School playgrounds closed because of dangerous conditions

HAMILTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- Students in one part of Mercer County, New Jersey can't use their school playgrounds because of some dangerous conditions.

The playground at Greenwood Elementary in Hamilton Township is wrapped in orange fencing to keep kids from playing there.

Based on reports from the first three playgrounds inspected, the school district in Hamilton has closed 15 of 17 elementary school playgrounds. Inspectors had found hazardous conditions, including equipment with stress cracks, holes, sharp edges, and sliding board decks in danger of collapsing.

We spoke to some parents, who upon hearing news of the safety hazards were clearly concerned.

Kim Thomas tells us, "It's scary to hear that your kids are gonna be on that kind of equipment and could easily get hurt or even yourself could get hurt on it."

And Noelle Guglielmelli says, "Kids will be kids. They're gonna fall and get bumps and bruises, but ultimately everything has to be safe for them to play on

The school district says the decision to close the playgrounds was a difficult one, but it was the only option available to ensure the safety of students.

These playgrounds are kept up by the school district and not the township, but Mayor Kelly Yaede is offering help to prepare them.

She says, "I know prioritizing with limited resources is going to be a challenge but in seeing the public outcry about the safety of children on playground equipment, it is a priority."

The school district expects to have final reports on the damage from all the schools by the end of the month. Then the district will know exactly what it has to do to repair and reopen the playgrounds.