Friday 15 May 2015
Media Enquiry from Guernsey Press:
We are aware that red tape and cones have been placed on some equipment at the new playground at Saumarez Park in the last two weeks.
Would the department be able to explain why this has been placed there?
Was it following an accident? If so, what happened and when?
Will any parts of the playground be modified in light of any safety concerns?
Any other comments.
Environment Department Response:
The overhead bars (sometimes referred to as monkey bars) have been temporarily closed off to enable modifications to be done to reduce the impact of a fall from the top of the bars. If used for the purpose for which they are designed ie crossing the bars by hanging down from below the rungs, the bars meet the necessary safety standards as defined in EN1176. However following reports that children were climbing on top of the bars this item of equipment has been closed off as a precaution.
The overhead bar section will remain closed off until further notice whilst consideration is given to how the fall risk from the top of the bars can be reduced.
Other points:
The design of the principal components such as the play ship, swings and basket swing have gained TUV certification which means they meet European safety standards in terms of the design of the equipment. All equipment has been subject to interim and post installation safety inspections by the Children's Play Advisory Service (CPAS). CPAS is an independent consultancy which inspects all public playgrounds in the island annually.
Parents are reminded that this particular phase of the playground has not been designed for free play by toddlers but rather aimed at challenging play for junior aged children. Therefore any toddler playing on the equipment requires careful supervision from parents.
The first phase of the playground was opened to the public on 7th March 2015. The overwhelming response from users, parents and guardians has been very positive.
Contact Information:
Environmental Services Unit
Environment Department
Tel: 717200
