The cherished Lady Lake playground, located which recently underwent extensive renovations, has experienced some damage over the past week. The damage to the play structures has raised concerns among parents and residents over the damage and the town’s response to the safety issues at the park. We reached out to Lady Lake Communications director Elisha Paappacoda who says that they are working hard to ensure the replacement of the slide and tube in question.

(A large hole has opened up in the bottom of one of the smaller slides at the park. The slide was deemed unsafe and caution tape was covering the slide.)

The playground, a long-standing staple of Lady Lake for decades, has been rejuvenated in recent years to meet modern safety standards and provide a delightful play area for children. However parents taking in the nice weather this past weekend had to keep a mindful eye on their children who were enjoying the park as damage was found in two key areas.

One of the casualties was a children’s slide, which had to be cordoned off due to a sizable hole that had appeared at its base. Preliminary assessments suggest that the damage may have been caused by an individual who exceeded the weight limit for that section of the plastic slide, resulting in an unexpected break. That section is fairly new so it is unfortunate to see that section damaged.

(The slide in question was a small slide but could not be used due to the damage to the bottom section.)

In addition to the damaged slide, the children’s crawl tube, which was part of the same structure, exhibited a conspicuous crack running down its center. Concerned parents have let us know and have called upon the town of Lady Lake for an official response. “Parks is aware of the situation and has been working on replacing the equipment.” Town of Lady Lake always does a great job communicating and we are happy to report the equipment is in the process of being replaced.

(The most concerning was a crack that has developed in the crawl tube. The crack is large and is at least a 3 or 4 foot drop to the ground. Parents were very concerned about it. However the Town is working on a replacement.)

The crawl tube remained in operation this weekend leading many parents to have to keep an extra watchful eye on their children. I myself went to the park this weekend and was highly concerned about the crawl tube which appeared severely compromised. Many parents were not let their young children into the slide due to the crack. Many parents spread the word around the park about the crack in case children were going into the tube, especially larger children.

(The crack in question is at the lower end of the crawl tube. The tube will have to be replaced.)

I personally reached out to Elisha Pappacoda the Communications dirctor of Lady Lake who was alerted to the situation and is in constant contact with the Parks and Recreation Department who assured us that the issues will be taken care of.

While awaiting further information and the towns plan for reparing the playground, Lady Lake residents are encouraged to exercise patience and keep an extra eye on children at the park. The playground has witnessed an increase in visitors, with families and children flocking to the park for various events and celebrations.

(The Lady Lake park has been busy this year. Hosting a fireworks event earlier this season, easter, halloween and other events. The town always has something fun going on.)

Despite this unfortunate incident, Lady Lake has a strong history of prioritizing children’s safety and the Town of Lady Lake is working on the situation diligently.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available and as the park undergoes necessary repairs.