What deems a park, a park? Mayor Pennisi

Staff Reports

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Play equipment that has been deemed unsafe in Arcoola Park, in Wilkinson Street, Warwick, was removed on the morning of Monday May 22. Residents of Wilkinson Street phoned our newspapers saying that they were given assurances in 2015 that Arcoola Park would remain a play area for children, in a meeting in the presence of the then Councillor, Vic Pennisi.

Contacting the now, Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor (Pennisi) about the 2015 meeting, he confirmed that he did give assurances about the future of Arcoola Park, "at the time".

"I did meet with those residents (in 2015)," Mayor Pennisi said. "(And) it was a council decision at the time to leave Arcoola Park alone."

Currently, all the playground equipment has been removed and the future of the space as a home for other playground structures, is unknown. The title "green space" has been flagged by council as needing to be addressed in a future context within parks.

Mayor Pennisi concluded on Monday May 22, that he "keeps stressing that council have not made a decision about the future of Arcoola Park", in the current-day.

As reported last week, SDRC said that safety is their “priority”.

“Playgrounds are important spaces for the community to enjoy recreationally and socially, and Southern Downs Regional Council has a duty of care to maintain equipment so it is safe to use and compliant with Australian standards and guidelines,” SDRC’s Manager Parks and Operations Chris Collingwood said.

“Following a high level and considered examination, playgrounds in the following parks will require playground removal … when dry conditions prevail – Apex, Meadow Bank Estate, Shilliday, Arcoola, Mountain