Parents want shade protection at parks before summer

WITH more families living in apartments in the inner west, Canada Bay Councillor Andrew Ferguson said more needed to be done to improve parks and playgrounds.

Mother Amy Chieng with her daughter Alexia, 5 and sons Cassius 7 and Leo 10 at Kendall Reserve Playground in Cabarita. Picture: Simon Bullard.

WITH more families living in apartments in the inner west, Canada Bay Councillor Andrew Ferguson said more needed to be done to improve parks and playgrounds.

In the lead-up to summer, Mr Ferguson is calling on Canada Bay Council to look at implementing shade structures at Kendall Reserve Playground in Cabarita and all parks in the area without shade.

“Public playgrounds are becoming increasingly important as more and more residents including families move into apartments with no backyards,” Mr Ferguson said.

“It is essential that playgrounds in our council area as a matter of urgency are made safe for children to play in.”

Parents are calling on council to implement a shade protection at the Reserve. Picture: Simon Bullard.

Concord West mother of three Amy Chieng often brings her children, Leo, 10, Cassius, 7, and Alexia, 5, to Kendall Park. She relies heavily on public spaces, such as Kendall Park, as an outlet for her children and she would like to see in time for summer.

“We spend a lot of time at the playgrounds so, as a mother, you want your kids to be protected,” she said.

“My kids kept coming home burnt and charred and dried out.

“You want to take your kids to the park and to the playground but if there’s no protection, what do you do,” she said.

Mother of three Amy Chieng brings her children to the park regularly and would like to see shade protection installed at all parks in the area. Picture: Simon Bullard.

She said she wouldn’t come to the park at all on a hot day.

Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas said the City of Canada Bay had budgeted $150,000 across the next three years for a shade program that will increase natural shade through plants as well as introducing shade structures such as shade sails where suitable.

Cr Tsirekas said the shade installation at Kendall Park will take place before the end of summer.

“Canada Bay’s open green spaces are the heartbeat of our community,” he said.

“We want our youngest residents and visitors to be able to enjoy playing outside over summer, and ensure peace of mind for their parents.”