It remains a mystery why the playground has been able to operate so long without what would seem a fairly basic requirement. 

Thousands of children use the playground every year and summer temperatures in Bathurst regularly top 30 degrees Celsius. 

But it’s not even the danger from the sun that most concerned parents at the park. 

They know to protect their children with sunscreen, but there is little that can be done when a toddler runs off and climbs on a scorching hot piece of metal equipment. 

The Western Advocate has reported on at least two toddlers who have been badly burnt, yet it has taken almost two years for council to respond. 

Molly Connor was burnt early last year by the metal roundabout at the playground that had been baking in the summer sun.

And 12 months later, two-year-old Briannah Honeysett suffered second degree burns to her arms and legs on the same piece of equipment.

On both occasions we have been told that shade for the adventure playground would only become a priority when the budget allowed. 

That response to an entirely predictable problem was never good enough, but at least now we are to see some action. 

Work will finally start today on installing the new shade cloth and it will be ready well before summer arrives. 

That’s good news for parents and children who will again flock to what is a great asset for the Bathurst community. 

This paper said back in February that there was a simple solution to stop children being burnt at the playground.

We’re pleased to see council is finally taking that advice on board.