An Uxbridge playground injury at Elgin Park has prompted the Township to permanently remove a piece of accessible playground equipment while Durham Regional Police investigate alleged vandalism connected to the site.
The incident happened August 10 at the Lion’s Universal Accessible Playground in Elgin Park.
The Township of Uxbridge confirmed that a child was injured while using a piece of equipment known as an accessible whirl.
Officials have not publicly released details about the child’s injuries or current condition.
Uxbridge Playground Injury Followed Earlier Equipment Damage
According to the Township, officials had been notified before the incident that the playground equipment had sustained damage.
Three qualified professionals inspected the equipment and determined that maintenance was required.
The Township said those inspections did not identify an immediate safety hazard.
As a precaution, caution tape was placed around the equipment and maintenance work was scheduled.
The Township later reviewed security footage after the child was injured.
According to municipal officials, the footage showed a group of teenagers removing the caution tape and tampering with the equipment, resulting in additional damage.
That information is now part of the ongoing investigation.
Durham Police Looking Into Alleged Vandalism
Durham Regional Police were notified about the alleged vandalism.
Police have said officers from North Division are looking into that aspect of the incident.
No arrests or charges have been announced.
It has also not been established publicly whether the alleged tampering directly caused the child’s injury.
The Township has said it is taking the incident seriously and is cooperating with the investigation.
Equipment Will Be Permanently Removed
Following the incident, the accessible whirl was locked to prevent further use.
The surrounding area was also secured with tape, signs and pylons.
The Township has now decided to permanently remove the equipment from the playground.
Officials have not said whether a replacement will be installed.
The Lion’s Universal Accessible Playground is located within Elgin Park and is designed to provide accessible recreational opportunities for children.
The Uxbridge playground injury remains under review while police investigate the alleged vandalism and the Township proceeds with removal of the damaged equipment.
