Dear Supporters:

Thanks to you we have over 50 signatures on the petition, and over 2,000 petition views!  I'm so glad awareness of the Bird's hazards is growing - that alone is important to child safety. 

Nature Forward, however, continues to dismiss and not hear this feedback, purporting there are no issues because the Bird passed inspections.  Has anyone ever heard of a recall?!?!  Consumer products can pass inspections but still have hazards!  This is why feedback from the public is critical.   

It also seems the inspection process is a bit hazy - I've read the applicable ASTM standards and Consumer Product Safety Commission Guidance (CPSC), and there are important safety design elements missing from the Bird, specifically: 

(i) an alternate, easy descent option from the ropes.  As it is, there is no way other than the ropes down.  That's a serious fall risk for kids who haven't yet learned to climb down.

(ii) CPSC Guidance states visibility should be maximized - as it is, there is an enclosed area around the ropes.  Kids cannot be seen or accessed.

Please find a new flyer attached that aims to better explain the Bird's hazards.  Please share as you can to raise awareness.  You may also want to contact local council members Kate Stewart (240-777-7968; councilmember.Stewart@montgomerycountymd.gov) and/or Evan Glass (240-777-7966; Councilmember.Glass@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Eventually, I feel confident that Nature Forward will act but I hope it doesn't take additional serious injuries for them to do so.

Thank you again for supporting this effort.  Please contact me anytime - I would really value and appreciate any thoughts/ideas you have to bring Nature Forward to act before additional serious injuries occur. 

Sincerely,

Catherine Howard, Nature Forward Member and Preschool Parent

(202)802-4200; cehoward@yahoo.com