Council is encouraging people to make the most of community parklets, following recent littering in Montrose.
Eleven parklets were set up during the pandemic, with funding from the State Government, offering alternative public seating while businesses were operating at reduced capacity, and reducing footpath traffic while encouraging social distancing.
Recently, Council has received reports of littering at some parklets – from people leaving behind food and rubbish.
Montrose Township Group President, Chelsey Cooper, said the parklet in town was a place to be treasured, and had to be treated with respect.
“When we heard the parklet was coming to Montrose, and that it featured beautiful artwork and poetry from locals, we were delighted with the idea. This parklet is another way we can gather together and also celebrate local talent,” she said.
“A small minority of people aren’t treating it with respect and rubbish has been found strewn around the space regularly. Just recently, two locals came by with mops and brooms to tidy it up after a particularly messy evening – they cared that much about this new space, and we are so grateful for them!
“Most locals take a real pride in our town, and we see that through people actively caring for our place. Whether it be official clean up days where the community gathers together to tidy up the town, or when a couple of friends or family members venture out with a bag to pick up items, there are so many locals who show they care about our town.
“It’s a good reminder to all of us that we all have a responsibility to make it a place we can feel proud of.”
While the community parklets were an aspect of Council’s pandemic recovery response, the long-term benefits of the spaces are valued by community members and businesses alike.
Walling Ward Councillor, Len Cox, said he was excited to see the community using the space, but encouraged community members to take their rubbish with them.
“Parklets are a popular place to linger over a takeaway coffee or share a takeaway meal, while still enjoying the local ambiance and atmosphere of the town,” he said.
“These community spaces are there to be enjoyed responsibly, and with respect to all community members that access the space.
Councillor Cox said that although the parklets are designed to be moveable, and other townships are interested in having a parklet in their community, he was committed to supporting the Montrose community to keep the space.
“Council has increased the number of visits to the area by the Infrastructure Team to assist with regular cleaning and is installing a third rubbish bin in the location. We encourage the whole community to value this space, keep it clean and keep it in Montrose.”
Ms Cooper said the Township Group was also hopeful the parklet will stay in Montrose.
“The parklet is a lovely addition to our town, and it has the potential to stick around throughout summer so we can enjoy it over the warmer months too. But if we don’t care for it, it will go – as will the local colourful artwork and poetry. If we can all take a moment to remind ourselves and each other we are all responsible for caring for our town, perhaps this parklet can remain a clean and safe space for us to gather for months to come.”
