TODAY'S TMJ4 learned Tuesday the same contractor responsible for the failing rubber floor at Kenosha's Dream Playground also installed the same type of floor at Franklin's Kayla's Playground.
The rubbery material is intended to cushion a fall at these playgrounds, intended for use by children of all abilities and include swings for those in wheelchairs.
Parents said they like the material.
"This is one of the best options in terms of your kids falling, it's soft, no skinned knees," said Christine Sharratt, a Franklin mom.
But Sharratt also has safety concerns.
"It's concerning, but you want your kids to be safe, and that's going to have to be the priority," she said. Especially since the floor at Kayla's Playground, which has been open less than a year, is also experiencing damage.
But, the Franklin Director of Administration said the wear isn't a safety concern.
"I'm confident we have the right standards and I know that our city engineer, I spoke with him, and he reviewed the specifications for product and design prior to installation," said Mark Luberda.
Luberda said part of the bid included industry-standard installation procedures and materials. He said the contractor will go back to the playground starting this spring to complete several projects, including repairing areas where they anticipated less activity. For example, the playground's merry-go-round has been used more than they expected and the flooring has holes in that area.
TODAY'S TMJ4 looked into the contractor both cities used on this project. They found a P.O. box in Brookfield and a phone number. Calls were not returned. It is not accredited with the Better Business Bureau, who has one resolved complaint listed for them.
