Background

Lucretia Park is a much-loved green space enjoyed by local residents and families, and also serves as a corridor to the beautiful Coogee Maritime Trail and Omeo Shipwreck.

Unfortunately, the playground has been identified as a safety risk due to the extreme heat of the rubber ground surface, particularly in the summer months. The City wants to ensure playground users stay safe and that the park continues to meet the needs of our community.

The City has explored a range of heat-reducing options; however, due to the nature of the site, they are not viable. Soft-fall mulch or sand cannot be used due to the high wind in the area. The playground is located on a concrete tank, approximately 60cm below the rubber surface, which means installing shade sails requires a more engineered approach.

We’re now seeking your feedback to help the City decide on the future of the playground at Lucretia Park.

There are two possible solutions:

1. Modify the existing shade structure - Reduce pole height from 6.7m to 4.5m, install light natural-tone sails, and remove the upper horizontal frame and instead use the existing lower poles. The aim is to minimise visual impact while reducing heat.
2. Remove the playground equipment and shade structure - The area would be planted out with landscaping. The existing playground on the lower, western side of Lucretia Park will remain. The City will also investigate other nearby reserves as potential locations to reuse the playground equipment.

Your feedback will help the City decide the best course of action.