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Union Square Playground Is Too Hot
By
Jen Carlson
Published May 24, 2010
Modified May 24, 2010
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By
Jen Carlson
Published May 24, 2010
Modified May 24, 2010
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So much drama in the playground this year! First there was that whole thing about the prison-themed jungle gym in the projects, then over in Brooklyn Bridge Park they installed the world's most dangerous playground, complete with burning metal orbs... and now parents utilizing Union Square Park have some complaints.
According to the NY Post, a new metal climbing dome called The Mountain was unveiled earlier this year as part of a $2.4MM playground in the park, and now that it's getting hotter out, it's scorching children. As 6-year-old Duncan Logley put it: “Ow! Ow! My leg, it burns!”
While Brooklyn Bridge Park installed white tents over the metal orbs there, which must be moved as the sun shifts, this past week workers in Union Square placed yellow caution tape around The Mountain, saying it was off limits due to the heat. A Parks Department rep released a statement later saying a more permanent shade structure would be installed, but some parents believe that will take away from the aesthetic appeal. 43-year-old dad Chris Bierlein told the paper, "it should be up to parents to use common sense and decide whether the play equipment [is too hot]."
Burning metal doesn't seem to be the only design flaw, either—when Mommy Poppins visited the playground, she also noted that "there are three spinning rides in the park. One you dangle from, one you lie on and the third you climb into. These rides challenge you physically as it is actually difficult to hang on to them... how long will it be before someone gets hurt and parents cry for their removal."
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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