NEW signage will soon be displayed at the 25 playgrounds and skate parks across the Wattle Range area.
The signs advising COVID-19 protocols including social distancing are necessary before the facilities can reopen after several weeks of closure.
South Australia chief medical officer Professor Nicola Spurrier gave the conditional green light on the weekend and council has since moved quickly.
Council has engaged the services of Millicent signwriter Matt Cockrum and he is set to burn the midnight oil to ensure the mandated signs can be put in place.
As a father of four youngsters who range in age from 14 to two, Mr Cockrum knows full well the value to families of such recreational facilities.
The order from council has been welcomed by Mr Cockrum, whose business slowed when the COVID-19 restrictions took hold in March.
He has operated Cocky’s Signs for the past 15 years in partnership with his wife Tam.
With sporting clubs’ sponsors signs forming a significant part of his regular business, Mr Cockrum was only working one day per week.
“I am back working full-time,” Mr Cockrum said.
“There has been the council work, signage at the windfarms and some real estate work.”
The COVID-19 crisis has caused the suspension of sport and so Mr Cockrum is unable to umpire football, drive competitive go-karts with his eldest son Noah or be involved with the executive committee of the Mid South East Junior Football League.
However, his other community involvement continues unabated as he is on call 24/7 as a volunteer firefighter with the Millicent Brigade of the Country Fire Service.
“I have been with the CFS for the past 25 years and I am still ready to man the fire truck,” Mr Cockrum said.
