Cobourg's playgrounds will be vetted

Proposed playground. File photo

By Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News

Conveying concerns she has heard from constituents and parents, Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty brought a notice of motion at this week's special meeting of Cobourg council to have the town's playgrounds vetted.

“I had consulted with staff in drafting this, and I just want to ensure this is elements of safety, not zeroing in on any one threat to safety we have had,” Beatty said.

She left the date for the assessment's completion blank, and staff agreed that to bring it back in the spring would be appropriate – there's no rush at this time of year, and changes could be well on their way by the time the playgrounds are in use again.

“I agree we can bring that back in the spring,” Interim Director of Community Services Jason Johns said.

“Inspections are done monthly on the playgrounds on a regular basis. If staff notice something in between, we make a repair.”

The motion called on staff to review the current safety conditions of the beach playground, and the other playgrounds within the town; to provide recommendations on potential fencing options that maintain public access while improving safety and visibility; and explore options for the removal or modification of certain playground features that might result in safer play environments.

Johns did wonder if fences would detract from the open and inviting feeling they like for their playgrounds but said “we can explore options”