Budd Park’s southeast playground has been reopened and is safe for play as of May 13.

Dorri Partain
Managing Editor

For a short period of time, both playgrounds in Budd Park were closed due to safety conditions. Playground Closed signage appeared and fencing surrounded the north side playground, according to photos and questions posted on social media, on May 8.

This closure followed the fencing off of the playground on the southeast side of the park in August 2025. As reported in our April 29 issue, the southeast playground was closed due to safety issues, including tripping hazards on the safety surface, and was scheduled for replacement with funding in the Parks & Recreation department’s 2027 budget.

Following questions to the department’s Public Information & Content Specialist, Toni Zibert, about the second closure, fencing was removed from the southeast playground by May 13.

On May 18, Zibert contacted The Northeast News via email and stated, “There was a slight miscommunication issue that caused the wrong playground to be temporarily fenced off. All barriers have been removed from the south play area and it is completely open and safe for patrons to play on! The north playground remains closed due to the safety issues – the hopes are to repair the area and have it reopened sometime in 2027.”

The surface on the north playground is different from the solid rubberized surface of the southeast playground, which is slightly damaged in spots. The surface of the north playground is composed of interlocking 2 ft. by 2 ft. rubber mats which have separated, leaving numerous gaps up to three inches wide, which could cause an ankle-breaking fall.

Zibert confirmed on May 21 that the orange plastic fencing, which has been compromised by children playing and springtime winds, will be replaced by stronger fencing to better secure the area. The swings at the north playground are not affected by this closure and remain accessible.

Budd Park patrons noticed fencing at the north playground, near St. John Ave., on May 8. This playground remains closed and better fencing will be installed soon.

All photos by Dorri Partain