A major report into the future of council parks, pools and playgrounds needs more time for public submissions, according to the Blackheath Alliance.
The alliance has asked council to extend the consultation period beyond December 6, arguing that it didn’t give enough time for the public to consider such a weighty and important report.
Adele Colman, from the town’s Streetscape Committee, said people needed more time to understand the implications of the report, which is a 10-year policy document.
Among the recommendations in the report, apart from the much publicised closure of Katoomba’s outdoor pool, is the closure of six other pools in the region – two toddlers and mid-sized pools at Blackheath, Lawson and Katoomba.
They would be replaced by training courts at Katoomba and by spray pads at Blackheath and Lawson.
These so-called “giant sprinklers” would be of no use in learn-to-swim classes, which are regularly held in the mid-sized pools, opponents have said.
The report also suggests that council can’t afford to keep replacing old play equipment and that 84 per cent of current equipment has only a five-year life span.
It suggests many play needs can be provided by informal means, “particularly through nature play” involving sticks, stones, mulch and other natural materials.
Make a submission at www.bluemountainshaveyoursay.com.au/openspace by December 6.