The Aussie Case Study for Better Parks & Recreation

Australians have a deep connection with the outdoors and in the face of extreme weather, Australian Parks and Recreation Departments have moved towards a safer solution for open fire pits and cook stoves in shared spaces. Over the last decade, Australian manufacturers of electric alternatives, have been able to address the concerns of Park Management about open fire risks, by providing a secure and cost-efficient solution. Electric systems have not only reduced the risk of fire but also improved community relationships by supplying safer spaces.

Adoption of a More Environmentally Friendly Approach

Being electric, the park barbeque system is much more environmentally friendly than wood burning cook stoves and fire pits, which has contributed to local environment risk-reductions plans:

• With no open flame, the barbeque can still be used during periods of fire bans
• Reduced fire dangers – no exposed flames or sparks
• Reduction of carbon emissions – more energy efficient
• Easier to breath – no wood smoke and harmful emissions
• Protects flora and fauna – no need to gather leaves, sticks and wood for a fire
• Reduces wood borne tree diseases
• Reduces danger to the public – no dangerous discarding of hot coals and embers on the grass or in the sand

Simplified Park Management

Australian landscape architects and design consultants also find that the electric BBQs provide a cost-effective alternative, with:

• Long lasting, robust, strong and weather resistant
• Low operating costs when compared to the cost of maintaining wood burning cook stoves and fire pits
• Easy to operate, safe and hygienic plates.
• Quick heating, meaning more people can use the barbeque in peak periods
• Quick and easy to install, be operated with a key lock
• Has a counter and a timer so cooking cycles can be monitored and the barbeque can be turned off overnight or during park closures

Stronger Communities

The electric system, used throughout Australia, also helps promote parks and open space by attracting more people to the park for social, physical and community benefit:

• Busy parks attract and connect individuals of all ages and backgrounds; promoting community engagement and civic pride
• Activity within parks help to lower stress, while improving physical and mental health
• Parks reduce crime as these green spaces become community gathering areas, making communities safer and more linked as residents are empowered and look out for one another
• Parks make compact living more attractive and feasible; increases biking and walking and other physical activities
• A strong parks system attracts a skilled workforce and their families looking for economic prosperity and amenities that contribute to the first-rate quality of life
• Parks protect the environment, ecosystems, artefacts and places of historical and cultural importance; educating and moulding future generations to protect such significant assets

The electric bbq systems, which are a staple feature of most Australian public parks, RV parks and theme parks, are now making an entry into the US and Canada, with Park Managers, Park Rangers and Council Executives seeing the social, financial, and environmental benefits.
Learn more about the Phasing Out of Fire Pits in the USA & Canada.