RESIDENTS have taken mowing council land into their own hands after the grass in a Wodonga park reached about 20 centimetres.
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Dr John Schlink Park, on the corner of McGeoch Court and Schlink Street, is overgrown and resident Shane Carmosin and his neighbours have resorted to mowing a section just so they can walk the dog.
“I’m disappointed the council hasn’t paid attention to this area lately,” he said.
“They are usually great at maintaining it.”
Mr Carmosin said it was a popular playground, often visited by people who didn’t live in the area.
“I have four kids who all play here,” he said.
Katherine Fuller, whose parents live in McGeoch Court, has banned her two daughters from playing at the park.
“My father contacted the council and complained about the grass and they told him they had more important things to do and it wasn’t on their priority list,” she said.
“It’s really quite shocking how long it is because you don’t know what’s in there.
“There could be broken glass or anything and it’s just untidy.
“Dogs are almost disappearing into it.”
Wodonga Council acting chief executive Trevor Ierino said there had been a significant demand on the council’s parks and gardens following the recent rainfall and continued warm weather.
“The council maintains more than 20 hectares of parks and gardens and staff are systematically dealing with extreme grass growth right across the city,” he said.
“There is some time required after significant rain to allow the ground to dry out so mowers don’t become bogged and subsequently destroy the grassed areas.”
Mr Carmosin’s daughter, Teagan, 12, said it was really hard to play in the park in the meantime.
“I’m disappointed because you can’t really do anything while the grass is long,” she said.
Mr Ierino said the council understood the grass had been growing rapidly and urged residents to be patient.
“The council congratulates and thanks the residents for taking the initiative to mow the lawn in the interim,” he said.