Two girls from Faulconbridge think it’s time “Bark Park” in Springwood saw some love, and have decided to take matters into their own hands.
Jasmine Vogel and Olivia Mountain have started a petition, urging Blue Mountains City Council to renovate the park.
Featuring Jasmine’s catchphrase, “Renovate Bark Park, less bark more spark”, the petition has attracted almost 300 signatures in a fortnight.
“Bark Park” is the small play area on Macquarie Road, outside the Early Childhood Centre near the IGA.
Olivia said they would like to see the play equipment updated to include swings and equipment for older kids, while retaining the popular “spinner” and slide.
“It also needs shade over it so we don’t get sunburnt,” she said.
“And replace the bark with grass ’cause when you fall over it hurts and the bark covers up rubbish in there such as glass and cigarette butts.”
The 11-year-olds say it’s important to have a play area that people want to visit, and also can be accessible for anyone with a disability.
Olivia, who is a school captain at Faulconbridge Public School, said while she could see herself doing something creative for a career, and there was also room for activism.
“It’s good because you help your community achieve something,” she said.
The petition is online at: www.change.org/p/blue-mountains-city-council-renovate-bark-park-less-bark-more-spark.
The park is part of the Springwood master plan, where the area is slated for mixed-use development.
A Blue Mountains City Council spokeswoman said a “modest” upgrade was planned later this year, due to the likelihood of the site being redeveloped within five years as part of the master plan.
New play equipment will focus on kids six years and under as they use the park the most, and a combination of bark and rubberised softfall will be used under the equipment, as grass won’t grow due to the high use, the spokeswoman said.
No shade structures are planned, but more plants will be added to the outer perimeter of the park.
“We would welcome the input of the children initiating the petition, and other local kids, at the time we have options for play equipment to consider,” the spokeswoman said.
