Swing and a miss: Anzac Park play equipment gone
ANZAC PARK
Victoria Stone-Meadows
A Port Douglas mother and child were left devastated yesterday when they found a set of swings at Anzac Park had been completely destroyed.
Serena Garretty and daughter Asha, 4, went to the park yesterday afternoon to find the swings had been cut through and removed from the frame.
Ms Garretty said her daughter was distraught when they arrived at the park.
“We caught the bus in from Four Mile specifically to come play on the swings because this is her favourite park,” Ms Garretty said.
“We got here and saw the swings has been completely slashed off.
“I guessed it couldn’t be for maintenance because the chains and rubber have been slashed and wrapped around the top of the frame.
“Asha was crying and really upset about it; I mean, how do you explain something like this to a four-year-old?”
Douglas Shire Council, who is responsible for the upkeep of Anzac Park, confirmed the swings were removed after they were found damaged.
“Council ordered replacement swings after the old equipment was found damaged and unsafe to use,” a Council spokesperson said.
“The total estimated cost is $400, which includes purchase of replacement seats and removal/re-installation.”
Meanwhile, Ms Garretty said she couldn’t believe someone would intentionally damage children’s play equipment.
“I’ve lived here for 24 years and I’ve never seen anything like this,” she said.
“You normally don’t even see as much as graffiti tags around town; it’s really disappointing.”
Port Douglas police confirmed the missing swings were reported to police at 5.30pm yesterday and officers are investigating how they were damaged.