Florence Park playground found unsafe; Public Works to remove structure, replacement prioritized

Garden City Parks and Recreation staff reported that the playground structure at Florence Park has deteriorated to the point it no longer meets modern safety standards and that Public Works will demolish the structure.

At the commission's September meeting staff reviewed findings from joint inspections by Parks and Public Works that identified rust, cracking and loose or unstable fixtures on the playground structure. Staff said there were a few minor reported injuries linked to the equipment and showed photos in the meeting packet of problem areas. Staff told commissioners the swing set is separate from the playground structure and was inspected; staff said the swing set remains in usable condition and will not be removed.

"Public Works department will demolish the current playground structure at Florence Park," staff told the commission, and parks staff said they will move Florence Park's replacement toward the top of the department's project priority list. Commissioners discussed pursuing grant opportunities and working with community partners to fund reconstruction.

Public comment came from Angela Gilbert, superintendent at Tifton Academy, who said the school community uses Florence Park and that Tifton Academy would look for community partnership grants and volunteer opportunities to help with replacement. Gilbert thanked the commission for prioritizing the park and urged timely action to prevent injury.

Staff said they will notify the community before demolition and coordinate timing with Public Works. No formal vote was required; the action reported in the packet and discussed at the meeting is scheduled work by Public Works and operational prioritization by the parks department.