An invasion of the closed playground at Santa Rita Park the past few days turned sour for some tiny trespassers after a great deal of confusion ensued over whether it had opened.
On Monday, social media was abuzz with claims that the enticing playground was finally open.
“It was PACKED yesterday (Sunday) with kids and families playing on it,” said Marissa Clauson on the Facebook group Durango Colorado On-Line Garage Sale.
“I figured it was a special Mother’s Day opening or something,” wrote Brittny Squires Arnold. “All the equipment looked safe. The kids were loving it!”
One responder, Anne M. Greenber, even dubbed the unofficial opening the “Mothers Day Rita Rampage.”
However, the unsanctioned fun was short-lived, according to posters.
“Yesterday (Monday) they had two city workers posted at the fence opening, keeping kids and parents out,” wrote Mandi Aus Frazier.
Parks and Recreation Director Cathy Metz said she wasn’t aware of the past days’ break-in, but acknowledged similar incidents have happened.
Metz said the grand opening of the playground is getting close. Crews must fix the irrigation system, sod the perimeter and install some engineered wood chippings around the playground.
After that, which Metz estimated could take a couple more weeks, the park will be officially opened.
“The public just needs to be patient and know we are working as quickly as we can for everyone’s enjoyment,” she said.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
