Miramar knew for months that playground equipment needed repairs, records show
The two popular playgrounds at Miramar Regional Park that were closed until further notice on Monday, Dec. 1, had been flagged for safety concerns by a city parks employee in October and November — but the recommended repairs apparently were not made, according to city records.
For at least two months, families continued to use the playground equipment, unaware that the city had already recognized the dangers, according to playground inspection reports obtained by the Miramar News.
Both playgrounds are now closed as the city evaluates its next steps. Officials said the closures were made “out of an abundance of caution” while a comprehensive safety inspection is underway. In a statement, they said the playgrounds are inspected daily.
Those daily playground inspection reports reveal that as far back as October, an employee noted that the two-level metal slides, which children climb, had “several areas with corroded edges.”
In the reports, the employee says he notified the company in charge of making repairs and asked them “to smooth them out.”
Apparently, no significant work was done.
Then in November, the same employee noted in the daily inspection log that he had “found areas with corroded edges” and that the company hired to make such repairs was notified and “they will be coming to make repairs.” None were apparently made.
Miramar city officials did not immediately respond to questions about why the repairs were delayed, who was responsible, or whether interim safety measures could have been implemented sooner.
However, during that two-month period, a shade area was fixed and spraying for bees was also requested. A request to fix a section of a fence was also made.
The final inspection report was completed on Dec. 1, following a report over Thanksgiving weekend by WPLG- Local 10 detailing the corrosion on the equipment at both playgrounds.
According to the city’s most recent notation, “Playgrounds 1 and 2 were closed today, 12/1/25, following complaints received regarding rust.”
The playgrounds, installed in 2004, will remain locked until the city determines whether to repair the equipment or replace it. Full replacement funding is reportedly already scheduled for late 2026.
The city has not indicated when the playgrounds will reopen or whether the planned repairs will begin sooner than expected.
The playgrounds were up for an overhaul in the last quarter of 2026, the city said.
Miramar Regional Park is one of the city’s largest green spaces, hosting families, school groups and sports leagues.
This story was originally published December 3, 2025 at 5:15 PM.
