🚨 Hingham Parents, Your Voice Matters! 

We’re standing up for our kids and demanding a pause on the new playground development! Important concerns about safety, public health, and community input have been ignored. This playground belongs to ALL of us—let’s make sure it’s designed right!

Sign our petition today and fight for a space that prioritizes our children’s well-being. Together, we can create a playground that reflects OUR needs!

#HinghamPlayground #StandUpForOurKids #YourVoiceMatters

 Read the full petition below …

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We kindly invite you to join us in requesting that the Hingham Recreation Department and the Recreation Commission temporarily pause the development of the new Hingham Community Playground.

While we recognize the importance of enhancing recreational spaces for our community, there are growing concerns surrounding the current proposal that need to be addressed. By advocating for a temporary pause, we believe the town will have the opportunity to engage in a more thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive conversation that ensures the safety, comfort, and accessibility of the playground for all residents—especially our children.

Our goal is not to hinder progress, but to ensure that any development reflects the needs and desires of the entire community, prioritizing the well-being of all who will use the space.

Here are some critical concerns that have been raised and have yet to be adequately addressed:

Lack of Community Feedback: No community-wide survey has been conducted to gather input on what residents love about the current playground or what improvements they would like to see in the new design. This playground belongs to the people of Hingham, and it’s essential that their voices are heard.

Insufficient Shade Study: No comprehensive shade study has been performed to evaluate how much shade the current playground provides versus how much is projected in the new design. Adequate shade is crucial for the comfort and safety of children and families, especially in the warmer months.

Health Concerns Regarding Flooring Materials: There are serious and credible concerns about the proposed use of poured-in-place crumb rubber flooring, which pose health risks to children. These concerns need to be thoroughly investigated and addressed before proceeding with the installation of potentially hazardous materials.

Disregard for Public Input: During recent Recreation Commission meetings, community members who voiced their concerns were unfairly silenced. Open dialogue is a cornerstone of effective governance, and all residents should have the right to express their thoughts and be heard without fear of suppression.
In light of these issues, we respectfully ask for a temporary pause to allow for the following:

• A community-wide survey to gather input from residents on the current and future playground design.
• A full shade study to ensure the new playground will provide ample protection from the sun.
• A review and public discussion of alternative, safer playground surfacing options.
• A commitment to fostering open and transparent communication between the Recreation Department, the Commission, and the community moving forward.

We believe that by taking a step back to address these concerns, we can create a playground that truly reflects the needs and values of our community while ensuring the health and safety of our children.

Please sign and share this petition to help ensure that our voices are heard and that the future Hingham Community Playground is a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable space for everyone.