Safety of Giorgi Park

Editor: In a letter to the editor, Elizabeth Traverso expressed
concern about the safety of the new Giorgi Park for young
children.
As a grandmother of twins who will be three in February, and
because I live just around the corner, we eagerly awaited its
opening in November.
I loved the old park, largely made of wood, visually pleasing,
but I didn’t take the twins there on my own because once they
climbed into the towers I couldn’t see them. I don’t mind
scampering after them, but physical play in safe places helps
children develop autonomy.
Two days after the new park opened, I accompanied the morning
class at the Healdsburg Community Nursery School on a field trip.
These children range in age from a few months short of three years
to four years. We headed for the hill/tower area of the park. As we
adults stationed ourselves in strategic locations at the hill and
merry go round, the kids cut loose. There was one accident that
could happen at any park — a pre-three year old slipped climbing
down a tower ladder.
Why do I like the new park better? Because I can see my
grandchildren at all times. When do I need to be concerned? When a
kindergarten class streamed onto the playground, I learned I needed
to became extra vigiliant because these kids move faster than the
little kids. I saw my grandson slip off the merry-go-round and as
he continued to hold on and was being dragged along the ground, the
five year olds appeared not to notice him as they ran up and over
him as they keep the merry-go-round turning. The teacher quickly
made a lesson of this so that the kids learned to watch out for the
littler ones. But it’s my job to watch out for my grandchildren in
these circumstances.
Regarding the water feature and giant sand blox, I love it! So
do my grandchildren. We take a wagon of construction toys with us.
If it’s cold, I don’t let them activate the water feature.
Gail Jonas
Healdsburg