Stolen part from new slide closes Memorial Park playground

The playground at Kaikohe in Memorial Park could be closed for weeks after a crucial part of a new slide was stolen.

The large, bright red slide and tower is one of several new pieces of brand-new play equipment recently added to the playground, part of a $750,000 upgrade to Memorial Park.

The missing piece is an elbow joint that connects a support leg to the slide. The slide manufacturer warns that without the joint, the integrity of the entire slide will be compromised. Continued use would risk damaging the whole structure and it could become unsafe under heavy loads.

The manufacturer says a new joint will need to be fabricated, which is likely to take at least three weeks.

Acting Far North District Council CEO Janice Smith says having to close the entire playground to tamariki is very disappointing for Kaikohe families and the council.

“Our information is that the missing part was likely taken by older children who were seen around the slide. They needed tools to remove the part, but it’s hard to imagine how it could be useful for anyone else.

“I’d like to think this is simply a case of young people not thinking through the consequences of their actions and I’m asking them to return it – no questions asked – so that we can reopen the playground.”

She says the entire playground had to be closed because it was not possible to safely fence-off the damaged slide alone.

“We did initially put up a barrier around the slide using cones and plastic mesh. This did not last long, which shows just how popular the slide and other new equipment is for Kaikohe youngsters.”

The only remaining option was to erect more durable, temporary steel fencing around the playground with just the sand play, rocker and stepping logs remaining available to play on.

Ms Smith says the playground could be reopened quite quickly if missing part was returned. She urges those who took the elbow joint to drop it into the Kaikohe library, council headquarters next to the park on Memorial Drive, or to any other council office.