Hello! My name is Sheridan. I have lived in Clifton Springs with my husband, raising our four children since March 2013. Accessing much of our community on foot has been a challenge to say the least. Particularly in those early days after having each of our babies, for one main reason – the lack of footpaths.
I used to try to get out and walk, with my children in the pram, for exercise and to clear my head a few times a week. But when I would push the pram or stroller over uneven and/or uncut lawns, and around various obstacles on the nature strips, the wheels would get stuck, my arms would get sore. I often needed to walk on the road, which felt unsafe with little ones and a dog. This made walks stressful and eventually something I didn’t do as often. I occasionally loaded us all into the car, with the pram, nappy bag, snacks, drinks, etc. This was fun, but a lot more work. It took a couple of hours out of my day and more of my head space at a time where I had very young children, was studying, and running a household and working part time. Juggling these priorities, meant the option of loading us all into the car often got bumped.
Most days, I just wanted to be able to put the kids in the pram, and start walking for a half hour or so, and then get back home to do all the other things I needed to do that day. But that just didn’t feel safe. So, I generally avoided it. This negatively impacted both my mental and physical health.
As an occupational therapist, I am passionate about supporting people of all ages and abilities, to safely accessing and engage in the community. I would like to feel safe while walking with my children and our dog in our community. I want for our elderly, wheelchair and motorised scooter users, parents with prams, kids on foot, bikes or scooters to access our lovely community safely as pedestrians. I wonder how many of you avoid walking in our community, choosing to stay at home because of the lack of safe and accessible paths?
Sheridan, Clifton Springs
Member: Footpaths for Health Advocacy Group
Email: office@springdale.org.au
