Stafford Park Playground Too Expensive, Maybe Unhealthy: Councilman

STAFFORD, NJ — Councilmembers and Mayor Greg Myhre continued a disagreement about a new playground that is planned for the Stafford Park community.

The debate first began at a July council meeting, where Councilman Paul Krier first voiced his concerns about the construction being too expensive and potential health issues that could come from rubber materials used in the playmat. Read More: Money, Health Concerns With New Stafford Playground: Council

Krier reiterated those concerns at an August council meeting, when the Stafford Council was set to vote on a resolution authorizing a contract to Rubbercycle, LLC for playground equipment.

"I just looked at it as something that was fiscally irresponsible," Krier said. The playground was initially fully funded through an agreement with the Walters Group, but with the recycled tire playmat alone would cost $162,537.

Krier was also concerned about a lack of information about the materials from the manufacturers.

"It appeared to me as if Stafford Township had gotten less paperwork than I would get if I was buying a TV," he said. "I was astonished."

He said there were potential health concerns with the material used for the playmat. The Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission are currently researching potential health effects of recreational exposures to recycled tires.

A chemical compound called methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) is used to bond the material, which Krier said has been documented to cause asthma, lung damage and in severe cases, fatal reactions.

"I'm not a chemist by trade, but this is enough to give me pause about using this for kids to have access to," Krier said.

He also said that the playground was unnecessary because the recently-updated Manahawkin Lake Park, which uses the same materials, is a short drive away.

Myhre countered Krier, repeating the importance of this playground for Stafford's disabled residents. He said that the council had previously unanimously approved the same thing for Manahawkin Lake Park, and that the township should provide the same opportunities on the other side of town.

"This is an effort to provide the same opportunities to the kids over there, and particularly to our disabled residents," Myhre said.

He also countered Krier's point about the other playground being a short drive away. "It actually is a big convenience, whether you live there or not," Myhre said. He said that it will be easier for kids to play when they get home from school, especially with disabled kids, as they won't have to travel to enjoy the short amount of daylight left in the fall evening hours.

Myrhe asked Township Engineer Frank Little about his information on the actual material that Krier was concerned about.

Little said that he believed the material was safe. He said that there were more sports injuries such as concussions or broken bones linked to the equipment than cancer.

"In my opinion, I think it's a safe product," Little said.

The resolution was approved by a 5-2 vote, with Krier and Councilman Thomas Steadman voting no.