Residents of St.
Andrew, Bristol have complained that the installation of musical instruments in a nearby children’s park has destroyed their calm and peace.
The local authorities put three bongo drums and a larger version of a xylophone in a bid to renovate the play area for children.
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But it seems the musical instruments have struck the wrong note as people living nearby haven’t really bought the idea. The locals claim that the musical instruments have made the area even ‘too noisy to think.’
The re-opening of the park after two months of construction and other works, was greeted by people with quick responses and criticisms.
Expressing his concerns, resident George Clarke took the matter to social media, saying that he would have appreciated the idea of putting musical instruments in the park only if the park was big enough to contain all the noise they make.
“Whilst respecting a fun idea, I don’t think the park is big enough to be an appropriate setting for permanent noise play instruments,” said Clarke.
“St Andrew’s Park is the only green retreat for the many in areas who don’t have cars or indeed the many who live in flats with no garden.
“Sadly installing permanent noise-making instruments in the center of a small park means there is nowhere for other users or nearby residents to get away from the resulting racket.”
The annoyed man added that the new fitting has put a halt to all other activities that are performed in the park, such as talking to friends, meditating, thinking and even enjoying nature.
He also claimed that the measure will create misconceptions in kid’s minds that it’s okay to ‘dominate with noise and be selfish and less appreciative of the natural environment.’
Clarke suggested that opening a separate music place for children would have been a more appropriate decision than putting a few instruments in the open air.
“I would gladly donate to a music making space for children,” he said. “Most people in favor of this installation drive to the park and then drive off again.
“But for those without a car or who live in a flat, they now can’t go in their only green oasis, which they need for well-being, without getting a headache.
“No-one can get away from the sound of the play installations – although it would be a lovely idea in a more appropriate space.”
While many residents share similar opinions, some believe that there would certainly be ‘noise, fun, and laughter’ in a children’s park.
Commenting on Clarke’s post, Amy Mills wrote: “I think the chimes make a really nice sound. The park is very busy in the day so lots of noise from the kids is expected.”
Another user, Melanie Kenson, said, “It’s great, the park needed this! Let kids be kids and have some fun. They don’t play quietly anyway.”
Paul Tinkler wrote: “Ridiculous. I have never heard these noises and we spend loads of time in the park. Get over it.”
Resident Kate Phelon said such instruments are indeed a ‘nice addition.’
“I was quite surprised that there were complaints about them – it seems like quite an odd thing to complain about, at a children’s play park,” the mother-of-two said.
“There’s been a children’s park there for years, and I can’t believe it wasn’t noisy before the musical instruments were put in.”
The 41-year-old added: “It’s quite a big park, and other people do use it too – but I don’t see why it’s not possible to share the park.
“I’d be surprised if people couldn’t go elsewhere in the park to find a bit of peace and quiet.”
Kate, a project manager, further said that local children including her three-year-old daughter Amy enjoy playing with the instruments.
“She plays around on the xylophone quite a bit. I don’t see how they’re a nuisance at all,” she said.
“The new refurbishments were being eagerly awaited by kids and parents. They’ve upgraded the kid’s climbing frame too. I think the instruments are a nice addition to the park.”
Replaced!