A concerned resident, Peter King of Ashburton, has raised alarm over the potential drowning risk at a Tinwald playground situated near stormwater drainage.
The Ashburton District Council has acknowledged the issue and is actively seeking a resolution.
King, who typically avoids making waves, emphasized the importance of addressing the safety concerns before a tragedy occurs.
Following heavy rainfall in early June, King noted that two swales at the playground site were still filled with water, posing a significant hazard.
The Proctor Park playground was unveiled in December as a replacement for the Grove Street Park, which was closed in 2022 for the construction of the Ashbury Grove subdivision.
The decision to relocate the park was part of a public consultation process conducted by the district council in 2021.
Expressing his discontent, King questioned the decision to place the playground in such close proximity to the stormwater drainage, emphasizing the potential danger it poses.
Neil McCann, the general manager of infrastructure and open spaces, confirmed that there is no legal requirement to fence off the stormwater facilities but acknowledged the need to address the drainage issue at Proctor Park.
McCann explained that the high groundwater levels have led to the swale requiring a pump system to drain excess water after heavy rainfall. He reassured that measures are being taken to improve the situation.
Despite the challenges, McCann stated that the location of the infrastructure was carefully considered during the planning and engineering process, with the swales typically being compatible with green space usage such as playgrounds.
He highlighted that the contractor responsible for managing the pump system promptly addresses any water accumulation following a rain event.
LDR provides local body journalism supported by RNZ and NZ On Air.
