Several Carson City playgrounds are closed due to vandalism, damage; long repair times prove challenging
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Fri, 06/07/2024 - 3:17pm
For a smaller sized city, Carson City’s 18 playgrounds offers a lot of places to play for local children.
However, due to vandalism and damages, around 40 percent of these playgrounds are or were recently out of commission.
Of the 18 playgrounds in the city, seven are new or have had significant rehabilitation projects associated with them in the past five years according to Parks Director Jennifer Budge.
“Maintenance and construction of playgrounds are a significant expense, with new playgrounds costing well over $500,000 depending on the size and scope of the playground,” Budge said.
Most recently, the city replaced Blackwell’s Pond Park playground for approximately $656,000, which also included landscaping and other site improvements.
“Due to the substantial expense, the city has made significant efforts to reinvest in existing playgrounds where possible, and replacing older playgrounds that are well beyond their useful life.”
The city has used grant funding to replace playgrounds and add inclusive opportunities for users of all abilities, such as the improvements to Ross Gold Park which became the city’s first accessible playground.
However, there are still many playgrounds that are over twenty years old which are frequently vandalized and require closures.
“The older playgrounds are increasingly becoming difficult to locate replacement parts, as they are no longer in stock, often have to be fabricated, causing significant lead time, even for a basic retrofit project or a part replacement,” Budge said.
At times, this has led to a wait time of eight months to up to two years simply to reopen playgrounds that will pass an inspection by a certified playground safety inspector.
“Further, the amount of certified installers for playgrounds are sparse as well, especially in Northern Nevada,” Budge added.
There are currently eight playgrounds that are or were recently closed due to damage and vandalism:
- Mills Park- Slide was vandalized, but the city had a replacement slide that was installed. Playground is open.
- Long Ranch Park- Garden Shop Landscaping recently installed fencing around the playground. Playground is open.
- Park Terrace Park (next to Empire Elementary)- Playground was damaged-replacement parts ordered. Playground is closed.
- Ronald D. Wilson Park-Slide and safety surfacing were damaged-surfacing has been replaced, estimated ship date from the vendor for the slide is June 14th. Playground is closed.
- Governor’s Field- Slide separation and crack in slide (possible vandalism)-replacement slide ordered. Playground is closed.
- Sunland Vista-Slide collapsed (possible vandalism)-replacement slide ordered. Playground is closed.
- Sonoma Park-Swings damaged-swings were removed and replacement swings ordered. Playground is open.
- Riley Circle-Swings had damaged hardware-swings were removed and replacement swings ordered. Playground is open.
When asked how the community can help mitigate the impacts caused by vandalism and damage, Budge said the best way is the old rule of: If you see something, say something.
“Often times frequent misuse of the equipment, creates a piece of equipment to fail overtime,” Budge said. “The public can help through timely reporting.”
With regard to vandalism/misuse, the public can report issues in progress to non-emergency dispatch at 775-887-COPS and a Park Ranger or Deputy will respond.
Please contact the Parks Administration office to report vandalism, broken equipment, or other safety concerns throughout the City’s park system at 775-887-2262.
