Parents irked over playground misuse

ANGRY parents say Pakenham’s most popular playground has become an unofficial par ty zone for latenight revellers.
They say discarded bottles, wine flasks and other waste is turning the area into a health hazard.
The muchloved adventure playground at the PB Ronald Reserve has long been a central attraction for children and families.
It is a favourite spot for daycare providers who bring up to five children each to the playground every day.
But residents are concerned the area is fast being taken over by hoons who use it as an afterdark meeting place.
They say the littering is getting so bad, some parents no longer take their children to the playground, for fear they may cut themselves on broken glass.
Parents have called on authorities to keep a closer eye on the playground at night.
Pakenham grandmother and family day carer Annette Capuano said park users also wanted people to take more pride in one of Pakenham’s town jewels.
Mrs Capuano is one of many local people who often take children to the park.
“It’s filthy and disgusting all the rubbish.
“You quite often find broken glass and empty wine casks, it takes us all morning to clean it up. There are food wrappers, empty chip packets and beer bottles,” she said.
Margaret Schembri said anybody using the park should take more responsibility for putting their rubbish in the bin.
Windermere Child and Family Services marketing manager Kevin Noonan said the playground’s condition was a concern for many daycare providers.
The adventurebased facility was built in 1999 in an initiative involving Cardinia Shire Council, businesses and the community.
Earlier this year, council revealed plans for an $18,000 upgrade of the playground.
Central Ward councillor Kate Lempriere said it was a concern if community facilities were being misused.
She said council may consider improving lighting to make the playground more visible.
Acting Senior Sergeant Graham Higginbotham said police were keeping a close eye on Pakenham hotspots in a bid to deter under age drinking or other ‘inappropriate’ activity.