The forced closure of a playground at Austinmer Public School has angered some parents.
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But the school P&C president Vanessa Avery feels principal Lisa Whitfield had little choice but to close the grassed area for safety reasons.
Last week a number of students were injured playing on the playground, known as the field.
The Mercury understands the principal was forced to close the field after an OHS assessment.
"It is a necessity at the moment but P&C are working with the school to find a solution and to move forward," Mrs Avery said.
"We understand it having to happen. The oval has been getting drier and drier and there are more cracks and uneven surface.
"Last week was the pinnacle and there were a number of injuries. The principal didn't really have a choice than to close it for safe playing.
"We definitely understand it as parents. I believe the school and education department are in ongoing discussions to rectify the situation."
It's outrageous that a local public school has to compete in a popularity vote contest, just to get the NSW Education Department to fix facilities so they're functional and safe.
- Austinmer Public School parent
A Department of Education spokesperson said due to lack of rain and heavy use, the area has become unsuitable for running and ball games.
"The school and the department are currently investigating a range of options to improve the area. The school has opened another area at the school for students to play while a solution is found," the spokesperson said.
But one parent, who wished to remain anonymous, was not happy the school had to compete in the My Community Project program to try and get a proper play field.
"We have a school of more than 400 students and they don't have a grass playground to run around on," he said.
"The field was already way too small for the number of students but now it's closed.
"It's outrageous that a local public school has to compete in a popularity vote contest, just to get the NSW Education Department to fix facilities so they're functional and safe."