Central Coast Council has hit back at criticisms that plans for upgrades at playspaces across the region do not include the planting of shade trees.
Council recently announced that 10 playspaces would be renewed and that construction of the playspace at Kariong, next to the new skate park and pump track at Curringa Rd, commenced on January 22.
But some residents have expressed dismay at the lack of shade provision in the new plans.
“Surely in this day and age shade areas should not only be a priority but Council policy,” one resident, who suffers from melanoma, said.
A Council spokesperson said during the consultation process for the Playspace Strategy, the community and the Playspace Committee (which includes community members) identified that quality equipment, rubber softfall, shade and fencing were all important for playspace.
“However it was further agreed that for local playspaces, which tend to have shorter periods of use than the larger district or regional playspaces, the quality, size and the amount of play equipment was a priority over shade and fencing,” they said.
“Thus shade structures are included at all Council regional and district playspaces where it is most essential, such as toddler areas, where visits are for longer periods.
“Council considers the presence and natural shade available when designing playspaces via existing trees or the planting of mature trees.
“Shade structures or tree planting are not always possible at every location due to site constraints such as impacts on surrounding properties, the high incidence of vandalism and the cost of maintenance of shade structures.”
The Council spokesperson cited the example of the new Kariong play area.
“Kariong is a local playspace and the focus has been the play equipment, however it is noted the area does have existing established trees and a shade shelter,” they said.
“In line with Cancer Council recommendations, Council recommends visits to playspaces be, where possible, in the mornings and afternoons and not during the peak times for heat on hot days.
“Council also supports the Cancer Council’s recommendations to always wear sun-safe clothing such as long sleeves and hats.”
it’s just like the government with gambling there not really concerned much 2% warning you on gambling and 98%on advertising do it, don’t worry they might put a sticker warning the danger of melanoma
OR, shade cloth could be used to shade the play equipment. During Australian summers, the play equipment gets VERY hot rgardless of what time of the day you go. Telling families ( who happen to be rate payers) to not use the play grounds during the hottest part of the day is ridiculous. People know to be sun smart so having shade cloth over the play areas is a no brainer. Next thing you know, council will be telling people not to go outside at all during the hottest times of our Australian summer, that happens to be most of the day.