Mourad Ficak wants to know when a playground and recreational By Shaun Inguanzo
A COUNCIL reserve with no recreational or leisure facilities has angered Springvale residents who claim they are paying for a useless park.
A small council reserve on the corner of Davis Way and Sandown Road, Springvale, has been vacant for six years since land in the area was subdivided.
Residents in Davis Way, many with young children, say they are frustrated there are no facilities at the reserve.
Ansera Ficak, who has four children, told the Star he moved to the area three years ago because he noticed the reserve just several blocks from his house.
“The real estate agent indicated to me the block was set aside for a playground and council was to do something as soon as possible, and I thought that was fantastic as it was almost next door,” he said.
But after three years of waiting, Mr Ficak and his children had to arrange to travel to facilities at Burden Park and other reserves, forcing him to question the purpose of the nearby parcel of land.
“I am only asking council to build a playground with our money,” he said.
“How would they react if I say I won’t pay for the park because we don’t have (facilities)?
“They get my money and they get away with it, I want to ask them what am I paying for and what do I get in return for my money?”
Fellow resident Li Ye said her son, Richard, could not play at the reserve because, aside from a footpath, the land was bare.
She said elderly residents had nowhere to sit at the reserve, discouraging people from using it.
“Richard is very disappointed,” she said. “He always likes playing, but we say he can’t play on the street because it is not safe.”
City of Greater Dandenong development services director Mal Baker said there were no plans for the land, but due to action taken on residents’ behalf by Springvale North Ward councillor Alan Gordon, it would be considered for review. “It is not possible to place playground equipment on every parcel of council open space,” he said.
“Council has a playground strategy which is reviewed on an ongoing basis.
“This parcel of land has been raised for consideration in future allocations by Cr Gordon and it will be included in the next review.”
