Boy keeps dream of swing alive after council says no

However, he is not taking no for an answer. 

Harri sent two different emails to Mandurah council requesting new facilities more suitable for children his age be put in place in McLennan Park, but was left in a limbo after he received no answer.

When contacted for comment, City of Mandurah chief Mark Newman said the City had undertaken a staged upgrade of the playground in 2010 and had no plans to allocate more funds towards an improvement of the space.

“The City has undertaken a staged upgrade of McLennan Reserve with the playground area redeveloped as part of the second stage of the upgrade works in 2010.” he said.

“There are currently no plans or funds allocated for further extension to the play space on this reserve.”

He also said this information had been communicated with Harri and his family in August 5, but the family said they never received an answer.

“The City tries to offer a range of play experiences across over 500 parks and reserves and 110 playgrounds,” Mr Newman said.

“We take pride in being able to provide quality facilities for our community and values the input from people of all ages.”

Harri said he feels disappointed about the City’s refusal but he is not surrendering.

He is currently working on starting a petition along with his friends, to collect signatures of Madora Bay residents both at the local deli and by knocking on people’s doors.

Local member David Templeman has also showed support for Harri’s cause, and he wrote a letter to Mandurah’s council on Harri’s behalf.