Aging playground equipment removed from Orange park
Published 6:03 pm Friday, November 22, 2024
The merry-go-round at Norwood Park was recently removed due to safety reasons. (Courtesy photo)
A close up of rusted areas and holes near the bars of the merry-go-round. (Courtesy photo)
The spring animal piece of playground equipment at Norwood Park was recently removed due to safety reasons. (Courtesy photo)
The top area of the spring animal has rusted areas and holes. (Courtesy photo)
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ORANGE — The merry-go-round and spring animals had seen better days in the at-least two decades they were in use at Norwood Playground.
But a routine check by the City of Orange Parks Department showed rust and areas considered dangerous.
Late last week the city announced they were removing the two pieces of playground equipment due to safety reasons.
James Lawrence, parks division manager, explained the parks department oversees maintenance of the equipment, inspecting and keeping an eye on the playground equipment.
“If it becomes a danger or can’t be repaired, unfortunately we have to remove it,” Lawrence said. “We don’t just take out the equipment to take it out.”
Lawrence has been with the city for almost 35 years and remembers the merry-go-round being installed at least 20 years ago. The average playground equipment has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years depending on how much use it gets, he said.
Norwood Playground is a small neighborhood park that still features a swing set and slide. There will be discussion in the future on replacing the equipment but that might not occur this budget year.
