Residents rally to defend Epsom playground

The Melbury Court playground could be removed as part of the Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan which was adopted it in July, 2018.

The plan also proposes to develop nearby park spaces in Botanical Drive and Greenview Circuit.

A letter sent by council to residents in the Melbury Court and Goynes Road area said the proposed changes to the three play spaces could be discussed at a listening post on Wednesday night.

"The City of Greater Bendigo is proposing to renew the play spaces located in Botanical Drive and Greenview Circuit and close and remove the old play space located at 6A Melbury Court," the letter reads.

"Given the close proximity of the play spaces at Botanical Drive, Greenview Circuit and the nearby Bendigo Botanic Gardens it is recommended to remove the play space at Melbury Court as it is now at the end of its useful life."

RELATED: Strathfieldsaye, Kennington playgrounds slated for removal

Nearby resident Lachlan O'Toole has started rallying his neighbours in support for the playground ahead of the listening post.

"Everyone is pretty positive about trying to keep it," he said. "I'm worried if they take playground, they might take the space all together. We'll go over on Wednesday see what they have to say.

"There's nothing wrong with (the equipment) other than it being a bit faded. Nothing seems to to be broken or anything.

"That's one thing that is annoying, (council) said it's not useful but that's wrong - it is very useful."

City of Greater Bendigo coordination of public space design Aaron Lindsay said the area of Epsom between Melbury Court and Greenview Circuit had three play spaces in close proximity.

"The City's Public Space Plan (2018) aims to provide a more even and higher quality distribution of park and play space facilities across the municipality and locate Neighbourhood play spaces within walking distance (500 metres) of residents," he said.

"Botanical Green currently has a basketball hoop this is proposed to be upgraded to a larger practice court which will also include a netball pole and soccer goal.

"Greenview Circuit includes a combination play unit, central grassed area, picnic facilities, path network and shade sails. It is proposed to install some multi-use goal posts within the central lawn area."

The City of Greater Bendigo manages 134 publicly accessible play spaces.

"Regular condition assessments are undertaken every two years to determine when play spaces are renewed," Mr Lindsay said.

Community consultation closes on Friday, November 8 with a decision to be made later in November.

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