Resident urges city action after playground slide missing for two years; council pledges follow‑up

Tracy Moss, a St. Albans resident at 2636 Morell Avenue, told the council during the June 1 public forum that a playground at the corner of Furong Avenue has had a missing slide for roughly two years and poses a safety hazard.

"This slide has been missing for 2 years," Moss said, and she described a nearly 9‑foot drop where the slide was removed and damaged footing that she said does not meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission's public playground safety guidance. Moss said she had reported the issue to parks and recreation on June 5, 2025 and included photos for council review.

Moss also reported repeated tree failures and debris in green space between Royal Avenue and the railroad near her home that she said have not been fully cleared, creating standing water and mosquito breeding risks. "It's piling on that side there and allows water to get trapped and it's becoming a mosquito breeding farm," she told council members.

Mayor James asked public works staff to address limb and tree removal; a staff member identified as John Boy replied, "Yeah, I have," when asked to take care of the limbs and trees. Council staff member Kevin offered to speak with Moss after the meeting to collect details and coordinate follow‑up.

What’s next: The mayor asked staff to review the photos Moss provided and to follow up on playground repairs and green‑space clean‑up. Moss asked for clarity about which department is responsible; council members directed staff to take immediate steps to evaluate the playground and address hazardous trees.

The transcript does not record a specific repair timeline or an estimated cost for replacement of the missing slide or surfacing.