Merri-bek parents call for sun shades at all local playgrounds
A risk of serious burns to toddlers has united parents to urge Merri-bek Council to invest in sun protection at local playgrounds.
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Anxious parents are calling on Merri-bek council to protect the smallest members of the community from sunburns and skin cancer.
In less than 12 hours, more than 900 people signed a petition calling for sun shades to be installed on all local playgrounds in the Merri-bek area.
“By installing sun shades over our playgrounds we can protect our children from harmful UV rays while still allowing them access to important outdoor spaces … we call upon Merri-bek council to take action and install sun shades at all local playgrounds in the Merri-bek area as soon as possible,” the petition said.
Mum Maddie Colquhoun said she organised the petition because there weren't enough shaded playgrounds for kids to use after 10am in summer.
“Being in outdoor spaces is super important for kids’ learning and for parents’ sanity, to be able to get out and let your kids have a play but we’re limited,” she said.
“Anytime the weather is over 20-25 degrees, we can’t take the children to the playground. Often, you’d have to pay money to go to an indoor play centre and it’s just not that accessible and inclusive for everyone.”
Merri-bek Council plans for 2021 to 2024 pledged to make spaces more inclusive and environmental friendly but Ms Colquhoun said “it’s not inclusive if no kids can play on the playground”.
“Council needs to invest money in sun protection. I am aware other states, like New South Wales and Queensland, where it’s compulsory for playgrounds and open spaces to have sun protection. Even just a few playgrounds would be better than none,” Ms Colquhoun said.
Merri-bek Council recently opened a new playground on Station St in Coburg with an undercover seating area, but no shades over the play area.
Prolonged exposure to sun can lead to immediate harm like sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer in later life, according to Cancer Council Victoria.
Children can get sunburnt in as little as ten minutes, and depending on the severity, it can take a few days or weeks to heal.
Signs of severe sunburn include blisters, swollen skin and severe pain.
Children can also get heat stroke.
SunSmart and the Bureau of Meteorology issue daily sun protection times whenever the UV index level is three or higher.
This is available as a free SunSmart app, or at SunSmart or the Bureau of Meteorology.
Merri-bek Council has been contacted for comment.
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