Still Relatively New Piece of Playground Equipment in Park System Gets Modification to Address Concern
By Jeff Toquinto on August 10, 2020 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
When you have been around Bridgeport Parks and Recreation as long as Joe Shuttleworth has been around, it is known not everything works out as planned. Sometimes, it is on something big and sometimes it is on something small.
Regardless of the scope of what is being worked on, the Parks and Recreation Director knows when things do not go as hoped you fix it. And that is exactly what recently happened to a new and highly utilized piece of equipment at one of the city’s parks.
Last year, the SelfieSwing was installed at Compton Park in Bridgeport. The swings have become a hit across the country as they are set up to allow parents, guardians, babysitters, or anyone in the care of a child to sit and swing face-to-face with their toddlers.
The equipment allows individuals to provide a level of comfort for some children uncomfortable on playground equipment. It also makes it easy to take video of children having fun on the equipment.
From the aspect of use and fun, all was a hit. However, another problem developed.
“We discovered the type of swing structure we put the new unit to was not intended to hold that much weight,” said Shuttleworth. “Because of .jpg)
that, the poles started moving. (In July), we replaced the structure we had ordered with a heavy-duty structure to handle the additional weight of the swing.”
that, the poles started moving. (In July), we replaced the structure we had ordered with a heavy-duty structure to handle the additional weight of the swing.”
The fix has worked. Now, the equipment that has a standard toddler style seat and a regular style swing seat in place – that was left alone – is working with no concerns about the poles holding up the structure.
“It’s a pretty cool addition. I’ve received a lot of nice compliments from people in the community, and we’re working to get another one at City Park,” said Shuttleworth. “In the future, we’ll consider them at other parks as we look at replacements to swings and other equipment.”
Shuttleworth said the repairs, swing, site preparation and everything involved come to roughly $3,000.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows the SelfieSwing with all the new modifications in place. Bottom photo shows a rider shortly after it was put in place in 2019 giving it a strong endorsement.
