SEVERAL playgrounds across Leeton shire will be closed next week.
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Leeton Shire Council staff will be installing softfall rubber surfacing, which will require playgrounds to be closed while this is undertaken.
The work will take place from Monday through until Thursday.
It is a major capital works project for council’s parks and recreation services team in the 2015-16 financial year.
Manager of parks and recreation Josh Clyne explained the decision to close the playgrounds was made for safety and logistical reasons.
“It was decided that in the best interests of this project that council would close the playgrounds that are undergoing these works as there will be a large quantity of heavy machinery present,” he said.
“Playground equipment needs to be dismantled to ensure the installation of the softfall surfaces is carried out in an efficient manner.”
Mountford Park will be closed to the general public on Monday and Tuesday, with McCaughey Park, Leeton town ovals, Central Park, Graham Park and Wiradjuri Park to be closed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Parks superintendent Justin Davidson said the softfall surfacing would provide numerous benefits to users in the Leeton community.
“Softfall is like a shock pad that is installed underneath swings, at the end of playground slides and where bark is flicked up regularly onto users and bystanders,” he said.
It is designed for repetitive impact conditions and reduces the potential for users to sustain long bone injuries whilst playing in our parks.
“They are simple to install, aren’t affected by rain, cold conditions or direct sunlight, which is a win-win for our team in terms of ongoing maintenance requirements.”
Mr Clyne said the project provided a guarantee to users the standard council was setting from the installation of softfall surfacing in high wear areas would ensure a safe environment for at all times.
Residents with questions should contact council. Once the project is completed at each location, the playground will be re-opened.
It was decided that in the best interests of this project that council would close the playgrounds that are undergoing these works as there will be a large quantity of heavy machinery present.
- Council manager of parks and recreation Josh Clyne