The Maroondah Journal has reported on the removal of play equipment and seating located at the Maidstone Street Reserve. The park, located at 47a Maidstone Street in Ringwood, is also being considered for sale by Council and public comment is currently being sought in regard to this proposal.
Cr Alex Makin said the play equipment had been removed because of safety reasons. He said it was poor timing but unrelated to the proposed sale.
“No final decision about the sale has been made. A letter is going to the public and I urge them to get behind the call to save the playground.”
The equipment was removed as part of council’s routine maintenance program and will be reinstated if the sale does not proceed.
“I am happy to vote that we retain the parkland. The public have convinced me, but there are six other councillors who to make decisions.”
Strong public support will help ensure that the sale does not proceed and it is critical that the community voices its concern over the proposed sale. Objections must be be received by the 6th of July and need to include the name and address of the submitter.
Objections can emailed to myself (alex.makin@maroondah.vic.gov.au) or posted to Maroondah City Council, PO Box 156 Ringwood 3134.
A public meeting will be held at the park (47a Maidstone Street in Ringwood) on Friday the 15th of June at 9:15am.
In the Leader on the same topic you were quoted as saying “It makes sense to keep them when they’re very well used, like Maidstone, but others do have a shelf life.” Could you please expand upon this? What is the criteria for determining that public open space has reached its shelf life?
Hello Peter,
Thanks for your comment. I didn’t specifically state that park land has a definitive ‘shelf life’ but I did comment that there may be instances where it might be appropriate to consider the future of some blocks on a case by case basis.
The personal criteria I would apply include environmental status, overall usage, whether other similar spaces are located nearby and the overall accessibility and prominence of the land in question.
There is certainly a strong need to retain our neighbourhood parks. The park at Maidstone serves as a genuine community park where parents are able to chat to each other and children are always within eye sight. Proclamation Park, while it is in a more prominent and accessible location, does not provide the same community atmosphere.
Thanks,
Alex
Thank you Alex,
I share your views on retaining our neighbourhood parks, and in fact Maroondah’s Open Space Policy states that ideally every household should have an accessible Precinct standard open space within 500 metres.
I am a little worried however that the current disposal of “surplus” properties by council could reduce such areas and also discard areas which could, as needs develop in the future, be converted to small neighbourhood parks like this one.
Hello Peter,
Thank you for your further comments. I do share your concerns in regard to the disposal of “surplus” properties if there is no attempt to purchase other properties to potentially create new open space where it may be required.
I certainly suggest that you write a written objection to any proposal that you may disagree with. I’m happy for your objection to be sent to me directly so I can ensure that it is officially lodged through council.
Thanks,
Alex