That ain’t beauty bark…

If you’ve driven past the Fairgrounds in the last few weeks, maybe you’re wondering what’s going on over at the Family Park in the corner there. Why’s it all blocked off and what’s that stuff all piled up keeping the kids from swinging? Well, the Update got on the case and went to Sally Thomsen of Island Rec to find out for you…

That ain’t beauty bark

San Juan Update: Hi Sally, hey what’s up with everything all dug up at the family park? I thought I’d throw a picture on the Update about it with maybe a little story in case people are wondering…

Sally Thomsen: We needed to lower the level of the safety surfacing and to replace some equipment. We first removed the Engineered Wood Fiber safety surfacing and excavated the dirt 14 inches below the surrounding pavement. With the footings exposed we can now repair two of the spring toys. The project has been delayed because the playground company was not shipping parts during the first three weeks of January. The new parts should arrive next week. Once we re-install the spring toys we will replace the safety surfacing making it level with the sidewalk and the park will re open. We are hoping it will reopen by February 9.

San Juan Update: Awesome. So what’s going to happen with all that Beauty Bark?

Sally Thomsen: It is not beauty bark. It is engineered wood fiber an approved safety surfacing. It goes under the play equipment. It has been tested to absorb falls. A certain depth of the safety surfacing is required based on the height of the play equipment. It also links together to be ADA compliant. It does not splinter.

So there you have it. Pretty cool that it’s not beauty bark, huh? That stuff can be nasty on bare hands.

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