Palmwoods petitioner calls for better play spaces for older children
Playground petitioner Jennifer Brunton, pictured at Old Orchard Playground, says facilities are lacking for children over five years.
A Palmwoods petitioner is calling for local playgrounds to be upgraded so older children and children with disabilities have more opportunities for challenging, inclusive and developmentally appropriate outdoor play.
Resident Jennifer Brunton started the petition after raising concerns at the Palmwoods Community and Business Association meeting on May 13.
The Gazette’s earlier report on the meeting incorrectly stated that the concern related to playground facilities for children under five. In fact, Ms Brunton’s advocacy is specifically about the lack of suitable playground options for children over the age of five, including children with disabilities.
Ms Brunton said many local playgrounds were outdated and did not provide enough stimulating equipment for older children.
Her petition aims to encourage upgrades across Palmwoods so children of all ages have spaces that invite them to spend more time outdoors.
Ms Brunton also said Palmwoods lacked an age-appropriate playground that older children could independently walk or ride to within the township.
“Children need opportunities for independence and autonomy as part of healthy development,” she said. “At the moment, many families are having to drive out of town to access playgrounds that are more suitable for older children, which limits children’s ability to safely and independently access outdoor play within their own community.
“At a time when screen use among children is at an all-time high, and many parents feel increasingly hesitant about unsupervised outdoor play, it is important that our community spaces are engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate for children of all ages.”
The issue was raised during a broader community meeting with Sunshine Coast Council Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston, where residents discussed traffic, growth, pedestrian safety, ageing infrastructure and public facilities.
Cr Johnston acknowledged at the meeting that some facilities were ageing, describing it as “a hangover from the past”.
He said council officers and councillors had been pushing for more age-appropriate playground equipment and upgrades.
Federation Park is expected to receive a minor playground upgrade in coming years, with design and planning work under way.
Ms Brunton’s petition adds a community voice to that discussion, arguing Palmwoods needs playgrounds that serve children beyond the early years and provide safe, active and inclusive spaces for families.
• Ms Brunton’s petition is available for signing at Home Grown Cafe, Palmwoods State School and at Kidzco on Roberts Road in Palmwoods.
Correction
In our report on the Palmwoods Community and Business Association meeting on May 13, the Gazette incorrectly stated that concerns about playground facilities related to children “under” five. In fact the concern raised by resident Jennifer Brunton related to the lack of suitable playground facilities for children “over” the age of five, including children with disabilities. The Gazette apologises for the error and is happy to correct the record.
Below, pics from Federation and Kolora Parks Palmwoods.
