Playgrounds a Threat to Kids

THE shocking state of Housing NSW playgrounds in Redfern and Waterloo is an accident waiting to happen, according to frustrated locals.

A number of local playgrounds on Housing NSW property are in a serious state of disrepair, posing serious safety risks to unsuspecting children. Plastic play tubes are melted and torn leaving sharp edges exposed, equipment is rusty and has bolts missing, suspension bridges have missing planks and swing seats are broken.

None of the playgrounds are enclosed and one was strewn with broken glass. The matter has prompted Redfern mother Ifeanna Tooth to write to Housing NSW demanding action.

Ms Tooth said that when Redfern Park closed for construction work last year she sought a new playground for her three-year-old son Owen and went to the only other playgrounds in the area, which were on Housing NSW land.

"I presume it is because people in public housing are neglected generally, and that's why this is in this state," Ms Tooth said. I think it's really terrible and unfair. These people don't really have any other areas where they can go with their children to play. The way they are now it's clearly dangerous and could result, I think, in a lawsuit."

Another Redfern mother, Mary Cox-on, said she had brought her three year-old daughter Samantha to the playgrounds and was shocked at what she found.

"It's obviously been neglected for a long time, but it doesn't really cost that much to repair it," she said. "The kids living in these public housing towers don't have anywhere else to run around and play. For the quality of life for them and their parents, the playgrounds should be kept in good repair."

A spokesman for Housing NSW said the playgrounds were regularly checked and maintained.

"All playgrounds have been checked within the last six months as part of the Waterloo Landscaping Project," he said.

However, Ms Tooth said the play grounds had not been maintained for almost a year at least.

"The playgrounds have been like this since mid last year - how long before that I don't know," she said.

The Housing NSW spokesman said the department was in the process of repairing the affected play equipment.

Waterloo Green resident representative Ross Smith said maintenance was something that seldom occurred.

Places to Play

Sydney Council has invited residents of Housing NSW land who are unable to use playgrounds on housing estates to take advantage of its Redfern playgrounds:

•           Chelsea Street Playground

•           Douglas Street Playground

•           Elizabeth McCrea Playground

•           Eveleigh Street Playground

•           Redfern Park Playground

Information: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Ongoing Story of Neglect

Public housing in Redfern and Waterloo has been in a serious state of disrepair for years, according to residents.

In February, Central revealed the state of neglect at public housing surrounding Waterloo Green. Lighting in communal areas was defective, making paths and grassed areas dangerous at night; graffiti was present inside and outside buildings; fences and play equipment were broken; and signage was neglected.

Resident representative Ross Smith said the damage had been present in some cases for years and that since Central's investigations virtually nothing had been done. "In the case of lighting they were identified as defective many years ago, and there's been interim patches, but no total solution," he said. A spokesman for Housing NSW rejected claims it was inactive on repairs at its properties.

"Housing NSW works closely with police and other agencies to create harmonious environments for its tenants and encourages anyone with any information about these acts of vandalism to report them to police," he said.

Michael Shreenan of the Factory Community Centre in Waterloo said it was a problem of "a lot good intentions but too much bureaucracy" within Housing NSW.

Treacherous Terrain - Editorial by Lisa Capozzi

I'M sure every Central reader would agree our children deserve better than broken play equipment, sharp edges and dangerous obstacles.

You just can't play with children's safety, and that is exactly what's happening while these deserted playgrounds are left to rot.

The way they are now - left in a complete state of disrepair - is an accident, and potential lawsuit, just waiting to happen.

Our children deserve a safe place to play. A place free of broken glass, of sharp edges, with equipment that actually works. Why can't this be a reality?

While Central reporter Robert Burton-Bradley was investigating this story, he met with two concerned mothers and their children, Samantha and Owen. The two youngsters

ended up having a fight about who got to play on the only swing that wasn't broken.

Needless to say it ended in tantrums and tears - but at least it wasn't because one of them injured themselves on the sharp plastic edges or crumbling brick wall.

While Sydney Council prides itself on its green space and outdoor areas, NSW Housing really has to do more to ensure our children can play safely.

Parents have a right to be concerned - I know I wouldn't let my child play there.

Has your child been injured at one of these playgrounds? Have you got a community issue to raise? Tell us what you think at editor@centralmag.com.au.