Why is it a problem to extend and change the non-traditional playground in Cambridge Street Park?? Here’s why.

When visiting the park, the vast majority of users are single people or couples, on morning walks, enjoying breaks from work, walking dogs or just laying in the sun. The demographic of the area, and high-density housing is for single and couple units, (average household size in Collingwood at 2021 was 1.86) for whom green space is rare and valuable, and is being well used at the moment.

Designated children’s playgrounds with traditional play equipment are, by design, exclusive areas for children, and only adults directly attending to those children. Single adults or childless couples are not welcome to ‘loiter’ or rest in the area. No single male- of which there are many in the area- will be welcome to rest in the area if a child is present.

Recent concerning example of trends to control who can enter playground area is here.

Traditional playground equipment is also unsuitable for any adult to use when children are not present. As the park is now, the non-age specific, non-traditional play equipment can be used by all ages.

People walking dogs are also not welcome in designated playground areas when children are present as the safety and comfort of children takes precedence in this area. ‘My child is frightened of dogs’ or ‘Your dog is peeing on the play equipment’ is a common complaint that will send resident dog walkers away from the area. At the moment, the non-traditional play area makes no demarcation between play and relaxing area. It should be kept this way.

Traditional children’s play equipment is only suitable for limited age groups and only for a very limited time. Within a couple years, a five year old need different play equipment, and a few years after, will wish there was open green space to play with friends. Ironically, that child’s carer will no longer be welcome in the designated playground area anymore, once the child has grown.
In a small inner-city park, the available green space must be held for the enjoyment of the majority of residents.
There is nothing stopping children enjoying the play equipment as it is at the moment, and it is being used.

The concept and design for the Cambridge Street Park was to reflect a nostalgia for the ‘aussie’ back yard with the only play equipment being the Hills Hoist. That nostalgia also extends to an inventive sense of play and invention, and the ability to have adventure on non-traditional play equipment.

It would be a mistake to extend the designated playground area with traditional equipment into green spaces at Cambridge Park as it would limit the enjoyment and freedom of the vast majority of residents, and aid few for very limited time. It is being well used by adults and children in the current design and should continue to be enjoyed by all.