Playground safety concerns are addressed

RUSSELLVILLE — City officials say steps are being taken to improve safety at the playground in City Lake Park after parents raised concerns about damaged equipment.

The park sits next to Russellville High School and is one of several places in the city where families take children to play.

Donnie Flanagan, director of Russellville Parks and Recreation Department, said his department is aware of public concerns and has already taken some action to make the area safer.

“We have removed damaged equipment and put temporary safety measures in place so we will not have to completely close the park,” Flanagan said.

He said the city’s parks are routinely inspected by maintenance staff. Some equipment at City Lake Park had become damaged and needed repairs or replacement.

Flanagan said the department plans to meet with two playground equipment companies to discuss repairs and possible replacements.

“We will know more after those meetings,” he said.

The state of the park became a hot topic after a post on a social media page last week voiced safety concerns. In a comment under the post, Russellville resident Tancie Bendall recognized a piece of equipment despite having not been to the park in years.

“That dino was there when my son started kindergarten and now he has two kids of his own. I would say it is time for a new one,” Bendall commented.

The city owns the parks, but daily operations are handled by Russellville City Schools through an agreement between the city and the school system.

Flanagan said the city provides funding for the department’s operations each year.

“Our budget is applied to all Parks and Recreation Department operations, not just one park and not just one playground,” he said.

The department’s budget was reviewed last year and increased to $900,000 to help cover rising costs and statewide wage increases.

Despite the concerns raised by some parents, Flanagan said he believes the current agreement between the city and the school system is working.

Flanagan said city officials are also looking ahead to future improvements. He said he and Mayor David Grissom have discussed applying for grants that could help replace or upgrade playground equipment at parks across the city.

Flanagan said he understands the concerns parents have about safety.

“I personally apologize that this has been such a time-consuming process,” he said.

He encouraged residents to report maintenance issues so they can be addressed quickly. Community members can report concerns about parks by calling the Parks and Recreation office at 256-332-8770.