This petition is to Tamworth Regional Council to improve fenced playground facilities in Tamworth. 

Tamworth has some fantastic parks in our region, but we are lacking suitable facilities in a safe fenced environment for our children.

I am a parent of a child with additional needs, a child who when excited or overstimulated can easily elope from an area. I am always in close proximity not taking my eyes off him however this is not always enough, and he has been able to run from me and head towards surrounding roads or rivers. He is 3 years old and can elope very quickly and without any indication that he will run. All children in our community, whether with additional needs or not deserve to have safe play facilities.  

We have some fantastic playgrounds in our region such as Bicentennial Park, the playground facilities at the Skate Park and Anzac Park. All 3 of these parks are extremely close to surrounding roads.

Bicentennial Park whilst it has the barrier at the roadside still has areas where children can elope and has the river a short distance from the park. Water for autistic children is extremely enticing and this poses a safety risk.

The play equipment at the skate park is extremely close to the road with no barrier, vehicles turning the corner or using the roundabout would have minimal sight of a child running on to the road.

Anzac Park play equipment is also close to the road and can be busy with traffic around school start and finish times

The Marsupial Park is a fantastic, fenced playground facility but it is not easily accessible to all families. The closing time of the park also impacts accessibility.

Our surrounding communities have fantastic fenced playgrounds, the Tamworth community deserves these facilities in our region too along with the ability to ensure our children are safe.

Please help me to demonstrate to council that this is something our region needs and wants.