Last August, my wife and I asked Slippery Rock Borough Council to remove hazards at the Mini Park, described in the 2010 Northwestern Butler County Multi Municipal Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan.

This week we advised Council that some of the hazards remain, and asked whether, and when, they planned to address this. There was no response.

I am concerned for the safety of the children who use this park, and I believe there is a duty and obligation on the part of the borough to remove the hazards.

While the hawthorn spikes readily penetrate the soles of sneakers, a much more concerning matter is the wounds that could occur if young children were to trip and fall on these spikes.

The distance from the skin to the heart of a child is estimated at much less than two inches, about 12 to 18 mm. For adults it is about 30 to 48 mm.

Michael D. Pavelek II,

Slippery Rock