(3/12) At its March 8 town meeting, the Woodsboro Town Council voted to move forward with the removal and repair of several pieces of park playground equipment.
Commissioner Dana Crum met with members of Playground Specialist Incorporated to review playground equipment.
A walkthrough of the playground equipment revealed split wood and hardware that needed to be replaced.
It was discovered that several aspects of the playground were not up to safety standards including areas that were not Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible.
Some equipment, including the playground monorail and seesaw were recommended to be pulled out entirely as both were found to be "completely broken and dangerous," Crum said.
Playground equipment was also found to be extremely filthy, and a power wash with Simple Green would be necessary along with stick-pick up before the mulch installation.
A playground inspection sheet should be utilized to detail any repairs, alteration, cleaning, and anything done to the equipment. Officials say playground equipment should be inspected at least twice a year.
It was found that there was so much redundant equipment in the playground that instead of replacing the older equipment with the updated equipment, efforts should be made to identify different options such as including another gaga pit, or simply restoring play areas to grassy areas and benches.
Mulch would also need to be added in several areas after equipment removal. Several areas of equipment have exposed areas of low mulch. "Mulch provides a soft landing for children when they fall off swings or teeter-totters. 97 percent of playground injuries are due to falls," she said.
The council was quick to accept the recommendation of Playground Specialists to explore quotes for mulch installation, "They know safety when it comes to playgrounds," Crum said, adding the organization also holds seminars regarding the care and the wellbeing of parks.
Now is a good time for outside projects before landscaping and mowing needs arrive, Burgess Heath Barnes said.
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