Athens council debates safety, shade for community-center playground replacement

Council members and residents on June 1 debated a proposal to replace the pre-K playground behind the Athens Community Center, focusing on safety, accessibility and high surface temperatures. Member Swank, who led the committee discussion, said the existing equipment is deteriorated and that the city needs an accessible surface, but warned that some surfacing options run very hot in sun.

"We need to replace this playground," Member Swank said, describing photos of rusted equipment and structural deterioration. He also relayed an on-site temperature check and warned the surface could reach levels that would burn skin in seconds, arguing the project should include shade.

Director Stone said the administration favors an artificial-turf accessible surface because it is easier to repair and maintain than pour-in-place rubber surfacing. He told council staff intend to install a shade structure either within this appropriation or shortly afterward, and said if council would appropriate about $20,000 more the administration could use that to buy and install a shade sail or similar structure.

Supporters of the project — including users of the child development center and members of the Recreation Advisory Board — told council the playground is currently unsafe and inaccessible. Dr. Emily Guzman, who identified herself as a member of the Recreation Advisory Board and a pediatric exercise physiologist, said restoring an accessible play surface matters for young children's motor development: "Early childhood is a critical period for development of fundamental motor skills," she said, urging council to approve replacement while ensuring accessibility and caregiver access.

Other residents said the playground is the only fully fenced option for very young children and that delaying replacement risks leaving families without a safe nearby play area. Some council members said a fall construction timeline would avoid the hottest months and would allow time to add shade before the next summer.

Council did not take a final vote on the ordinance at the meeting. Members asked the administration to provide line-item cost estimates and a firm price for a shade structure before third reading, scheduled after the recess; the committee chair indicated the council will revisit an amendment to add shade funding when those numbers are available.

The proposal remains under council consideration; staff said they would return with detailed estimates and options for shade and surfacing at the next scheduled reading.