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Raleigh Story



Parents Want Roanoke Park Toys To Stay Put

Credit: AP Online
RALEIGH, N.C. -

Some Raleigh parents say the city is taking away too much from a community park.

Roanoke Park is surrounded by houses, and from them, come dozens of toys parents leave at the park for everyone to share. Kerry Hazen said her son loves the variety.

"He has a blast down there, gets to try out toys that we might not necessarily want to buy and have at home," Hazen said.

The treasure trove of cars and playhouses is a haven for Easter Maynard's three children. She said neighbors work hard to keep the toys safe.

"It's a real community feel. I think it's a real old-fashioned neighborhood and we have a really special thing here," Maynard said.

That community camaraderie and trust was going well parents say, until Raleigh Parks and Recreation placed a sign in the park asking parents to remove all toys by August 15.

"It's now the talk of the neighborhood. Everybody is really disappointed, really frustrated that the city has decided to take the toys away," Maynard said.

Raleigh Parks and Recreation's Scott Payne said the department is following guidelines set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission by clearing the ground, or "fall zone," of toys.

"Leaving toys in the middle of that fall zone creates potential for a child to strike a hard surface rather than the safety surface underneath," Payne said.

An accident could be grounds for a lawsuit according to Payne. He said the city will remove any toys left at park after August 15.

"Our only option after discussing with the city attorney's office is to post a sign and to notify the community," Payne said.

Some parents said they beg the city to reconsider.

"It's just kind of sad that the kid's safety can't be entrusted to the parents who are here supervising them rather than having someone else set rules for us," Hazen said.

 

Comments

  • By Helen Tart on 09/11 09:24 AM

    So can I sue the the city because I hurt myself on the broken glass that they allow to remain in the park near my house?

    I wish they would spend some time removing that hazard before spending all this time on toys.

    My understanding is that people use city parks at their own risk…

  • By Heather on 08/12 06:48 PM

    While they are worrying about safe guarding the “fall zone” why don’t they make sure to pick up all the rocks and sticks… leaves are slippery when wet too. Heck, they should just pad the place with cotton balls. Kids fall down. They get scraped, they bleed, they cry. Let the parents do their job and worry about bandaging the boo-boos.

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