By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A HALLAM mother will not let her three-year-old son use a local playground because of fears his life could be in danger after the fencing between the equipment and a nearby car park was removed.
The section of fencing between the Spring Square Shopping Centre car park in Hallam and the playground next to it was removed last year during the centre’s re-development and has not been replaced.
Amanda Brearly said she refuses to take her son William to the playground anymore out of concerns for his safety after she had previously asked the City of Casey to erect new fencing at the site.
“I’ve seen children run right off the garden bed around the playground and into the car park,” she said.
“It’s very dangerous, I’ve seen people speed their cars through there. I saw a car the other week doing donuts.
“Most of the time you see parents sitting on the seat near the playground on their mobile phones, they’re not watching their kids.
“It only takes a grandparent to be watching the kids, they’re not as fast as a younger person and a child is unpredictable, like little puppies.”
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan echoed Ms Brearly’s concerns and said Casey council had “refused to address” the lack of fencing.
“There is fencing on Princes Domain Drive and Spring Square but no fencing anymore between the car park and the playground, which is potentially a disastrous situation,” he said.
“Concerned mothers have approached me asking for help after the City of Casey refused to address the issue.
“I believe it’s important that local kids can have a safe playground away from motorists.”
City of Casey Manager Parks and Reserves Trevor Griffin said the Spring Square playground is fenced on three sides and has a raised embankment which provides a barrier on the fourth side.
“Fencing should not be considered a replacement for supervision and seating has been provided for parents and carers to supervise their children while they use the playground,” he said.
