Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an to Develop Heat Injury Standards for Playground Equipment

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 28. In response to public concerns that extreme heat is affecting children's playgrounds, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said today that the city will reference international practices to develop safety standards for preventing heat injuries from outdoor playground equipment. The Parks and Street Lights Office responded that it is evaluating the installation of trees or artificial shading. Before attending the Taipei City Council's general interpellation, Mayor Chiang was asked by the media about the issue of playground equipment being exposed to long-term sunlight. Chiang responded that the city will develop standards, including shading, protective measures, and warning signs. The Parks and Street Lights Office stated that to cope with high temperatures, it will avoid using metal materials that heat up easily and will prioritize plastic, wood, or composite materials. Additionally, KMT City Councilor Lin Hsing-er mentioned that at Tianshou Park in Shilin District, which opened this April, the gaps in climbing equipment are too large, causing children to fall and get injured. Chiang ordered the Parks and Street Lights Office to complete repairs within one week. The office stated it would handle the matter cautiously and adjust facility configurations if necessary. Regarding accident handling, the office noted that all Taipei parks are covered by public liability insurance, and the office will assist with insurance claims.