Devonport City Council defines public open space as:

"Parks, gardens, reserves, road reserves and other parcels of land owned and/or managed by Council, which is accessible to the public and is designated for open space purposes. This includes spaces provided for passive, active, formal and informal recreation as well as for conservation purposes."

Council recognises that public open spaces are integral to a healthy and vibrant community. They help define the character of the City, provide opportunities for community recreation, and an escape from the demands of day to day life. They also protect significant natural and cultural features within the municipality.

Well designed and maintained public open spaces engender a strong sense of community, pride and identity. Council aims to ensure that a high standard of maintainable public open space provision is achieved throughout the City. Like most coastal cities in Australia, Devonport City Council is experiencing rapid growth. It is essential that Council and developers provide adequate open space in new and existing subdivisions.