Playtime is over for Strathmore children as Strathaird Reserve is set to go up for sale

CHILDREN in a quiet street in Strathmore in Melbourne’s northwest are devastated after play equipment was suddenly removed from a popular park.

Strathmore residents at the playground at Strathaird Reserve before all the equipment was removed last week. Picture: Hamish Blair

CHILDREN in a quiet Strathmore street are devastated after a beloved playground was suddenly removed from Strathaird Reserve.

The parcel of land, owned by VicRoads, is being sold. Moonee Valley Council has used and maintained the land for 40 years and established a playground 15 years ago, but knocked back the chance to buy the land at 1-15 Strathaird St for $1.495 million.

It will now be auctioned off to the highest bidder and could be a target for developers as it is zoned general residential.

Sharon Mumford is one of many neighbours angered by the decision.

She recently moved to the area with her partner and two young children, one of whom has gross motor delays similar to cerebral palsy. Her son uses the park for exercise and to socialise with children his age. She said many people were disappointed the council did not buy the reserve.

“They’ve spoken for us, but haven’t consulted with us,” Ms Mumford said. “The main thing is how this was done. I don’t feel like we’re being listened to. If our rates have been paying for this park, out of goodwill could not this be gifted to the council? Can we not find some middle ground?”

Moonee Valley Mayor Andrea Surace said she understood the community’s disappointment.

“We pursued a number of options in our attempt to have this land either gifted or sold to Moonee Valley at a nominal amount given our history of use and maintenance,” she said.

“Unfortunately VicRoads are required to sell this land, and council could not justify purchasing this land for the price offered when this area is well serviced by other large reserves nearby, including Boeing Reserve and Strathnaver Reserve.”

The reserve will soon be secured with wire fencing to prevent public access.

Moonee Valley Council recently endorsed its council plan for 2017-21, which included a commitment to providing open spaces.

VicRoads was contacted for comment.