The equipment, which had been closed to the public after the 2021 floods that heavily impacted North Haven, was deemed damaged and unsafe.

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In an effort to rejuvenate the community’s recreational facilities, a new playspace has been proposed and will be built using flood recovery funding.

According to the initial concept design, the new playspace will feature monkey bars, a swing, a seesaw, and a rocker.

These would be in addition to the existing outdoor fitness equipment at the proposed new location, Riverview Reserve, approximately 350 metres from the current Bunnys Corner site.

Public feedback was solicited via a ‘Have Your Say’ survey set up by PMHC from December 14 2023 to January 31 2024.

The survey was visited 324 times and received twenty submissions.

Key considerations expressed by the public in their responses included the need for inclusive playground equipment catering to people with disabilities; safety concerns related to park access and the riverbank/sandbar; suggestions for adding a slide to the playspace; requests for adequate seating, shade, and amenities; and considerations regarding car parking arrangements.

The decision not to replace the playspace at Bunnys Corner was made to avoid rebuilding on flood-prone land, ensuring community safety and managing ongoing costs.

While many parts of the riverfront location are susceptible to flooding, the new Riverview Reserve site is considered less vulnerable, being 1.5 metres higher than the original location.

PMHC Community Engagement Officer Jimmy Manning said the final plan has been “updated in response to community feedback”.

“We have increased accessibility to the playspace with a modified selection of seesaws as well as access from the existing pathway to accessible play pieces.

“We have also addressed the community’s request for more seating by providing an additional bench and more informally through log steppers, which provides a dual purpose of nature play.

“We expect to start the installation work in the first week of September and expect it to take four to eight weeks to complete, weather permitting.”

By Luke HADFIELD