Ohakune playground concerns

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 428, 17 March 1992, Page 2

Ohakune playground concerns

• I would like to add my concerns re the placing of bark in the Jubilee Park. As in most issues there are pros and cons. For the bark placement is that the areas around the play equipment are safer. Against are these points: • Existing concrete will be exposed and again be a safety risk, as bark is so easily moved by children and the weather. • There is too much bark over a large area, it is now impossible to push a pram or pushchair

through the park, and for the children to run about. • The type of bark used is unsuitable, as it is very stringy, dirty and retains water. • Bark is a good medium for hiding broken glass litter and dog mess, all very unappealing in a public park. • The wet and cold climate here means the bark will deteriorate quickly, so the money spent was for a temporary solution. Any safety improvements done must be permanent, suitable for the climate here, and make Jubilee Park a family place again. The welfare of our children is essential. The Ohakune Plunket committee has been working towards putting permanent safety matting under all equipment at Jubilee Park. Although the bark placement is a setback to their plans, I hope the people of Ohakune will support their proposals, by writing to the Ruapehu District Council, (to show concern what happens at Jubilee Park) or to Ohakune Plunket, PO Box 147. Ohakune.

Cathy

Horne

• As a local parent, I fully agree with the letters of Janine Foster and Jennifer and David Cossar, regarding the Jubilee Park improvements. I think the bark used is totally unsuitable. It is smelly and leaves the children filthy after playing in the park. It is far too lightweight and will be blown away in the wind. It camouflages dog's mess glass and rubbish. It does not

comply with national safety standards in its size. The huge pit area is hopeless for pushchairs. The old concrete surrounds are now hidden under a minimal cover of bark, thus proving more dangerous than before. The huge bark area will definitely become a bogged mess over winter. Professional tree pruning is essential for the park's improvement. The surrounding board around the bark is very minimally supported, so it will become broken and split very readily. Its disappointing to see makeshift improvements like these done by Council. Granted they do spruce up a very "tired" looking park for the moment, but they definitely are not safe or long term. Two local Ohakune voluntary organisations have already offered assistance, finance and suggestions to Ruapehu Council. Research into National safety standards had been carried out and a number of letters written. Locals do want to help here. The tank spruce-up is evidence of this. Our park could be

such a highlight in the middle of town- a happy safe place. Surely continued and nationally approved upgrading work is essential for this.

Kath

Craig