(Editor’s note: for background, see the Lincoln Squirrel, June 18, 2014.)
To the editor:
After careful review and consideration, the Parks and Recreation Department is sad announce the permanent closure and removal of the Strat’s Playground on Ballfield Road.
In April 2014, the department authorized a safety inspection of the Playground. The resulting report cited a number of ADA violations and hazards ranging from minor infractions to major safety concerns that may result in death or permanent injury.
In addition to the hazards cited in the inspection, other deficiencies exist. Most notably, the playground is constructed of pressure treated lumber, which contains a pesticide that requires the entire playground be sealed every few years at significant cost. Additionally, Strat’s design is suitable for children ages 5-12, but since it is adjacent to two preschools it sees limited use and is no longer a good fit for its location. And lastly, with the changing nature of safety codes and the limited lifespan of wood products, this playground has become prohibitively expensive to maintain. Taking this all into account, it became apparent that there would be no way to address these deficiencies in a way that is fiscally or programmatically responsible.
These deficiencies do not reflect a lack of quality in the playground, but rather the inevitable effect of time. Strat’s was a state-of-the-art facility when it was installed in 1989 and has served as a well-loved community centerpiece and memorial to the late Michael Stratton.
The playground will be removed in the next few weeks and the Parks and Recreation Committee now plans to spend some time considering alternative uses for the space. We invite interested parties to join the process by contacting our office at 781-259-0784. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Daniel Pereira
Parks and Recreation Director
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