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SAFE SURFACE: Contractors start laying the new tiles at the foreshore playground.
Work has started on the surface upgrade program for three Whyalla playgrounds.
Contractors from Oakwood Recreation started laying the new softfall Play Matta tiles at the foreshore playground yesterday (Tuesday, May 28). From the foreshore they will progress to the Whyalla Child Care Centre playgrounds with another contractor starting on wood chip softfall at the Ocean Eyre Reserve later this week.
All the work is expected to be finished by Wednesday (June 5) next week and the playgrounds re-opened.
Council CEO Chris Cowley said the work was made necessary after Council’s asset management maintenance program identified the playground surfaces were reaching the end of their safe life.
“An independent audit confirm this and the playground were, unfortunately, forced to close while suitable replacement surfaces were sourced,” Chris said.
“It was unfortunate the playgrounds had to be closed but we can’t compromise with the safety of our children and the general public.”
STRETCHING OUT: The new Play Matta tiles being laid at the foreshore playground.
The Play Matta product, made from recycled products, was the best solution for the foreshore and the child care centre as the 500mm tiles provided more flexibility, were more easily replaced than the existing wet-pour surface and met all safety standards.
The woodchip option was chosen for Ocean Eyre Reserve after exposure to the sun drastically reduced the life of that rubber surface.
Thanks to some Council crew ingenuity, the Liberty Swing at the foreshore play area will also be back in action once the new tiles are installed.
The swing was damaged by vandals earlier this year with some clever engineering and manufacturing of parts by the Council works department saving the city money and getting the swing, for those living with a disability, back in safe working order.
The remaining playgrounds in Whyalla have all been assessed as safe with all surfaces and equipment constantly maintained and checked to meet safety requirements.
In the meantime, for those looking for some playtime at the foreshore, there is a playground just metres away in Ada Ryan Gardens and more equipment at the back of the tennis courts. Those that normally use the Ocean Eyre Reserve can find other playgrounds at Parfitt Street or Coolibah Reserve less than one kilometre away.