Tara Murray
A study of playgrounds across Melbourne has revealed that just three per cent of playgrounds in Brimbank have shade over the main play area.
Facebook page, Melbourne Playgrounds, analysed 4000 play areas across Melbourne and found only seven per cent had shade over the main play area, either from trees or shade sails.
It found Brimbank had one of the lowest rates of shaded playgrounds in Melbourne.
Neighbouring Melton was found to have just one per cent of main playground areas shaded.
Brimbank infrastructure and city services director Neil Whiteside said the council recognises the need for more shaded spaces in its playgrounds and public spaces.
“We understand the health, comfort and environmental benefits of providing shaded playgrounds and enhancing these spaces,” he said.
“We are committed to incorporating more built shade, such as shade sails and shelters, and particularly tree shade in designing playgrounds and park upgrades, as part of council’s creating better parks policy and plan.
“One of council’s key focuses is on creating liveable neighbourhoods that have welcoming, safe and healthy public spaces.”
Mr Whiteside said the council’s parks were becoming greener with more than 200,000 trees being planted in recent years to shade and cool public spaces.
He said planting trees will take longer to provide shade, but this approach is far more sustainable, more cost effective to maintain than built structures, and overall better for protecting the environment.
“Our playgrounds also include shelters close to play areas, providing children and families with refuge from the sun. Council also encourages the community to adopt Sun Smart practices of ‘Slip, Slop Slap, Seek and Slide’, as recommended by the Cancer Council.
“We will continue to work with the community and our stakeholders to deliver greener and more shaded public spaces that support healthier and happier communities.”
