Golden Valley’s Schaper Park to Get New Slides Due to Potential Hearing Issue
Golden Valley became home to Minnesota’s first outdoor fitness challenge course two years ago at Schaper Park. It’s also where a new play structure for children of all abilities is located. Now, two years later, city officials want to switch the current plastic slides for a stainless steel option.
Studies show plastic slides can zap cochlear implants due to static electricity. Although no one has reported issues with the current slides, the city wants to make sure everyone can enjoy the park.
“We’re creating this park to be all inclusive, all accessible, sort of barrier-free and that popped up as a potential issue,” explained Rick Birno, Golden Valley parks and recreation director.
Birno doesn’t believe another potential problem will be an issue: the new stainless steel slides possibly burning kids anyone during hot weather. Golden Valley will install the new slides in the fall.
