RESIDENTS in Warrnambool’s Russells Creek estate have called on the city council to build a playground.
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A petition with 95 signatures was tabled at the monthly meeting, and it will be referred to the chief executive officer for consideration and response.
It was started by estate resident Erin O’Grady, who has two young children.
The petition requests the city council to build a safe and accessible playground for children in the estate.
She said a playground was desperately needed for the blooming area, which is home to plenty of families.
“In the past few years many children have moved or been born into this estate,” she said.
“The playgrounds that are situated nearby are difficult to access due to a lack of pathways and footpaths.”
Ms O’Grady said the location of the playground didn’t particularly matter, as long as it was accessible in the estate.
She said the nearest playground to her home was at the Brierly Reserve.
“The footpath stops on Aberline Road half way up and I often have my dog and pram and I have to go out onto the road,” she said.
“We are an estate of our own, so we want our own playground. We have enough area to do it. We’re not fussed where it goes.”
She said a playground would provide a safe place for children to play, instead of on the street.
“It is a regular occurrence to see children playing in the streets of the estate,” she said.
“As houses continue to be built, the traffic is becoming busier. We believe the absence of a playground is a matter of safety.”
Ms O’Grady said a playground in the area could serve as a preventative measure in combating childhood obesity by providing children opportunities to engage in physical activity.
“We are certain an accessible playground will reduce screen time for our children and have large cognitive and psychological benefits,” she said.
“We believe it is the responsibility of the city council to provide a safe place for neighbourhood children to play.”