As residents of Collingwood, we see great potential in our local parks—Budd Street Park and Mater Street Park—that has yet to be fully realized. We believe in the power of outdoor spaces to bring communities together, promote health, and inspire active lifestyles. However, to truly maximize their potential, these parks require critical upgrades to meet the diverse needs of our community.

Budd Street Park will be a hub for many families and youth, but lacks facilities that encourage a broad range of activities. We propose the inclusion of basketball facilities, which would provide a dynamic outlet for teenagers and adults alike, offering exercise, teamwork opportunities, and a place to engage with open space. Basketball courts are a proven asset in parks worldwide, encouraging community involvement and offering a safe environment for both casual and organised play.

And the Mater Street Park design option is dominated by gravel and limited basketball facilities. Instead, we ask for a vibrant green space with soft grass and a kids' soccer goal, transforming this design option into a family-friendly area. With soccer being one of the most accessible and popular sports, this change would allow even more children and families to enjoy the park, fostering a love for sports from a young age.

Investing in these design changes isn't just about sports. It's about cultivating a welcoming environment for all residents, young and old. By updating the design for Mater Street Park into a green space favorable for family picnics and youth soccer, and enhancing the design for Budd Street Park with much-needed basketball facilities, we can ensure our community parks are versatile for all demographics.

Collingwood deserves parks that mirror the vibrancy and diversity of our community. Let's transform these spaces into inclusive areas that reflect our collective values and aspirations. We owe it to our children and every resident to invest in parks that cater to both recreational and social needs—a move towards ensuring health and happiness across our beloved neighborhood.

Please join us in calling upon the local council to take actionable steps towards redesigning these parks to better serve the community. Sign this petition to make our vision for Collingwood's parks a reality. Together, we can inspire change and bring about the open, dynamic, and inclusive spaces that our community deserves.