By Mikayla van Loon
Living across from a playspace in Chirnside Park was an attraction for one couple when they moved to the area but were disappointed to hear of the play equipment’s retirement.
The Yarra Ranges Council playspace plan 2019 to 2029 listed Roseman Reserve’s playspace as retired.
Tracey Damwood submitted a 161 valid signature petition to the council to reinstate the playspace either by upgrade or replacement.
“My husband and I have lived across the road from this reserve for over 35 years and this was one of the reasons we settled in the area,” she said.
“We knew looking into the future we would have a family and grandchildren and the park was a great asset. In the last four years we now have three grandchildren and they love visiting Nanny and Poppy and going over to the park.”
Ms Damwood said she worked to restore the playground the last time it was in need of an upgrade, a process that took three years with the council.
Claiming to have only found out about the retirement of the playground via signage that was put up, Ms Damwood said many residents in the local area were unaware.
“We all feel this decision has been made without our knowledge and we are not happy and want this decision overturned.
“I have walked around the suburbs and spoken and collected over 160 signatures and none of the residents knew anything about the park being retired until the sign went up in the reserve.”
With more housing in the area, Ms Damwood said parks and playgrounds are more essential than ever, not only for children to play but for “community spirit” as a meeting place for residents and families.
“In December 2023, the community got together for a Christmas party in the reserve, keeping the community spirit alive and well,” she said.
“The existing residents around the area are subdividing and more young families are moving in with no backyards for park equipment or swings.
“We need our parks and playgrounds to stay…Our parks are for our future generations.”
The current play equipment, Ms Damwood said, has rusted and does need upgrading but would attract more people if there were more things to do.
Councillor Richard Higgins posed a question to the executive officers about looking at potential upgrades to the playground rather than decommissioning it.
“So the playspace plan is subject to regular reviews, so we can flag this to be part of that. There has been some additional work that’s been done at the park, around rocks, landscaping and paths to enhance the park,” Phil Murton said.
“But from a playspace perspective, given the community interest and the passage of time since the last review, it’s probably prudent to look at the current usage and what the future might be going forward.”
Mr Murton also confirmed there were no immediate plans to remove the play equipment and maintenance would continue to occur to ensure it was up to safe standards.
The playspace plan, Mr Murton said, was initially consulted on in 2017 and the decision to retire Roseman Reserve was because of a nearby playspace being built.
“As we’ve seen since Covid and the value of smaller parks and pocket parks in our community…it’s probably prudent for us to review some of those decisions around our smaller parks and look at what the future may need to be for them.”
The motion to approve the petition for further review was moved unanimously, with Cr Higgins thanking the petitioners for their work.
“The people who have organised the petitions, it’s a great way for our council to actually get some feedback and understanding of what’s happened and I know it takes a lot of work, but it’s a good reflection of what’s happening out there, so thank you very much for their efforts.”
