Angry locals queue to sign playground petition

• Published date: 24 April 2024
• Publication title: Otago Daily Times: Web Edition Articles (New Zealand)

Angry residents have queued up to sign the petition, which has recorded more than 800 signatures in less than a fortnight

Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board member Alex Hewison organised the petition calling for a more suitable replacement.

"The petition asks staff to come back to the board and consult on other options for another playground or modules in the Thompson Park area. There are other options that we as a board can pursue as well."

He said there had been a constant stream of people signing, even some who live outside the area.

"Even people who live in New Brighton know how important this playground is."

The fort-playground has been popular with the area's younger residents for almost 50 years, but the facility recently failed a city council safety assessment.

The report highlighted concerns about the deterioration of the largely wooden playground, and the structural integrity of some of its pieces.

The council plans to replace the play equipment with a modular kitset model.

Hewison says people are concerned about losing the much-loved big slides, and worried...