A pop-up park proposed for West Footscray has been given a thumbs down by the community.
Maribyrnong councillor Catherine Cumming floated the idea of the temporary park in Blandford Street, linking Martin and Shorten reserves, in September.
But a report to Tuesday’s council meeting showed only one in five residents and park users supported the plan.
Three options were floated, costing from $20,000 to $200,000.
Just 18 of 93 emailed submissions and a survey form backed the park, with Footscray West Primary School among 75 objectors.
Those in support cited such benefits as reducing traffic and creating a quiet and social space amid busy streets.
Reasons against the plan included traffic impacts, loss of parking spaces, safety for children around the school drop-off zone, and proximity of existing parks.
Some people supported a West Footscray pop-up park, but at a different location.
“There was significant community concern about a proposed pop-up park in Broadford Street West Footscray,” the report found.
“It is recommended that at this stage Council not proceed further with the proposal for a temporary pop-up park at Blandford Street, West Footscray.”
Meanwhile, sustainable development director Nigel Higgins says the council is still searching for an alternative site for a pop-up park in Footscray’s CBD after deciding against using the Paisley Street carpark, as originally proposed.
“During the construction of the Little Saigon project all public car parks in Footscray are in short supply,” he said.
“An alternate location in Footscray for the pop up park activity is being investigated.”
The council approved $120,000 for “pop-up park” activity in the 2015-16 budget.
