Council response regarding park furniture donation
Please see below email received from Lake Macquarie Council in response to the Alliance’s request to donate funds to install a shade structure or other equipment in the new Village Park:
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Requests for additional park infrastructure are assessed in line with Council’s Parks and Play Strategy 2022, which sets out the level of facilities appropriate for each type of park. This hierarchy helps Council provide parks and playgrounds across the city in a fair and consistent way.
Council recognises the strong community demand for shade in parks and around playgrounds, particularly shade sails. However, with more than 135 playgrounds citywide, the cost to install, maintain and replace shade sails and/or picnic shelters at every site is not financially feasible. High levels of theft and vandalism to shade structures in public areas also significantly increase ongoing costs.
This issue was carefully considered during development of the Parks and Play Strategy. Based on community feedback, Council aims to provide a mix of natural and built shade in Neighbourhood and District parks, while Local parks will primarily rely on natural shade from trees.
The park at Montefiore Parkway was delivered by the Rose Group in accordance with their project approval (MP 10_0204) and is classified as a local park. Local parks are smaller parks designed for visits of up to two hours and typically include features such as seating, picnic tables, some play equipment, pathways, drinking water, natural shade, trees and landscaped areas.
Council is aware that playground equipment can become hot during summer. Modern playgrounds are designed to help minimise this issue by using materials that retain less heat, positioning equipment to reduce sun exposure (e.g. orienting slides away from the western sun), and providing shade through tree planting. However, these methods do not fully shade all play areas during the middle of the day.
Council will continue to work with Rose Group over the next four years to meet their obligations to establish and maintain the soft landscaping in the park, including the trees.
Council is currently progressing the design of the Community Hub at 6 Northwood Road, which will include a Neighbourhood-level playground designed for longer visits and will provide public amenities, a kiosk and a shelter.
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In summary, Council has rejected our offer to donate equipment for the new park, so our fundraising will be directed toward another use. Please write to our Councillors and Mayor if you disagree with this outcome.