D.C. mayor promises to improve unsafe city playgrounds

WASHINGTON – District officials kicked off the biggest restoration project of playgrounds in the city’s history this week.

Surrounded by children in a Southeast playground that’s seen better days, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray explains why he’s dedicated $30 million to restoring nearly half of the District’s playgrounds.

“We have playgrounds that don’t have equipment that is in good repair,” he says. “It’s dangerous for kids to get on it.”

Much of the equipment where Gray spoke is rusted and covered with graffiti.

Gray says many playgrounds have already been upgraded. But this new effort will bring safer equipment and improved facilities to more than 30 playgrounds across the city.

Gray says the repairs are also going to get done quickly.

“I think we’ll be seeing ribbon cuttings on this project in a matter of months,” he says.

WTOP’s Mark Segraves contributed to this report. Follow Mark and WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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