Parents press Bensalem board for timeline after Cornwells playground torn down
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Summary
Parents described exposed metal and a child injury at Cornwells Elementary and asked when playground equipment will be replaced. District officials said the unsafe structure was removed, interim equipment will be provided, and a third‑party review of elementary playgrounds is planned.
Several Cornwells Elementary parents told the Bensalem Township School District board they are alarmed about playground safety after district staff removed a playground structure the parents said was unsafe.
Angela Hedgepeth, who identified herself as "one of many concerned parents from the Cornwells Elementary School," said staff and other parents posted photos after finding "exposed metal, a broken slide" and said a nephew "fell in the exposed metal steps and needed stitches in his forehead." Hedgepeth asked what the plan and timeline are for a permanent replacement and what interim supervision or equipment will be provided.
The superintendent acknowledged the incident, said the unsafe equipment was removed, and pledged interim play options while the district advances replacement. The superintendent said the business office already has requests for interim apparatus and staff will move "very, very quick" to provide equipment. Board members and staff also said custodians inspect equipment intermittently and the district will commission a third‑party safety review of elementary playgrounds and apparatus.
A parent asked that future playground planning consider children with special needs; another parent urged monitoring and containment measures. Board members said they will reassess surveillance, partner with police as needed, and pursue solutions that can be implemented more quickly than ordering a full playground set.
Next steps: district staff committed to: (1) provide interim apparatus and play equipment at Cornwells; (2) schedule a third‑party safety assessment of elementary playgrounds; and (3) evaluate options for improved monitoring and accessible/sensory play elements. The board did not set a firm replacement date during the meeting.