PARENTS taking their kids to a playground are being asked to sign a disclaimer in case they get injured.
The health and safety-gone-mad rules were brought in by bosses at a Birmingham park after a change of insurance provider.
Meriden Adventure Playground orders parents to sign a waiver that kids enter the park at ‘their own risk’[/caption] The rules were brought in by bosses at a park after a change of insurance provider[/caption]New rules at Meriden Adventure Playground dictate mums and dads must sign a waiver agreeing that their kids enter the park “at their own risk.”
Bosses at the charity-run play area in Chelmsley Wood said in a statement: “The playground is a wonderfully free place for children and young people to spend time exploring, gaining independence and taking (calculated) risks.
“With all environments like ours, including open playgrounds, there will be bumps and bruises along the way and these are part of the adventure of free play and exploration.”
The statement explained that the playground is fully insured, and anyone injured would be “covered for any reason”, adding their approach to risk is “robust”.
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But due to a swap in insurance provider, documents must now be signed by anyone entering.
The statement said: “You will probably all be aware that the environment is changing with regard to managing risk and we are having to make some changes to our operating practices, as required by our new insurers.
“From now on, we are asking every person who steps inside the playground to sign a disclaimer that they do so at their own risk.”
Some parents were pleased that the park – which had briefly closed while the insurance issue was sorted – was back open, others suggested the waiver was overkill.
One dad, who did not want to be named, fumed: “I’m never taking my kids there again.
“Children are supposed to rough and tumble, it’s normal.
“This just feels like political correctness gone mad.”
The park, which is free to enter, is usually open all year round.
It features a giant rope swing, a giant climbing frame and two slides – as well as regularly hosting activities.
There is also a youth night, and closed SEN sessions for children with special educational needs.
Last Christmas, sick yobs stole £2,000 worth of Christmas toys collected for struggling families in the area that were stored at the playground.
Fundraising efforts saw more than £4,000 raised to buy back the gifts.
Due to a swap in insurance provider, documents must now be signed by anyone entering[/caption]