A PLAYGROUND that closed suddenly last year has prompted community backlash and a petition demanding the shire address safety concerns and reopen it.
The Koopalanda Reserve playground on the corner of Beauford Road and Koopalanda Close in Red Hill South was established over 40 years ago as a requirement of the original subdivision.
Residents state it was closed “without notice” last year after the shire deemed the equipment had become unsafe.
“Playgrounds personify the heart of local communities; they are meeting places where people gather to talk, unwind and celebrate. Above all playgrounds are places where children can thrive, learn and play,” said resident Ian Coffey.
The shire is believed to be in the process of assessing the status of the playground but residents claim they have not been consulted.
Residents have initiated a petition urging the shire to prioritise the renewal of the playground reserve.
A shire spokesperson told The News “The Koopalanda Playground was closed after inspections found the equipment had reached the end of its life and no longer met safety standards”.
“Root intrusion from surrounding mature trees has also made the site unsafe and cannot be addressed without harming significant vegetation.
“Funding for the replacement at the current location or nearby will be considered in the coming months as part of the FY27 budget process.”
The petition can be found at: change.org/RenewKoopalandaPlaygroundReserve
First published in the Mornington News – 31 March 2026
