Quick disclaimer for clarity: this petition is specifically regarding the playground equipment not the other portions of the park

***Please sign the petition to encourage the City of Yarra to reinstate suitable and varied playground equipment at Cambridge St Reserve for the growing number of local children and we encourage you to email them directly with your feedback at Councillors@yarracity.vic.gov.au to give more weight to the issue.***

After months of construction our local playground at Cambridge St Reserve, Collingwood underwent an "upgrade". The Yarra City Council promised the community 'traditional play equipment' but they returned that promise with a single swing and unreachable bars. The previous playground comprised of 2 slides, 2 swings, a seesaw, and ample climbing options for all ages. What stands now pales in comparison and fails to meet the needs of our growing community.

The census data from 2021 shows there are a ~1000 children living in Collingwood. A number that will have significantly risen since. Does the City of Yarra truly think this single swing is adequate infrastructure for these statistics?

The City of Yarra claims that this design was chosen to give the park a broader range of uses. However, we already have nearby pocket parks (4 within a 750m catchment area) providing green space, seating, and facilities for our furry friends. What's missing is a playground, a place where the children living in apartments and small homes can play, explore, and grow.

This design decision has now reduced the range of uses across these parks and completely missed the opportunity to provide appropriate infrastructure for the growing number of children as high density living becomes the only option for many.

The park was upgraded but the playground was downgraded. There is no reason both couldn’t have been upgraded harmoniously without there being detriment to the green space nor the playground. There are so many unique, clever, and even eye pleasing designs that incorporate the traditional play equipment that was promised. So many possibilities, so many missed opportunities.

How can a creative suburb such as Collingwood be okay with what was delivered here?

This is a case of infrastructure that was previously available for an entire demographic being removed so it could be more pleasing on the eye but has in turn become its own eyesore and a flawed design not suitable for children.

Thank you so much for reading!

***Please sign the petition to encourage the City of Yarra to reinstate suitable and varied playground equipment at Cambridge St Reserve for the growing number of local children.***