IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. (KGTV) - Parents in Imperial Beach say the conditions are Reama Park could be dangerous to their children, as playground equipment is starting to show signs of deterioration.
"It's not normal wear and tear," says Casandra Stoll, who brings her daughter to the park almost every day. "I'd say it's something that needs to be addressed for sure."
Stoll says her daughter tore her pants on a crack that developed in one of the slides. She also pointed out parts of the playground where rust and cracked plastic have created jagged edges.
"If she were to get cut on that, you have to worry about tetanus and any other kind of infection you can get," says Stoll.
Other areas of the park have patches in the padded ground that are missing. Even the plastic coverings on park benches and tables have been worn away to expose the rusted metal.
Rust on the playground equipment has also created holes in the pipes. Some of them are big enough for a child's finger to get stuck in.
Parents says they understand that the playground won't always be in pristine condition. They're willing to accept some rust from the sea-air and normal wear and tear on the equipment. But they say the damage at Reama Park is too much.
Sam Townsley brings his daughter Samantha to the park often. He wants her to be able to run free and have fun but says he's keeping an eye out for damage and danger.
"She's got a sense of autonomy," he says. "As long as there's no overt risk, it's alright."
Parents say they hope the city can make repairs quickly.
"I just hope they can maintain it and keep it up and keep it safe for all the kids to enjoy for years to come," says Stoll.
The City of Imperial Beach responded to 10News Tuesday, saying they’re waiting for money to come from the state parks bond, and expect to receive $200,000 for repairs within the next fiscal year.
Officials also said they’re aware of the problems, and that Reama Park is in the worst condition of any Imperial Beach park.
