To write to the council about new steps at the playground?

[christmasmum]

I probably AM being unreasonable but just wanted to gather opinion!

The council have put some new steps in at the playground to reach the top of a small hill where there is a long slide. The playground has all the usual safety stuff like rubber flooring and bark chips etc but the new steps are made of concrete with steel front edges.

When my DD was at the childminder they went to the park, she slipped going up the steps and landed badly, biting through her lip and knocking both front teeth back. I went to the dentist and the trauma of the fall has killed one of her teeth and they're both wonky now - there's also no way of knowing if the damage has gone to her adult teeth until they come in.

Now I know accidents happen and at least it is only a baby tooth but I'm a bit concerned about other kids doing the same thing - seems a bit daft to install concrete and steel steps? Aagh, I AM being unreasonable aren't I?? Loads of slides have metal steps etc... just cross that she's obviously really hurt herself and now has one black tooth!!

[squeakytoy]

Not sure really what other material they could use. Wood is not has hard, but is also very slippy in wet or icy weather. Other materials would not be as hard wearing. As you say accidents happen, and children have to also learn to take care.

[AuntiePickleBottom]

they could perhaps put some out door banisters, so the children have something to hold onto.

[troisgarcons]

Usually they have dug out steps with wooden fronts and bark chips in or they line the steps with stuff similar to the rubber flooring.. Ours has a wooden ramp with half logs and a rope hanging down so the kids can pull them selves up.

Kids will have accidents and it doesnt matter how many preventions you put in place.

[spiderpig8]

Are they more dangerous than regular concrete steps? I don't know how old your DD is but presumably you don't ban her from carpark stairwells etc where there are concrete steps?

[aliceliddell]

Our park just took the grass off the hill by tnhe slide and put footholds in lined with the rubber flooring stuff. Only just done it, so how long will it last?

[Iggly]

I'd complain TBH. those steps sound horrible! Hope your DD was ok.

Why didnt they just leave the hill?