Overprotecting Our Children

Back in the age of dinosaurs, when I was a child, childhood consisted of skinned knees, various sprains, and occasional bruises. Yet I am still here. Evidently those things are no longer allowed in certain areas of the country.

Ed Morrissey at Hot Air posted an article yesterday about the piece of playground equipment pictured below (note the yellow crime scene tape wrapped around the piece of equipment):

This is a picture of a playground structure outside Stratford Landing Elementary School in Fairfax County, Virginia. The structure was built with funds raised by the school PTA through bake sales and silent auctions. Why is there crime tape around the structure?

The article reports:

Although parents worked with the Fairfax County Public Schools facilities department, purchased the equipment, hired a contractor and had the playground ready for recess, the school system suddenly deemed the play equipment too dangerous. Since Nov. 30 it has been off-limits, say parents.

Never mind that the same equipment is installed at more than 1,200 parks and schools across the country, including a public park in Fairfax County.

But have no fear. The $35,000 structure, put up with private money, will be replaced by the county for $135,000 of taxpayer money. Makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?

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