Kids' play tractors are going nowhere

The tractors in the old playground in Queen Elizabeth Park will be saved, to the delight of parents, when the rest of the playground is demolished next month.

Masterton District Council parks and facilities manager Grant Hathaway said the swings in the old playground were removed last month after it was discovered they were dangerous as the supports were pulling apart.

He said the rest of the playground - which has been there for 20 to 30 years - would be pulled down and this was likely to happen in the next month.

"It is at the end of its life, however the play experience it provided is repeated within the Kids Own area," he said.

Mr Hathaway confirmed the tractors would remain in place and the area would be used for picnic tables and seating.

He said council were still negotiating the cost with suppliers but it would remain within the maintenance budget.

Masterton mum Jess Bates brings her children to the park weekly to use the playground.

She noticed the missing swings and said they "didn't look dangerous".

Ms Bates said it would be a shame to see the rest of the playground go. "That's the only part we have left of the old park."

She hoped they would keep the tractors, a favourite of her 4-year-old son, Jayden.

Wellington mum Ngaire Raikabula visits the park regularly when she brings her children to see their grandparents.

She said the playground was a "great space" but saw some merit in the idea of using it as a picnic area.

"I think they should keep the tractors - especially since we're a small farming community. It's pretty unique to Wairarapa."