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Katherine Schiffmann said that she is currently in QLD, and every single playground has a cover.

“Get with the times Forster!” she said.

“We live in Forster and I was also born there, so in 29 years there hasn’t been a cover on any playground.”

Michelle Cherry pointed out that even little old Wallabi Point has a massive shade structure over the playground.

“Old Bar has two parks with the same type,” she added.

Rod Shuttleworth commented that another rate increase would be required to pay for the upgrades.

“Are you prepared to pay the extra?” he asked, to which Katherine Schiffmann responded, “Skin cancer or rate rise... easy choice.”

Helen Clemensen said she just hoped others out there might see the importance of shelter and covering up, before Ann Smith Balaam broadened the issue, stating that all the parks in Tuncurry and Forster were pretty run down and in need of some TLC.

“Many parts have duct tape covering up rusted areas,” Helen said.

“All of the parks also have the sand base rather than the softfall which is better for small kids who eat the sand. There are parks all over the country in both urban and rural areas which have covers.

“Our council needs to make this a priority for the health and safety of our youngest residents. Port Macquarie has a water park which is absolute great, we could really use one of those here too,” she added.

Warren Vale asked why what happens when people go to the beach is always up to someone else.

“Or outdoor sports,” he added.

“Anyone heard of slip slop slap, or just avoid the hottest parts of the day.”

Tony Diamond responded, saying this solution only offers protection for a short time.

Hayley Vanderloo also added her opinion.

“It would be nice to be able to take my toddler to the park during the day and have her actually be able to touch the equipment without getting blisters on her hand because the equipment is scorching hot,” she said.

“It’s not just about them getting burnt by the sun, the equipment burns their skin.”

Colin Minter suggested that maybe council should have a look at how some of the other tourist/holiday places cater for families.

“For example Cairns, Gold Coast, Redcliffe or even Darling Harbour or The Entrance looking a bit closer to home,” he said.

Peter Howard argued that Forster Tuncurry wasn’t the same as these places.

“Maybe you should consider that Forster Tuncurry is tiny compared to any of those places,” he said.

Susan Gilmour-Butterfield disagreed with this statement.

“No! Just backwards,” she commented.

Matt Fenton argued that the smaller size of Forster Tuncurry meant that it should be easier to implement on a smaller scale.

Denai Young said that she remembered a petition floating around about this issue about three years ago.

“Ridiculous that there is such inadequate shade at play areas,” she said.

Craig Mason asked if anyone had ever heard of sunscreen.

“Oh no that's right it's everyone else's fault,” he added.

Rebecca Schumann responded to this comment, saying it's not only about sun safety for your skin.

“You cannot use the equipment on a sunny day because it burns the children's hands and feet,” she commented.

“By 9.30am it is too hot to play on for little ones. We sunscreen and wear a hat and only go out in the safest parts of the day but they cannot play on any of the equipment because it burns them.”

Peter Howard suggested that a solution was to just take the kids to the movies instead.

“All the shade you’ll ever need,” he added.

Helen Clemensen thought the increased shading was a great and sensible idea.

“Schools and preschools already have shaded play areas,” she said.

Amanda Chapman suggested that while these were all valid points and shade would be welcomed at parks, it was also important to look at who foots the bills. 

“Anger is widespread over rate rises which are needed for infrastructure like roads that everyone constantly whines about,” she said.

“I am sure a nicely worded letter to the council might raise awareness of the need for shade at parks,  but bagging council on social media is not going to cut it!

“If you want to make a change do it positively! And in the meantime ensure your kids are wearing sunscreen at the park as you would if they were at the beach or pool!”

Hayley Vanderloo mentioned that she had heard talks of fundraisers. 

“Also it's not just about the sun hitting the children, most of the equipment is unusable in the summer and spring as it's so hot it literally burns the kids hands and legs from about 9:30am to 3 or 4pm,” she commented.

“It's horrible. I'd love to take my toddler to the park but at the moments the metal slides and equipment, even the plastics, are just too hot.”

Morgan Poet suggested that more trees in the area could be a solution.

“There are not enough trees in the parks or on the streets creating shade over footpaths,” she said.

“Yes they require maintenance, could that not also create some regular local employment opportunities.”