Reports of kids’ playground damage soar as parents turn to smartphone apps

REPORTS about broken playground equipment have soared because parents now use their smartphones to photograph and send complaints.

Playground damage in Hobson’s Bay council area. Picture: Snap, Send, Solve

THE number of reports of damage to Melbourne suburban playgrounds rose 40 per cent last year as parents turn to smartphone technology to file complaints.

Common problems were smashed fences, broken equipment, offensive graffiti and uprooted signs, putting children at risk.

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Almost 10 reports a week are sent statewide using the Snap Send Solve reporting app alone.

Victorian councils spend millions of dollars each year to maintain and repair play areas.

Vandals burnt play equipment at Logan Reserve in Altona on Wednesday, and last month a much-loved adventure playground was destroyed by fire in Eltham North.

Playground damage in Wyndham council area. Picture: Snap, Send, Solve

Hobsons Bay Mayor Angela Altair said the damaged play equipment in Logan Reserve would be replaced soon.

The cost of the damage is about $20,000.

“Altona is usually a peaceful and family-friendly community and we’re shocked that this popular play equipment has been so needlessly damaged,’’ Cr Altair said.

“We are saddened by this senseless act of vandalism and disappointed that ratepayers will ultimately foot the bill to repair this senseless sabotage of our community assets.’’

Playground damage in Melbourne: Picture: Snap Send Solve

The western suburbs council spends about $190,000 every year to repair and maintain playground equipment, including graffiti removal.

Some councils are now adopting smartphone technology to help manage their properties and fight senseless vandalism.

Hobsons Bay has embraced the Snap Send Solve app, which enables residents to instantly log problems directly to the customer service team. In 2016, 3673 reports — about 10 a day — were filed through the app.

Snap Send Solve founder Danny Gorog said the idea for the app came when he was in a playground with his son and they encountered damaged equipment. “A clip on a swing was busted so I thought there had to be a way of getting this reported and fixed quickly,’’ he said.

Snap Send Solve founder Danny Gorog.

Mr Gorog said councils were aware of their liability and knew it was important to fix damage quickly. “If a kid falls off a swing, it’s pretty significant.’’

Play Australia spokeswoman Barbara Champion said councils generally did a good job maintaining their playgrounds but smartphones were actually part of the problem.

“The most serious problem by far is that of parents who don’t or won’t supervise their kids,’’ Ms Champion said.

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