Gunnedah's Livvi's Place playground set for safety upgrade with security fencing installation

Gunnedah Shire Council resolved at Wednesday night's February ordinary meeting to upgrade the facility to increase safety for children who use the park.

Councillors voted to install three additional pool style gates with childproof latches at the three entrances.

Community member Mrs Rebecca Ryan made a presentation at the beginning of the meeting, urging councillors to pass the motion with the main concern being the close proximity of the park to moving traffic.

The motion was put forward and moved by councillor Owen Hasler, who said users of the park have made clear this is a necessary move for Gunnedah.

"It won't change the playground in any way, it would be adding to it, it will attract more people who are presently not coming because of the lack of security," Cr Hasler said.

"Three simple gates are not going to cost a fortune," he added.

Read also:

While councillor Murray O'Keefe agreed the park is an asset to the community, and something everyone should be incredibly proud of, he urged councillors to oppose the motion.

"The fact is, you can't actually deliver all things to all people in any one facility," he said.

"I have the utmost sympathy for those who, that for a variety of reasons, require a park that is fully enclosed and deals with their specific concerns... around the ability of children to run away or get away from people particularly in built up traffic environments.

"But by the same token, the open nature of the park is incredibly inviting to a lot of users and encourages people to enter and it refuses to discriminate against persons of any ability in their access to enjoy what is an inclusive playground, which is one of the main drivers of the playground."

The funds for the upgrade will be provided from the 2020/21 Park Furniture Replacement Fund and/or the General Fund.

Located at Wolseley Park, Livvi's Place was officially opened in December 2019 after a long push from the community who realised there was a need for an all-abilities facility.