Playgrounds in peril: The rising concern over neglected community spaces
Playgrounds should be places of joy, exploration, and safety for children — but for many Victorian families, they’ve become a source of frustration.
A recent Herald Sun article highlights how complaints about playground safety have surged, with 3,894 issues Snapped in the past year, marking a 12% increase compared to the previous year.
The issues on the playground
Residents across Victoria have Snapped a range of hazards, including:
- Broken swings
- Exposed metal pieces
- Damaged climbing frames
- Cracked surfaces
These safety concerns aren’t just inconveniences — they can lead to serious injuries, particularly for children. Alarmingly, Snaps of vandalism in playgrounds have also spiked, with 499 incidents Snapped, representing an 80% increase compared to 2023.
Why timely maintenance matters
Our CEO, Danny Gorog, stresses the importance of proactive playground maintenance to prevent these issues from escalating.
“Small issues that go unresolved can become bigger issues over time,” he said. “When hazards are spotted, the children in our communities are better protected when authorities can act proactively.”
The app’s ability to include images and geolocations in 93% of reports makes it easier for councils to pinpoint and resolve problems quickly. Yet, some residents, like Simon Johnson from the South East Community Forum, feel councils need to do more to prioritise playground safety.
“Some playgrounds have been left to rot until the community gets so fed up,” he said.
Read the full article below for more insights from Simon Johnson.
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