12/06/2021
We’re grateful to the Hermiston community for being invested in protecting Funland Playground and making sure it’s a safe place for children of all ages. It’s unfortunate that not everyone treats public property with respect, but as a community we can work together to keep this playground in great shape for years to come. The Parks & Recreation Department and the Police Department work together closely to make sure that happens.
The playground has a network of security cameras that record all areas of the park 24/7. The police department has access to these cameras and receives motion alerts after hours. People who are hanging out after dark may well find themselves visited by a police officer. In one recent case, a person with multiple unrelated warrants was at the park after hours and arrested after being contacted by police.
On that note, the playground is open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. The lights that come on after dark are security lights but are not intended for continued play because they cast significant shadows which can create a tripping hazard.
We are on schedule to get perimeter fencing installed this spring as part of the park’s final phase. We want Funland to be open and inviting for the whole community, but also take its security seriously.
If you have concerns about park equipment, safety or security, please call 541-667-5018 or email [email protected]. Last week we were contacted by a concern citizen about bolts that had been loosened on the pirate treasure fixture and we removed it until a new anchor system could be ordered and installed. We’re always happy to have good eyes and ears at our community’s parks.