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Council received 110 survey responses and 7 written submissions to this consultation.
The toddler play area at The Canopy is a much-loved community asset that encourages families to spend time in the precinct. However, significant issues exist around hygiene, safety, and inclusivity. The consultation highlighted a divided community: some value the sandpit as essential, while others find it unsuitable. What unites respondents is a desire for a safer, cleaner, and more engaging space tailored for toddlers.
Improve Hygiene & Maintenance: Regular cleaning of sandpit, pest control, leaf/rubbish removal. Consider rubber softfall surfacing instead of natural bark mulch.
Retain the Core Elements: Keep water play but modify design to reduce mess and safety risks.
Expand Toddler-Appropriate Play Options: Add more climbing and swings, modify or replace the slide, and focus on elements which foster sensory play, imagination and creativity.
Update September 2025
Council has removed the sand and replaced it with bark play mulch, allowing for continued play while a complete upgrade is being planned.
Background
The sandpit at The Canopy Playground has been a space for imaginative play and a meeting spot for our community since it opened in 2020.
However, it has become clear that the sandpit is creating broader operational issues for The Canopy facility. Despite our efforts to manage these concerns, the sandpit is causing maintenance issues and is no longer sustainable in its current form.
Council is now looking to redesign the space to reduce the impact that sand is having on The Canopy.
Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support in keeping The Canopy a safe, welcoming and vibrant space for our community.
Council received 110 survey responses and 7 written submissions to this consultation.
The toddler play area at The Canopy is a much-loved community asset that encourages families to spend time in the precinct. However, significant issues exist around hygiene, safety, and inclusivity. The consultation highlighted a divided community: some value the sandpit as essential, while others find it unsuitable. What unites respondents is a desire for a safer, cleaner, and more engaging space tailored for toddlers.
Improve Hygiene & Maintenance: Regular cleaning of sandpit, pest control, leaf/rubbish removal. Consider rubber softfall surfacing instead of natural bark mulch.
Retain the Core Elements: Keep water play but modify design to reduce mess and safety risks.
Expand Toddler-Appropriate Play Options: Add more climbing and swings, modify or replace the slide, and focus on elements which foster sensory play, imagination and creativity.
Update September 2025
Council has removed the sand and replaced it with bark play mulch, allowing for continued play while a complete upgrade is being planned.
Background
The sandpit at The Canopy Playground has been a space for imaginative play and a meeting spot for our community since it opened in 2020.
However, it has become clear that the sandpit is creating broader operational issues for The Canopy facility. Despite our efforts to manage these concerns, the sandpit is causing maintenance issues and is no longer sustainable in its current form.
Council is now looking to redesign the space to reduce the impact that sand is having on The Canopy.
Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support in keeping The Canopy a safe, welcoming and vibrant space for our community.
