Playtime comes at a high price

THREE brothers from Junction Hill were devastated when two of their favourite playgrounds were burned to the ground following arson in November.

RITE OF PASSAGE: Brothers Nate, Shaun and Luke Harwood playing around at Jacaranda Park, Grafton. Photo: JOJO NEWBY

NATE, Shaun and Luke Harwood are eagerly awaiting a new playground promised for Grafton.

The three brothers from Junction Hill were devastated when two of their favourite playgrounds were burned to the ground following arson attacks at See Park and Westlawn School in November last year.

"It was sad; most of the play equipment got burnt," seven-year-old Shaun said.

Mum Elecia Harwood said the family hadn't been back to the park since it had been destroyed.

"We used to go to See Park regularly. The boys were really upset; there's not many good parks in Grafton," Mrs Harwood said.

She welcomed confirmation from Clarence Valley Council's director of works Troy Anderson, who told The Daily Examiner new equipment would be installed in See Park by the end of April.

"A new playground is in production at the moment," Mr Anderson said.

But with a limited budget of $70,000, he said the replacement wasn't going to be anything 'extravagant', pouring cold water on the idea See Park might be redeveloped as a major playground and picnic area for the Clarence Valley.

"Unfortunately council is limited by the funds available off the back of insurance," he said.

Aside from budget limitations, Mr Anderson also said See Park was not the right location for this type of playground.

Instead he suggested Jacaranda Park on Prince St might be better suited for this type of facility.

"Jacaranda Park has the potential for a regional playground, but it will always be a matter of budget," he said.

"There's nothing planned at this point."

He welcomed the idea of community co-contribution toward any playground redevelopment.

Meanwhile The Daily Examiner received 75 responses to our question on social media, asking for our readers to tell us what their ideal playground might look like. The responses varied, but several people suggested fencing, water play equipment, shade and seating, bike tracks, swings and climbing frames.

Originally published as Playtime comes at a high price