Vandals have wreaked havoc on a newly renovated $250,000 Market Square Playground, which was scheduled to open to the public this week.

Naracoorte-Lucindale Council confirmed damage to the newly fitted equipment, including the soft flooring.

Council CEO Trevor Smart told this newspaper [Naracoorte Community News] that the repair works would come at a cost to the ratepayers and the community, and the opening of the recreational facility will be delayed while the soft-fall areas are replaced.

Mr Smart said the council was looking at expanding CCTV coverage at specific sites in the area to curb the issue of vandalism and apprehend vandals.

“We already have some CCTV coverage and will be looking to expand our coverage at specific sites.

This had bought us some success in apprehending vandals (through SAPOL),” Mr Smart said.

“If vandals are identifiable, they will be referred to SAPOL. We also rely on our community to provide information on damage caused, if possible, as ultimately, any damage comes at a cost to our ratepayers and community.”

The South Australia Police recorded a total of 12 crime-related incidents for Naracoorte for the month of May.

Meanwhile, Mr Smart confirmed the upgrade work at the popular play spot focused on equipment replacement that was past its useful life and had deteriorated over time.

“There are a few new features, and this will add to what is one of our premier playground facilities, which is utilised to a significant level by the community and visitors alike.

“This project has a budget of just over $250,000.”

He said over the past few years, the council has undertaken upgrades or added new recreational facilities in the following areas:

• Frances Walking Trail $20,000
• Lucindale Centenary Park $300,000
• McTernan Park, Naracoorte $170,000
• Naracoorte Swimming Lake upgrades $387,000 budgeted for FY 2023/24
• Barclay Park, Naracoorte $48,000 budgeted for FY 2023/24
• Leicester Park, Naracoorte $4,910 budgeted for FY 2023/24
• Frances BMX Track $60,000 budgeted for FY 2023/24
• Caves Trail
• Naracoorte Creek Trail

Mr Smart confirmed that the council has not earmarked any new recreational areas for development in the district at this stage.

This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.