Hawthorne Park

Hawthorne Park

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Posted 2011-09-09 by Rebecca Lawrencefollow

Who would have thought a children's playground could be so contentious? is causing quite a stir in sleepy, old Hawthorne with mothers up in arms over the new slide that the council recently installed in the otherwise highly welcomed refurbishment of this popular park . Originally the park had only a couple of swings and some bark chips going for it but the all new, singing and dancing, play area has the latest play equipment dividing mothers and driving them to write "Please explain" letters to their local councillor, Shayne Sutton.

What's all the fuss about? A new type of slide which has no sides to it. I will admit that when I first saw it myself I was vaguely horrified as it does not make a good first impression. It always looks to me as if it is sticking its tongue out and after all the commotion, it quite probably is. It is quite steep and offers no safety rails to contain kids as they plummet down its curved surface. It is pictured here being road tested by my four year old.

Councillor Sutton has responded to recent letters by advising that it complies with all recent safety legislation but that it is designed for 5 to 12 year olds. As the evidence before you suggests, this is going to be rather hard to police. The council is also going to put a sign on the fence explaining how the slide should be used which should also alleviate some concerns. It turns out that in fact it isn't a slide at all; it's a 'slalom-glider'. The child is supposed to straddle the slide with legs dangling over the edges to balance themselves – who knew? I've seen plenty of variety in modes of descent but that.

Despite my initial concerns, I have grown comfortable with the big red tongue. It offers the children a challenge which is rare in these days of cotton wool parenting. Unless we present children with some calculated risks to take, how will they grow to be creative or adventurous? I'll be watching with interest once the instructions are put up to see how many children mindlessly follow the diagrams or whether they continue to slither down on tummies, some feet first or headfirst, or just whatever way feels like the most fun!

Marks out of ten
Play items: 9.5
Safety: 9.5 Fence is a great attribute
Sun safety: 9.5
Water bubbler: 6 Set on grass with inevitable swamp underfoot
Toilets: 2 Too far for a toddler in need
Coffee access 8 Several good cafes in walking distance
Parking: 10 Street and car park available

#family
#free
#fun_for_children
#fun_things_to_do
#hawthorne
#kids
#outdoor
#parks
#picnic_spots
#playgrounds
#school_holiday_activities
#southern_suburbs
%wnbrisbane
150885 - 2023-06-14 04:47:00

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