Kelly Harding is a sport, recreation, leisure and open space professional with more than 20 years’ experience across State Government, Local Government and private consultancy. She previously managed insideEDGE’s South Australian office and has led more than 65 projects for government, sport, education, community and private sector clients.

As the founder of Planned Play, Kelly specialises in master planning, facility planning, open space strategies and community-focused planning. She works with councils, sporting organisations, clubs and community groups to create active, inclusive and resilient places where people can play, connect and participate.

Kelly brings a strong understanding of the issues shaping sport, recreation and open space, including changing participation patterns, population growth, ageing infrastructure, equitable access and the need for evidence-based investment. She is particularly passionate about supporting girls and women in sport and creating inclusive, accessible and welcoming facilities and environments that enable women and girls to be active, participate and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Her strength lies in turning data, consultation and community feedback into clear strategies, practical recommendations and achievable implementation actions.

Sport has also always been an important part of Kelly’s life. She played basketball for many years, as well as netball and korfball, and now spends much of her time around baseball supporting her son and being actively involved in the sport.

Kelly is Secretary and a Board member of the Glenelg Baseball Club, giving her practical experience in club governance, administration, volunteers and the day-to-day realities of community sport.

She has also served as Executive Officer for the SA Adelaide Armada Baseball Team, which won the Intermediate National Championships and earned the right to represent the Australia Region at the Little League Intermediate World Series in the United States. Her role covered team administration, including developing parent/player handbooks, policies, communications and tournament and travel logistics.

This practical involvement in community and representative sport complements Kelly’s professional planning experience and gives her a strong understanding of the challenges faced by councils, sporting organisations, clubs, volunteers, families and participants.

Planned Play combines strategy, evidence and practical experience to help clients turn ideas, needs and opportunities into plans that can be delivered.