After a tree fell on a playground at the popular Ashburn Park this week, it led to a series of questions, including when the park — which has been closed for repairs for more than a month — would reopen and whether the new playground damage would delay the opening further.
Claire Smith, the Public Information & Communcations Manager with Loudoun County Parks & Rec, sent us the information below, which will surely be interesting to families who frequent the park, better known locally as “Dinosaur Park.”
“The lower playground unit at Ashburn Park was damaged by a large, uprooted tree. Preliminary inspection indicated only partial damage, and we believe that complete repair is possible. A licensed tree company will handle the tree removal and provide input on existing trees; however, this was a living tree that became uprooted, not a dead or weak tree. Trees that were dead or dying were removed this past summer, which is a normal maintenance procedure in playground areas with trees.”
“This particular playground unit will be closed until repairs are complete; but we do not anticipate adjusting the park reopening timeline once all of the planned repairs and renovations are complete. The unit can be safely secured to prevent access, if that becomes necessary. Our department’s certified inspector will perform the inspection and consult with the playground supplier. When this assessment and coordination are complete, we should have a timeline for repairs to the affected unit.”
“Bear in mind that the park remains closed to the public to ensure the safety of patrons and access for construction traffic and materials. The bridges are out of commission and the repairs and renovations require access through the creek. With the unusually wet and stormy weather the area has experienced, the construction crew has faced unusually high water levels and turbulence in the creeks, delaying efforts to stabilize the embankment and complete bridge repairs.”