Illegal fireworks activity at Cookeville’s Cinderella Park causing significant damage, forcing an indefinite closure to the park.
It also leaves taxpayers with a repair bill of up to $10,000.
Leisure Services Director Chad McDonald said the incident involved individuals setting off fireworks on the playground and destroying the plastic steps leading to a climbing tower. McDonald said the specific equipment affected is a dinosaur-themed apparatus that attaches to a larger tower structure.
“I think it’s a real shame that we have to close it off until we can get it repaired,” McDonald said. “Even if we find a part, this was kind of an older playground, we’ve contacted the company and we’re trying to find out if we can get the exact same replacement apparatus to go back on there.”
McDonald said while the department manages minor vandalism like graffiti or small repairs almost daily, this specific act of destruction was excessive. McDonald said officials are currently working to identify and prosecute the individuals responsible for the damage.
“I think preserving public parks and facilities is the responsibility of the entire community,” McDonald said. “We maintain the parks and I think we do a great job of doing that, but preserving them when you’re using them is the community’s responsibility as well. So as it relates to this incident, I just encourage the community to let us know if they see something they feel like is damaging facilities or equipment or people are doing things they shouldn’t be doing.”
McDonald said there is no current timeline for reopening the section because the manufacturer has not yet provided a replacement schedule. McDonald said the department may eventually remove the dinosaur piece entirely and install a temporary gate to allow the rest of the tower to be used.
“Well, unfortunately, there’s already ordinances in place to limit when and where you can set off fireworks,” McDonald said. “This was an illegal activity in one of the parks, it should not have been happening there in the first place. I know there’s others who would go further to limit fireworks within the city, but the current city ordinance should address this type of situation, but it was an illegal activity that was going on.”
McDonald said the department is waiting to hear back from the playground company regarding the availability of parts. McDonald said initial estimates to replace the damaged section start at $5,000 if the original parts are still manufactured. McDonald said the cost could climb as high as $10,000 if the city is forced to purchase a different item to fit the existing structure.
“Yes, it is barricaded off and we’d encourage you, if you visit the playground there, you’re welcome to play wherever it’s not barricaded, we’ve inspected the rest of that climbing structure and everything appears to be sound, but children or adults or anyone should not be inside that barricaded area until we get that repaired,” McDonald said.
