Christchurch City Council to Demolish Popular Playground Without Community Consultation

The Christchurch City Council plans to demolish the beloved Thomson Park playground in New Brighton due to safety concerns, replacing it with a smaller plastic play structure without consulting the community. The decision has triggered outrage among residents, prompting a petition with over 1,000 signatures calling for a more suitable replacement.

The playground failed a safety check in December due to rotting support posts and rusting hardware. However, the proposed replacement is unacceptable to the community, according to Coastal Ward community board member Alex Hewison, who initiated the petition. Hewison argues that the "cookie cutter" replacement plans do not reflect the needs of the community, as the existing playground was a destination playground used by schools, after-school programs, and community groups.

Why this matters: The lack of community consultation and the plan to replace a well-used, larger playground with a smaller, less suitable structure has broader implications for how councils engage with and serve their constituents. The strong community response emphasizes the importance of involving residents in decisions that directly impact their neighborhoods and recreational spaces.

The council claims the replacement is a "like-for-like" renewal, but Hewison disagrees, stating that the new playground is significantly smaller. "The proposed replacement is unacceptable to the community," Hewison said. The petition, which has garnered over 1,000 signatures, will be presented to the council on Monday.

Playground Protest: The Thomson Park playground has been a popular destination for families, schools, and community groups in New Brighton. The decision to demolish and replace it without proper community consultation has left residents feeling disregarded and frustrated. As the petition gains traction, the Christchurch City Council will need to address the community's concerns and consider a more suitable replacement that meets the needs of the neighborhood.

Key Takeaways

• Christchurch City Council plans to demolish Thomson Park playground due to safety concerns.
• Proposed replacement is smaller, less suitable, and lacks community consultation.
• Over 1,000 residents signed a petition calling for a more suitable replacement.
• Community argues the replacement does not reflect their needs and usage of the park.
• Council's decision highlights the importance of involving residents in neighborhood decisions.