At a recent meeting Maitland councillors voted to transfer the funds from Lena O'Brien Park because it would not yield the best value for money. The funds were allocated for a playground renewal as part of council's 2018/2019 works program.

A recent report said council continues to review locations for a new community facility in the east and to undertake renewal works of the playground may not yield the best value for money as the Tenambit site is still under consideration for the new Eastern Community Facility location. Norm Chapman Oval playground renewal was in the 2019/20 program. Also listed is installation of new exercise equipment. The report said to complete the projects simultaneously on the same site would be better value.

Cr Ben Mitchell said he was initially alarmed but said Norm Chapman Oval it hugely popular and has high visitation.