A derelict play area in Keilor is causing concern among locals.
Swings are without seats, and entries to the play equipment have been boarded up at the playground in Cliff Harvey Lagoon Reserve.
St Albans resident of 40 years and mum, Natalie Harasemcuk, said she wants to see the playground upgraded.
“We’re first-time parents so we want to take our kids to a nicer park,” she said.
“There’s nowhere for us to take our kids outside.”
She’s worried the play area is dangerous for children.
“In the past the park was quite nice and now it’s gone into a lot of disrepair … it looks quite unsafe,” she said.
“It looks like there’s been a lot of repairs and patchwork jobs.”
Ms Harasemcuk posted about the issue in a community Facebook group where other locals shared her concerns.
One commenter stated, “it’s been like that for almost a year” while another person wrote, “…it’s started with a smashed slide a few years back and it’s never been good since”.
Another commenter stated, “We have some great memories of that park. What a shame it’s been allowed to get to this”.
A Brimbank council spokesperson said plans are in the works to upgrade the play space.
“The playground and visitor amenities at Cliff Harvey Lagoon Reserve are being refreshed by council after extensive community consultation and feedback,” the spokesperson said.
“Concept plans have been drawn up and we expect the planning permit decision to be made no later than October with works starting early next year.
“Community safety is our priority, which is why we have closed some elements within the playground and removed the children’s slide.
“Unfortunately, the playground has suffered ongoing vandalism in recent months, and our teams have been kept busy fixing equipment and keeping it safe. If anyone sees vandalism they should report it to police.”
According to Brimbank council’s website, the playground was last updated in 2010.
A draft concept plan was drawn up after the first round of community engagement feedback was received in June 2024.
