Safety concerns prompt playground upgrades to Decatur park

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — A Decatur park is making upgrades to its playground area due to safety concerns from deteriorating equipment.

Whitmore Park's playground has been around for 40 years, but it is now being redone due to potential safety concerns.

The park said in a Facebook post that the main structural support beams on the playground set were buried in damp sand for decades and had deteriorated significantly over time. As a result, the tower structure started to lean, creating safety concerns.

After an onsite evaluation from the park's insurance provider, the decision was made to remove the playground to avoid risking serious injury.

Now, the park is working to replace the playground with new, safe and inclusive equipment for kids to enjoy.

It is unclear when construction will be done.

The park launched a fundraising campaign to raise money for the upgrades. More information can be found on the Whitmore Park Facebook page.