Policy Order O-9

WHEREAS: There have been recent discussions in City Council meetings regarding the status of the playgrounds attached to schools; and

WHEREAS: The City Council and city departments have recognized that it is crucial that these areas are well-maintained and safe, given the number of children who use these playgrounds on a daily basis; and

WHEREAS: There have been increased efforts by the Department of Public Works, the Police Department and others to make sure playgrounds are in good condition and used appropriately by area residents; and

WHEREAS: School staff have helped with these efforts, continuing to patrol these areas for any debris, monitoring playground equipment, etc. before their students use the playground on school days; and

WHEREAS: School communities across the city have continued to take an active role in ensuring the safety of all who use the playground, and have offered ideas on how to improve these playgrounds, including using motion-detector lighting and posting of signage regarding park hours to help monitor and enforce guidelines regarding park activity; and

WHEREAS: The city has advocated for the creation of a Health Parks and Playgrounds Advisory Committee to discuss and evaluate the implementation of the Healthy Parks and Playgrounds goals and objectives, and serve as an advisory group to city staff on future planning; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the Healthy Parks and Playgrounds Advisory Committee.