Action News Jax Investigates: Inspection report finds safety violations at local play ground could have led to ‘permanent disability, loss of life or body part’

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Project Swing is a massive 23,000 square foot playground in St. Augustine that is now partially closed.

“How long been coming here?” Action News Jax’s Ben Becker asked mother of two Erin Ginn. “since it was built actually,” said Ginn. “my kids are older and can climb on everything so someone could have gotten really hurt.”

In an Action News Jax investigation, Becker obtained a play ground safety inspection report commissioned by the city in May that calls the playground “beyond repair”

“How did it get in this condition in the first place?, Becker asked city manager John Regan. “it’s a wood structure, the pressure treated wood is 24 years old.”

According to the inspection, 26 priority 1 violations were discovered which “identifies a safety concern that may result in permanent disability, loss of life or body part. Such a condition should be corrected or removed immediately.”

The inspection goes on to describe the condition of the framing as “poor”, structural fasteners “very poor” and the light house tower “structurally unstable.”

Project swing was built in 1997 by community volunteers in just six days and mostly stood the test of time but’s it’s tome might be up.

The city tells Becker no decisions will be made on repairing or replacing it until July or August until the results of a community survey and meetings are held.

“What does it mean to you to see it in condition it’s in today?,” Becker asked Ginn. It makes me sad it’s gotten this dangerous,” says Ginn. “I’m grateful my kids got to play on something I enjoyed, but hopefully it will be something better soon.”

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