Maryborough vic 3465

Dear Maryborough Council,

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the parenting space, "The Nest," located within the Maryborough Library. As a parent of a toddler, I have utilized this space in hopes of fostering community connections and providing a safe environment for my child. Unfortunately, recent experiences have raised significant concerns about its safety and suitability.

The current setup, which requires the internal doors to remain open, poses numerous hazards. While intended to address safety concerns, this arrangement actually increases risks. Children can easily exit through the automatic doors, potentially endangering themselves in a busy library environment. Additionally, the presence of loose stones within the play area raises safety issues, as they can cause injury to children or damage to surrounding structures.

Moreover, the open access allows children to wander among patrons, leading to safety risks involving the community pantry and restrooms. This situation is particularly distressing for parents of children with disabilities, as I have spoken with a mother whose child frequently runs out due to the open doors, forcing her to discontinue using this space.

We parents seek a respite from the challenges of parenting and look to this facility as a supportive environment where we can connect with one another while our children play safely. However, the current conditions often leave us anxious and distracted, undermining the very purpose of the space.

To enhance safety and make the space more welcoming for families, I propose the following improvements:

Close the internal doors and install push-button entry and exit systems similar to those on the external doors.

Extend the white fencing to provide a secure play area.

Install additional shelving for changing supplies to keep them out of reach of toddlers.

We believe these changes will significantly improve the usability of The Nest and restore its intended function as a safe and enjoyable space for families.

I urge the council to take these concerns seriously and consider our suggestions to make this space truly beneficial for the community. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Kody Parker.