Some residents may remember that the playground at Grandview Place Park had been fenced off for many months.

Council officers assessed the tree in November last year and found that the Crow’s Ash Tree which the playground sits beneath is becoming unstable.

An independent arborist inspected the site and recommended the removal of the playground and the installation of props to stabilise the tree.

The playground was later removed to save the tree and the existing area was turned into a large garden to deter people from climbing the tree and interfering with the props.

It was found that the fall safe material installed in the playground is affecting the tree’s roots, causing the tree to lean and eventually, to fall over if not fixed.

As some residents would know, this tree predates the development of the area and has a significant canopy, meaning that it is more desirable to keep rather than to remove.

In September this year, I was pleased to advise local residents that I had secured funding tor the playground to be replaced in the 2022/23 financial year.

What’s happening now?

Design work is now underway after residents submitted their say on a survey I sent out in September.

The new playground will be installed in one of two locations that Council is currently assessing based on the cost of landscaping.

My office received 42 responses to the survey, offering some great insights into what type of playground residents are after in the area.

97% of residents said that an active playground, including climbing elements, slides, platforms and swings, was preferred.

The majority of residents also voted for a contemporary styled playground, with a 50-50 split between the 1-6 year old and 6-12 year old age group.

Based on survey results, Council deemed that a playground centered around a large slide with swings and climbing elements for all age groups would be appropriate.

I had many requests for rubber soft fall to be installed, however due to exponential costs of rubber at the moment, Council has elected to go with bark soft fall.

This will allow us to spend more on active play elements, including some rockers, a baby swing and possibly a flying fox.

I'm very excited to see what the tender process offers and I’d like to thank each and every resident who took the time to fill in the survey as the final design will rely heavily on residents’ feedback.

I'll be sure to write out to our community once the initial draft designs are released.