By Lia Bichel
Inset: Darrin, Jasper-Lily, Kai and Suzi Van Der Kaay are urging users of Ray Bastin Reserve to throw their rubbish in the bin. 75540
A BERWICK father of two disgusted with the condition of a local park is urging residents to stop littering.
Darrin Van Der Kaay said he was disappointed that empty wrappers and containers littered the ground of Ray Bastin Reserve in Narre Warren South, which he and his family visited on the weekend.
Mr Van Der Kaay said Slurpee containers and drink bottles plague the skate park, and food wrappers and other waste were strewn throughout the picnic area.
He said the trash was not only unsightly, but could become a safety problem if the litter attracted rats.
“We normally go a few times a year because it is a good park. My son likes to ride his scooter in the skate park, and we can take our puppy there,” Mr Van Der Kaay said.
“But this time, the park was at the worst condition I have seen it.”
Mr Van Der Kaay said he was pleased that Casey Council had the park for local residents, but thought people who used it should try to keep it clean.
“Why should rate payers have to pay to keep it clean? There are plenty of bins around, but people are just lazy,” Mr Van Der Kaay said.
“While at the park, we watched two kids chuck rubbish on the ground and there were bins 10 feet away. Kids seem to be the worst culprits.”
Mr Van Der Kaay said Casey Council denied his request to place “no littering” signs in the park, but did agree to check on the condition of it.
“They told me once they start placing signage in one park, they would have to do it to every park,” Mr Van Der Kaay said.
“But they did agree to send someone to look at the park.”
Casey Council did not respond to requests made by the News before it went to print.
