BAY parents are pleased Port Stephens Council has taken their concerns about non-shaded playgrounds seriously and are rejoicing that a popular park will soon be safe to use all day.
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The council has started $70,000 of improvements at the Nelson Bay foreshore playground. The work involves erecting shade sails above the equipment.
"This is a long awaited piece of work and we think it will be a great addition to what is an already very popular community asset," council community and recreation co-ordinator Brendan Callander said.
Work on the project began last week, putting a big smile on Nelson Bay mother of two Alexandra Medeiros's face.
Mrs Medeiros started a petition in February to alert the council to parents' growing concerns about many popular parks on the Tomaree Peninsula, including Fingal Bay and Dutchies Beach, being unshaded.
It came after her then one-year-old, Caely, was burned on the side of her leg after going down the slide at the Nelson Bay playground.
"It is exciting that something is finally happening, and that the council is listening," Mrs Medeiros said.
Mrs Medeiros said feedback about the installation of shade sails at the Nelson Bay playground had been mostly positive, although some parents had complained about the cost of works.
She said that while it was a lot of money, they were receiving a sturdy structure which would shade children from the harsh summer sun.
Mr Callander said the playground was closed until Friday, July 25, for the installation of poles and soft fall matting.
It is expected the shade will be up by August 15, weather permitting.