Local playgrounds raise safety concerns for visitors

PITTSBURGH — People are concerned for their children’s safety at a Troy Hill playground that has seen better days.

Holes in padding and missing swings greet families that frequent Overlook Park.

“If you aren't careful where those holes are you can trip in there and get hurt,” said Mary Lukaszwicz, who has lived in the area for more than 40 years.

The park, located near Croft and Overlook streets, is a two-sided problem, said Public Works Director Rob Kazsorowski.

Vandalism and drug use in the park have some people pushing for its closure, while others want it repaired, he said.

Kazsorowski told Channel 11’s Vince Sims that money has been put into fixing up the park in the past, only to be damaged again.

“We need to warn kids not to destroy it. It's for their good. It's not little ones, it's teenagers that are doing it,” said Lukaszwicz.

Kazsorowski said that the city took the swings out because people were reportedly used them to strength train dogs for fighting.

Sims reported that the city is looking at how to best address the issues at Overlook Park.

McKnight Playground in Manchester raises similar safety concerns with gravel exposed by holes in padding.

Kazsorowski said he will look into the problems at McKnight Playground.

WPXI