Move on playground sand
In a report to an adjourned motion submitted by Cllr Fiona McLoughlin Healy, Simon Wallace of the Parks Department outlined how decisions were made on what kind of surface should be used in playgrounds.
The issue had been raised on behalf of families in Kilcullen who use the playground, and Kilcullen Community Action who maintain it on behalf of the Council.
Cllr O’Loughlin Healy said a change to sand from the original timber mulch had been made without consultation locally or with KCA, and the sand was disliked because it spread beyond the playground and into users shoes and clothing.
Cllr Chris Pender added that he had discussions with Kilcullen people with disabilities who found the sand clogged their wheels.
Simon Wallace said experience over the years with playgrounds had shown that wet pour safety surface material deteriorated after around five years, and subsequently the Council took to using matting, sand or bark wood chip.
He said maintaining the wood chips over sand works out at twice the cost, a reason why the material was changed in Kilcullen when it came to renewal.
In terms of using rubber material or sand on special areas, especially the cable run, sand is safer because a fall won’t result in a contact burn.
He said that there are four areas in the Kilcullen playground where sand is used, including the tower. Replacing some of these with wet pour or ‘tiger mulch’ is possible, he added. He said he would prepare the work for tender.
Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer thanked Mr Wallace for his input and his time since the matter had originally been raised, and said that KCA are quite happy with the compromise measures proposed.
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