News of the immanent replacement of ageing playground equipment in Forster’s Palmgrove Park has reignited a community push to bring sun safety to the forefront of council’s attention, with demands for the installation of shade cloths in playgrounds around the Great Lakes overshadowing the development.
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Taking part in a discussion in the GLA Facebook page, residents conveyed frustration with the lack of action in response to their request for sun safe play areas.
Candice Fanning suggested council add a shade cloth while they are putting in the new equipment.
“Or should I start a petition to have one installed since I have had absolutely no response from any council members regarding my last attempt,” she added.
“I get that with the merger you are busy but please at least a short email letting me know what we can do next!!!” she wrote.
Aimee Gray agreed with Candice’s comment.
“I’ll help ya I’ll get names from schools ect,” she said.
“Rotary Club of Great Lakes also was willing to put shade sails up years ago but the council would not allow it,” Lyn Martyn added.
Veronica Roddom had more success getting a response on the issue.
“I've had meetings with both council and lions about shade,” Veronica wrote.
“The fear is cost, maintenance and vandals.
“I managed to get a few quotes for the top five parks in the area.
“Prices we're looking at is between $12,000 to $20,000. Each.”
“There is fear about cost, maintenance and vandals for anything and everything they erect,” Candice Fanning replied.
“What a poor excuse! That is extremely cheap compared to the other useless things going up in the area.”
“Let’s hope we finally have a park with shade!!!!” Maddy Hinshelwood wrote, with Rebecca Kirkman responding, saying she would be very surprised if this happened.
“Our council doesn’t seem to see the importance of shade over children’s play equipment,” she wrote.
“While they sit in their air conditioning, our kids butts are burning going down the steel slide they thought was a great idea for a park,” Maddy Hinshelwood added.
“I like how they specifically stated that they are not upgrading or increasing the play space,” Kirsty Tulloch-Travis wrote.
“Heaven forbid they actually improve the park that is frequented by so so many young families.”
“Be great if you add dome exercise equipment to parks like Walcha council has done,” Robyn Sager commented.
“The people have spoken,” Amie Back added.
“Put a shade in as well, not just this play ground but the other ones as well.”
“Shade shade shade.......” Char Zy wrote.
“Is health and safety of sun protection a priority for Great Lakes council considering we live near the beach?
“Perhaps not metal slides either.”
Robert Wakefield added Smiths Lake has had the same play equipment for 25 years time for a upgrade, and Kobe Heidke suggested council might not have their priorities right.
“Can't afford a necessary shade sail but can afford a ridiculous roundabout off the bridge,” he wrote.
