RECENT reports from community members and routine maintenance inspections of playgrounds in Frederickton and Kempsey have forced Kempsey Shire Council to make the difficult decision to remove playground equipment.
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The current play equipment at Frederickton Tennis Courts and at Services Park in Kempsey will be removed on Monday.
Council's coordinator of Civic Services, Katy Rogan, said council acknowledges the removal of the play equipment will be an inconvenience for residents and visiting families.
"Council's recent inspections identified that the equipment at both of these playgrounds had deteriorated rapidly and had reached the end of its lifespan," Ms Rogan said.
"Community safety is paramount and due to the risks the damaged equipment poses council has been forced to remove the equipment as soon as possible.
"The swing sets at both parks will, however, remain in place."
While new playground equipment will be installed in both locations the manufacturing process at this time of year means that it will be the New Year before the freshened playgrounds are operational.
"Playgrounds are one of our most popular assets and the replacement will ensure that our equipment meets Australian standards and is safe for the community," Ms Rogan said.