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Video: Evil Battery Park Tire Swing To Be Reinstalled


By

Christopher Robbins

Published Jul 11, 2011

Modified Jul 11, 2011


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DOT reps examine the intricacies of the tire swing, via Tribeca Trib

 


By

Christopher Robbins

Published Jul 11, 2011

Modified Jul 11, 2011


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We knew that Wiffle ball and freeze tag were the silent killers of the playground, but there's another menace that will spark your child's whimsy, earn their trust then strike them down onto the cruel mulch below. Of course, we're referring to tire swings, and one located in Battery Park City's West Thames Park claimed two tiny victims last year, who "sustained large lumps" after bumping their heads against a wooden beam that supports the swing. Naturally, parental grousing cured the problem, and the swing was taken down until the problem was remedied. Now, the swing is back: DNAinfo reports that it will be re-installed "within the next four to six weeks." Can anyone think of a reason not to keep your child in one of these hermetically sealed bubbles until they're 18?

"Any child can get hurt on any piece of equipment," says CB 1 member Anthony Norato, who is obviously pro-large lumps. "We haven't seen any significant danger yet." The State DOT built the park for $9 million, and ensured that the swing met the manufacturer's specifications before CB 1 decided to reinstall it. The swing's design is similar to ones found in Central Park and all over the city. You can see horrifying video of the tire swing in action (barely SFW) below and read more details here:

Tagged

battery park city

danger

hide your kids

lumps

manhattan

playgrounds

protect your wee ones

tire swing


Christopher Robbins

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Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.

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