Straight Talk: Playground equipment

  • Published
  • By Col. Chad R. Ellsworth
  • 66th Air Base Group Commander

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – For those who have questions and may not know where to find answers, Straight Talk may be the solution.

Q. The playground at Castle Park near the clinic has been taped off with caution tape since early spring. This is a favorite park for many families on base because it is shaded and age appropriate for small children. Is there a timeline for repairs so that it can re-open for use?

A. During the annual playground inspection, conducted by a certified playground inspector, safety-related discrepancies were identified. Due to those findings, the playground is closed until repairs can be made.

The 66th Civil Engineering Division is responsible for making the repairs. This is an older playground and the manufacturer has informed us replacement parts are not available from their current inventory; however, a manufacturer’s representative has agreed to come to Hanscom this month to view the playground. This individual will make a determination with respect to making repairs using modified parts from their current parts inventory, or fabricating replacement parts that they no longer carry.

The manufacturer cannot provide a firm lead time for delivery of the needed parts until they determine what is feasible. Base officials will be able to provide an estimated completion date after meeting with the manufacturer and receiving the estimated parts delivery date.

Again, thank you for sharing your concerns.

Straight Talk is a great tool to facilitate discussion on a variety of Hanscom issues. I encourage you to continue submitting your ideas, questions, kudos or concerns. I look forward to reviewing all the inputs.

Contact the Straight Talk hotline at 781-225-1380 or send feedback via email at hanscom.straighttalk@us.af.mil