Parks heat up under sun

(July 20, 2006) –– Soaring temperatures are causing City playgrounds, along with other park surfaces, to heat up this summer.  Out of concern for the safety of children and other visitors to Parks, Parks and Recreation officials are cautioning parents to inspect playground equipment before allowing their children to play on it.

“Slides, swings and other playground features exposed to the sun are just as vulnerable as any other outdoor fixtures to extreme heat.  As always, parents should inspect playground equipment before allowing their children access to it – particularly during the heat of the day,” said Parks and Recreation Director Wendel Whisenhunt.  “Even the rubber ground surface can get hot,” added Whisenhunt.

Oklahoma City has 144 parks and 96 playgrounds.  The playground surfaces in parks range from wood and metal in the older play equipment to powder-coated, galvanized steel and molded plastic in the newer installations.