Parents are rejoicing an overdue decision to erect shade over swings and climbing equipment which have been a no-go zone at the Adventure Play Park for more than a year.
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One third of the play park - and the only swing set - has been without shade since it was taken down by the council at the beginning of last year.
With UV rays climbing to danger levels most days in Katherine and the equipment reaching scorching temperatures under the sun, the unshaded play equipment became an out-of-bounds area.
Mandy Tootell, a mum of two and the coordinator of the Katherine Isolated Children's Service, regularly visits the park and said parents and children's services are thrilled it will be back in action after a long delay.
"The Adventure Play Park is a great resource for children and families in Katherine. It is utilised really well with parents hosting birthday parties and lots of service providers using it to hold events," she said.
"It is great to see the council investing in public spaces especially those for children."
She said a large portion of the play park is off-limits because parents are concerned about their children's safety.
"Considering the UV reaches 11 most days and there is quite a bit of metal that heats up quickly parents were constantly telling their kids to keep away," she said.
"All councils need to be aware of temperatures and weather conditions especially up here where shade is of great importance to play structures, whether new or existing.
"Darwin City Council faced the same issue with their playground even though theirs was lined by trees."
The council's decision to remove the shade sail came after an ongoing bout of vandalism.
As the council was progressively closing smaller parks with the aim of pouring more resources into the Adventure Play Park, parents were irate.
"After issues regarding continued vandalism damage related to the shade cloths, council has decided to install a solid shade structure, similar to the existing structures already in use at the play park," a council spokeswoman said.
"Katherine Town Council has awarded the design package for the project and has scheduled to release the tender for construction once the development application has been approved.
"Council has listened and understands the need for shade to be provided over the busy park and as such this was accounted for in the 2019/2020 Budget."
Kathryn Slack is a Katherine mother who says she visits the park at least twice per week with her children.
As one of the main dedicated spaces in Katherine for children to play, she said the lack of shade was a huge blow to parents and children.
"I wouldn't let them play in that area because it was just too hot and you can't be sure kids won't take their hats off," she said.
"My boys are getting older and they love climbing.
"Most of the time we get here at about 9am and it is too hot, especially in the wet season."
She said the off-limits swing set left to reach boiling point under the elements was a constant point of contention.
"It is one of the few sets in Katherine and my kids absolutely love them, but we haven't been able to play on them since the shade came down."
The council says the Adventure Play Park will be closed for two weeks, but has not confirmed dates.
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