Harvey Shire ditches unpopular shade sail plan, pledging to rebuild Leschenault playgroup’s shade structure

A South West shire has ditched an unpopular plan to replace a playgroup’s decrepit shade structure with fabric sails after extensive community backlash. The Shire of Harvey has opted to build a new rigid shade structure at Settler’s Hall in Leschenault, after parents and community members rejected the initial plan to erect a shade sail after tearing down the current structure. Earlier this month, the community was angered after the shire deemed Settlers Playgroup Australind’s shade structure unsafe and said it would be destroyed. The hall is managed by the Leschenault Progress Association, owned by the shire, and used by the playgroup. The shade structure was built in 2016 after community efforts which raised more than $30,000. But a shire review recently found rust damage which “could compromise the integrity of the structure, meaning it could not be safely maintained or repaired to meet compliance requirements”, the shire said. The shire initially proposed installing an industry-standard shade sail which would be removed in the colder, wetter months when playgrounds are not typically in high use. However, shire CEO Annie Riordan said the shire had now decided to install a permanent shelter after community members said it was a preferred option. “We understand that sun protection is top-of-mind for local parents and community members, especially now that the weather is getting warmer,” she said. “Many families have shared that permanent shade coverage is a good fit for the Settler’s Hall play area, and the shire has taken this feedback on board. “It’s great to see so many community members engaged in this project, and we want to thank everyone who shared their thoughts and advocated for this solution.” The shire has scheduled the removal and replacement of the existing structure for April-May 2026, so families can continue to use the shaded play area during the summer.