It’s usually full of the shouts of happy children, but Fremantle’s most popular park was empty this weekend, roped off for the safety of kids and their parents.
Why? Because of a “dangerous” build-up of static electricity so extreme that people were at risk, especially those with pacemakers or cochlear implants.
“The weather conditions over the last week, combined with the salt air and greater amounts of synthetic fabric clothing friction charging the surfaces of the plastic playground, has produced a stronger static shock than usual,” a City of Fremantle spokeswoman told WA Today.
“Although risks of injury are minimal, the City closed off the playground last weekend following feedback from a park user.
“Stick-on metal strips and hosing down with water helped to reduce the static charge by removing built up positive electrons.
“Officers are currently investigating treatment options to reduce the surprise charges to playground users with regular testing of the slide.”
The park reopened yesterday morning with a warning to users to “take care” while using the equipment.
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