Playgrounds a Threat to Kids
THE shocking state of
Housing NSW playgrounds in Redfern and Waterloo
is an accident waiting to happen, according to frustrated locals.
A number of local
playgrounds on Housing NSW property are in a serious state of disrepair, posing
serious safety risks to unsuspecting children. Plastic play tubes are melted
and torn leaving sharp edges exposed, equipment is rusty and has bolts missing,
suspension bridges have missing planks and swing seats are broken.
None of the playgrounds
are enclosed and one was strewn with broken glass. The matter
has prompted Redfern mother Ifeanna Tooth to write to Housing NSW demanding
action.
Ms Tooth said that when Redfern
Park closed for
construction work last year she sought a new playground for her three-year-old
son Owen and went to the only other playgrounds in the area, which were on
Housing NSW land.
“I presume it is because people in public housing are
neglected generally, and that’s why this is in this state,” Ms Tooth said.
I think it’s really terrible and unfair. These people don’t really have any
other areas where they can go with their
children to play. The way they are now it’s clearly dangerous and could result,
I think, in a lawsuit.”
Another Redfern mother,
Mary Cox-on, said she had brought her three year-old daughter Samantha to the
playgrounds and was shocked at what she found.
“It’s obviously
been neglected for a long time, but it doesn’t really cost that much to repair
it,” she said. “The kids living in these public housing towers don’t
have anywhere else to run around and play. For the quality of life for them and
their parents, the playgrounds should be kept in good repair.”
A spokesman for Housing
NSW said the playgrounds were regularly checked and maintained.
“All playgrounds
have been checked within the last six months as part of the Waterloo
Landscaping Project,” he said.
However, Ms Tooth said
the play grounds had not been maintained for almost a year at least.
“The playgrounds
have been like this since mid last year – how long before that I don’t
know,” she said.
The Housing NSW spokesman
said the department was in the process of repairing the affected play
equipment.
Waterloo Green resident
representative Ross Smith said
maintenance was something that seldom occurred.
Places to Play
Sydney Council has
invited residents of Housing NSW land who are unable to use playgrounds on
housing estates to take advantage of its Redfern playgrounds:
• Chelsea
Street Playground
• Douglas Street Playground
• Elizabeth
McCrea Playground
• Eveleigh Street Playground
• Redfern
Park Playground
Information:
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Ongoing Story of Neglect
Public housing in
Redfern and Waterloo
has been in a serious state of disrepair for years, according to residents.
In February, Central
revealed the state of neglect at public housing surrounding Waterloo Green.
Lighting in communal areas was defective, making paths and grassed areas
dangerous at night; graffiti was present inside and outside buildings; fences
and play equipment were broken; and signage was neglected.
Resident representative Ross Smith said the damage had been present in some
cases for years and that since Central’s investigations virtually nothing had
been done. “In the case of lighting they were identified as defective many
years ago, and there’s been interim patches, but no total solution,” he
said. A spokesman for Housing NSW rejected claims it was inactive on repairs at
its properties.
“Housing NSW works
closely with police and other agencies to create harmonious environments for
its tenants and encourages anyone with any information about these acts of
vandalism to report them to police,” he said.
Michael Shreenan of the
Factory Community Centre in Waterloo
said it was a problem of “a lot good intentions but too much
bureaucracy” within Housing NSW.
Treacherous Terrain – Editorial by Lisa Capozzi
I’M sure every Central
reader would agree our children deserve better than broken play equipment,
sharp edges and dangerous obstacles.
You just can’t play with
children’s safety, and that is exactly what’s happening while these deserted
playgrounds are left to rot.
The way they are now –
left in a complete state of disrepair – is an accident, and potential lawsuit,
just waiting to happen.
Our children deserve a
safe place to play. A place free of broken glass, of sharp edges, with
equipment that actually works. Why can’t this be a reality?
While Central reporter Robert Burton-Bradley was investigating this story,
he met with two concerned mothers and their children, Samantha and Owen. The
two youngsters
ended up having a fight
about who got to play on the only swing that wasn’t broken.
Needless to say it ended
in tantrums and tears – but at least it wasn’t because one of them injured
themselves on the sharp plastic edges or crumbling brick wall.
While Sydney Council
prides itself on its green space and outdoor areas, NSW Housing really has to
do more to ensure our children can play safely.
Parents have a right to
be concerned – I know I wouldn’t let my child play there.
Has your child been
injured at one of these playgrounds? Have you got a community issue to raise?
Tell us what you think at editor@centralmag.com.au.
Source: Central 23rd April 2008