HALLS Gap playground has reopened after safety concerns caused a temporary closure earlier this month.
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The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, and the Halls Gap Public Crown Reserve Committee of Management closed the playground two weeks ago.
The closure caused outcry on social media, but committee member Murray Wilson said the playground’s closure was the only option.
“Because we’re a tourist town, anytime you want to do work you need to fence off the area, it’s common practice,” he said.
Mr Wilson said the playground was closed to ensure the safety of visitors unaware of works.
The playground was reopened on the Saturday after the management committee spread soft fall in the area and upgraded equipment.
Halls Gap Residents and Ratepayers Association president Paul Turner backed the committee.
He said the playground’s closure was necessary to ensure the safety of residents.
“It’s inconvenient to tourists and to residents, but so are roadworks,” he said.
“Public safety needs to be put first.”
Mr Turner said the playground was not in a disastrous state but concerns had been raised at a number of ratepayer meetings.
“I don’t believe it’s incredibly dangerous but there were safety issues,” he said
“Where little children are concerned it’s always emotive. It requires people to take the matter seriously.”
Gariwerd Motel’s Angeline Martin said the initial closure was a disappointment but the community pulled together to get the playground open in time for school holidays.
“It shows the power of community to get things changed,” she said
“The playground needed changing and in a week it was.”
Ms Martin said the playground was an important draw card.
“Families stop in and have an amazing experience. It’s important to have something available,” she said.
Mr Wilson said the committee would create a strategic management plan for the playground and other areas it managed.