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Board hears reports of broken playscape equipment and graffiti at skate park
Summary
Board members reported broken or worn playscape features at Mill Pond Park (zipline bearings missing, cracked plastic climbing piece, worn rocking horse) and fresh graffiti at the skate park; staff said repairs are ordered for a cracked part and committed to inspect and address other concerns before the season.
Board members raised maintenance and safety concerns for Newington parks during the April 21 meeting, pointing to several playscape items at Mill Pond Park that need repair and fresh graffiti at the skate park.
Members said the Mill Pond playscape has multiple issues: the zipline lacks ball bearings and is currently nonfunctional, a plastic climbing feature is cracked, the rocking horse play element is worn, and a steering wheel control is difficult to turn. One board member said she had inspected the features and asked staff to replace or repair parts before the busy season.
Staff responded that the cracked climbing feature had already been ordered and that they would inspect the zipline and other items. On the skate park, staff said tagging is a recurring problem and that power washing is discouraged because the concrete has a protective coating; staff committed to check the new markings and address offensive graffiti while preserving the facility's coating.
Board members asked for timely follow‑up so playgrounds are safe for summer use. No formal motions were made on these maintenance items; staff will handle repairs and report back as needed.
