July 6, 2015
PLAYGROUND MAKING PROGRESS TO BE SAFE FOR CHILDREN
An essential piece of playground equipment that recently went missing has now been found and replaced at Blaine Park.
As previously reported, the slide had been stolen from the wooden structure in which it was bolted to. According to Lawrence County Judge Executive John Osborne, at the time the county didn’t have funds to replace the equipment or repair damage to the park that was left from the harsh winter and flood waters.
However, State Representative Jill York, had been looking into various grant options. While her intentions were just to get the original equipment replaced for this year, she told the Lazer she had hopes that larger monies could come into play for next year to improve and upgrade the facility.
County workers were spotted Monday morning re-bolting the original slide.
“I found it laying over there, they had tried to steal it but didn’t get too far,” said one worker.
Details of exactly when and where the slide was found have not been released, nor has additional plans to replace the mulch and landscape timbers that were damaged.
Osborne, who is on vacation this week, could not be reached for comment.
However, York says she is glad things are now getting back in order for the kids and community of Blaine and hopes it will continue to improve.
“I still think exploring other sorts of grants around the first of the year is wise to make sure we aren’t missing opportunities,” said York.
Additional details should be revealed in the coming weeks when Osborne returns to office, according to administrative staff in his office.
