Lismore residents plead with council: 'don’t sell our parks'

A GROUP of East Lismore parents say Lismore City Council has “changed the rules” with plans to sell a park that has been a family fun haven for generations.

Steve and Chauntel Magnay, Sharleen and Glenn Maxwell of East Lismore are concerned about a council proposal to sell small parks around Lismore. Picture: Doug Eaton

A GROUP of East Lismore parents say Lismore City Council has "changed the rules" with plans to sell a park that has been a family fun haven for generations.

The families, who live near the park, bordered by Wyrallah Rd, Wade and Nielsen St's, said they were assured by the council when they bought their homes the reserve could not be sold.

"You have councils that give you absolute surety and now they are taking that away," said Sharleen Maxwell, whose property backs onto the reserve.

This month council put a proposal to reclassify and rezone the park, plus 18 other small parks around Lismore on public exhibition, before it will be decided if some, or all of the parks, go under the auctioneers hammer.

Council claims the parks cost a lot to maintain, but Mrs Maxwell said neighbours regularly mowed the reserve.

Considerations are being made by council to sell the parks to neighbours or for in-fill housing.

Levi Maxwell, and Ethan Magnay have a game of cricket in their Big Back park East Lismore residents and thair children are concerned about a council proposal to sell small parks around Lismore. Picture: Doug Eaton

In an era of increasing childhood obesity, where neighbours don't know each other and children turn to technology for enjoyment, Mrs Maxwell said the park was a safe place for children to play, where they get exercise and learn social skills by mixing with their peers.

Neighbour Chauntel Lamborne said the neighbourhood kids don't come home and watch TV; they go to the park and play. "We want council to leave it as it is and be aware of the value of green spaces to communities."

Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell said there was no guarantee that all 19 parks will be reclassified and sold.

"It was a matter of seeing which parks have strong community connections," she said.

"I praise communities that are actively engaging with council about the value of some of these pieces of land."

Submissions to council about the park's sale close on August 2.