning and comprehensively co-ordinated instruments, for example for drawing up development plans, revising land-use and zoning plans and for expertly designing facilities. Moreover, it serves as a basis for reviewing and, if necessary, amending relevant provisions in spatial planning and playground legislation.

It is applicable to playgrounds and physical activity grounds in parks, green spaces, squares, housing estates, commercial establishments (e.g. gastronomy), sports and recreational facilities, social infrastructure (schools, kindergartens, hospitals) as well as temporary areas.

In addition to changed living conditions, medical, educational, psychological and sociological findings have been input into this standard. It states that play and physical activities "are considered necessary not only for children and young people, but for people of any age. Non-functioning or lacking facilities for play and physical activity hamper healthy development and limit recreational activities, whereas functioning facilities for play and physical activity contribute to human socialization and re-humanizing our cities and towns".

Safety in cities and towns

Local governments have great responsibility for their citizens. From adequate safety for children at childcare facilities, schools or playgrounds to optimum lighting of pedestrian crossings and compliance with quality standards for drinking water, there is a broad range of functions to be fulfilled by local governments.

With regard to retirement homes, for example, ÖNORM EN 15224 ensures that all requirements of the internationally accepted standard ÖNORM EN ISO 9001 (quality management systems) are met together with additional healthcare-related specifications on risk management as well as patient and resident safety.

Another standard that is also relevant for cities and towns is ÖNORM L 1122 "Tree inspection and tree care". It recommends the establishment of a tree register that covers all trees growing in the built-up and traffic areas of a city, their inspection for stability and the results of regular status checks.

Mayor Arno Guggenbichler reports about related activities in his town in the Tyrol:

"The relevant employees of the town have attended a course and now they know precisely what they have to bear in mind during tree care work in order to minimize potential risks. My primary concern is not to avoid financial liability but it rather is a matter of having a clear conscience. The citizens of our town rely on those in charge to do their utmost to ensure safety and a high quality of living in the town. We must not abuse their trust."