MORE than 100 signatories to a September 2015 petition requesting a new playground at Peter Ellis Reserve appear likely to have their wait for a decision extended into a second year.
The petition calls for a substantially sized new play space behind the Farringdon Road shopping precinct, including “an adequate shade structure over the playground, soft floor grounding, drink fountain and seating.”
City officers estimate a playground meeting those specifications would cost close to $280,000.
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READ NOWThey have recommended holding off on a decision until the completion of an investigation into the options for a significant new playground in the southeast corner of the City.
Te $50,000 investigation was approved as part of the 2016-17 budget in late June.
The recommendation comes after the City encountered strong opposition to an earlier proposal to relocate an existing playground from nearby Robert Weir Reserve to Peter Ellis Reserve.
In April, the City placed information signs requesting community feedback on the plan at both reserves.
It received 25 responses, 24 of which were opposed to the relocation.
The City also subsequently received a letter with 29 signatures requesting the Robert Weir playground be retained in the event that a new playground at Peter Ellis is installed.
Leeming resident Bob Taddeo, a long-time advocate for the proposed Peter Ellis Reserve playground, said he would prefer to see the City’s $50,000 investigation fund put towards construction.
“The City of Melville and its council have some great minds and do a great job but on this occasion they need to listen to what the community is saying,” he said.
“Melville has a very good reputation in terms of accommodating the recreational needs of the community and all we are asking is for the ratepayers of Leeming to get a fair shake in that regard.
“A $50,000 study seems a waste and I think the money would be much better spent just getting the playground happening at the location the petition proposed.”
Councillors will decide on whether or not to wait for the outcome of the park development planning investigation at tomorrow’s council meeting.