Summary
- A 3-year-old boy was injured in a playground in Orihuela’s Los Huertos area due to damaged and lifted rubber paving.
- The boy sustained a bleeding chin wound requiring urgent medical attention and skin adhesive treatment.
- The mother filed an official complaint and plans to submit a formal grievance to the City Council, demanding urgent maintenance.
- Orihuela authorities recognize playground maintenance is insufficient and have started renovation projects, including a €600,000 investment for new upgrades.
- Local families continue to express concerns over the safety of various playgrounds, rallying through social media groups.
Playground Safety Concerns in Orihuela After Child’s Injury
in the neighborhood of Los Huertos in Orihuela, a mother named Lucía recently filed an official complaint after her 3-year-old son was injured while playing in a local playground. This incident puts the spotlight on a broader issue affecting many families across the municipality – the inadequate maintenance and safety of public play areas.
What happened? The Incident at Los Huertos Playground
Young T. R. B. was playing on the playground on doctor Gómez Pardo Ródenas Avenue when he tripped over a raised rubber pavement sheet. This caused him to fall forward onto the next pavement tile, injuring his chin on the otherwise shock-absorbing surface. Unfortunatly, the rubber was hardened and lifted in parts, diminishing its protective quality.
- The boy received a deep cut on his chin, wich caused heavy bleeding.
- His mother, without any immediate first-aid supplies, was aided by another parent who provided a diaper to stem the bleeding.
- The child was taken to Álvarez de la Riva Health Center, where he received prompt emergency care including skin adhesive (“pegamento cutáneo”) and a protective patch.
- Despite the treatment, the wound later became infected due to the difficulty in keeping it covered given the child’s age.
Mother’s Response: Complaint and Call for Action
Lucía reported the fall to the local police station the day after the incident. Now represented by a lawyer, she is preparing to submit a formal complaint to the City Council of Orihuela demanding urgent repair and maintenance of playgrounds.
“I’m aware my son could have been hurt even if the surface had been well-maintained, but it angers me to see the poor condition of these parks,” she stated. Her frustration is echoed by many local families who say playgrounds are “left in the hands of God” and urgently require better upkeep.
Current state of Playgrounds and Government Response
several playgrounds in Orihuela,including those in La glorieta and Severo Ochoa,were recently remodeled thanks to a €600,000 grant from the provincial government in 2023. However, many others remain neglected.
the coalition government of PP and Vox acknowledges these shortcomings and points to an ongoing plan to renovate and maintain public play facilities. Since 2023, twenty playgrounds have already been refurbished, including Ocarasa, Príncipe de España, Hurchillo, La Matanza, and Correntías.
A second major tender worth €600,000 is set to be approved soon to improve about 30 parks spread across the city center, outlying districts, and coastal areas.
| Project | Investment (€) | Status | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renovation of La Glorieta & Severo Ochoa Parks | 600,000 | Completed (2023) | City Center |
| Refurbishment of 20 Playgrounds | Ongoing | In Progress | Various Neighborhoods |
| New Tender for 30 Parks | 600,000 | Pending Approval | Urban & Rural Areas |
| Ingeniero Juan García Park Renovation | 500,000 | Upcoming (2024) | Central Park, Orihuela |
Community’s Ongoing Concerns and Activism
The local community has not stayed silent about the state of playgrounds. In February 2023, parents collected over 1,000 signatures requesting urgent repairs. Following a public presentation in April 2024, Orihuela’s mayor allocated €5.7 million in reserve funds to improve public amenities,including children’s playgrounds and gardens.
Nevertheless, many families remain concerned about the pace of repairs and maintenance, often sharing their grievances on social media groups like ”Unidos por la dejadez de los parques de Orihuela.” Their voices underscore the urgent need for safer, child-friendly public spaces.
Previous Incidents Highlight the Safety risks
This recent accident recalls a similar case in March 2023 when a 4-year-old girl suffered abrasions from the deteriorated surface of La Matanza playground. These repeated incidents stress the critical importance of regular safety inspections and timely maintenance.
What Parents and Residents Should Know
For parents in Orihuela or visitors to playgrounds across the municipality, here are some key takeaways to ensure safety:
- Always supervise young children closely while playing, especially in older or less-maintained parks.
- Report any damaged equipment or hazardous surfaces to local authorities immediately.
- Participate in community initiatives to voice concerns and push for improvements.
- Carry basic first-aid supplies during outings to be prepared for minor accidents.
Looking Ahead
Orihuela’s local government is working to meet residents’ demands by improving playground infrastructure through planned investments. However, as Lucía’s case shows, families will continue advocating for faster, more effective solutions to guarantee safe play environments for children.
With community pressure rising, it remains essential for authorities to prioritize playground maintenance and enforce rigorous safety checks across all public spaces.
Article based on reports from Información.es