PALM BAY, Fla – Is a new playground too dangerous because of what a city didn’t build for children?
At Fred Poppe Park in Palm Bay, families are impressed with the new equipment including additions for children with special needs, but alarming to some, there’s no fence or gate between the playground and a big pond.
News 6 reporter James Sparvero saw Tuesday the pond is just steps away from the playground.
Autumn Jones is one of the parents calling for a solution.
“I feel like it’s not very safe having an open body of water so close to a park like this,” she said. “I have a brother who’s autistic, myself. So, for a park that is inclusive to special needs children, it makes it even more serious on needing a barrier because you don’t know if they can swim or not,” the mother continued.
Jones responded to parents who may tell others who feel the way she does to simply keep an eye on their kids.
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“My thing is, you can keep your eye on your kid as much as you want, but you’re not always gonna to be able to see them 24/7, you know, where they’re at,” she said. “I would love to not have to take any risks of my child or any other children getting hurt.”
Sparvero asked to interview the city of Palm Bay about the playground and concerns from parents.
No response was given Tuesday.
This is a developing story.
Stick with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates.