Hi, I'm new to this chatroom game - please be patient with me!
My local park in Harrow has recently added an outdoor gym, which is free for everyone to use and generally a great idea, except the location. Most of the equipment is suitable for age 12+ , however it has been installed right in the middle of the fenced off children's play area (inbetween the see-saw and climbing frame) which is meant to be for under 12's.
There are many safety issues that this has raised - children climbing on moving equipment, childless adults and teenagers coming into the play area, teenagers smoking and using foul language, area very busy - difficult to keep an eye on more that 1 child if they're on opposite sides of the play area, extra litter and broken bottles.....I could go on!
Many parents of young children have concerns over it's location and I have a petition going (100+ signatures so far) to have it re-located to a more suitable place within the park. So far the council have said they may consider fencing in the gym within the play area but not moving it.
I'd like to hear more opinions please, do you have one of these gyms in your park? Is it in the children's play area? Are you happy with it? How does a fenced off area in the middle of a play area sound to you? Also I'd appreciate any advise on dealing with council!
Thank you, I know this is a bit long.....I have a lot to say on the subject!