Vandalism and lack of maintenance were the main problems noted during the latest inspection of playgrounds around the island, according to the supervising authority.
Since 2011, the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority has been carrying out annual inspections of all 158 public playgrounds to ensure they are safe for children.
During the latest inspections this year, the authority identified “serious hazards” in 28 playgrounds and recommended immediate action.
“The main hazards identified relate to lack of maintenance on playground equipment, insufficient or deteriorated impact surface area and vandalism,” a spokesman said.
One of the 28 playgrounds – Ġnien f’Misraħ il-Fidwa, Mqabba – remains closed as refurbishing works continue.
“All the other local councils have taken action or are in the process of taking action to carry out works to make their playgrounds safe according to standards… on the safety of playgrounds,” the spokesman added.
New standards were introduced in 2011 after Luke Micallef, 7, suffered serious injuries after falling headfirst onto a pile of rocks when he was frightened by a dog during a Sunday family outing at Chadwick Lakes in November 2010.
His father, Robert, launched an appeal for the setting up of a group of experts to regularly check playgrounds and recreational areas to ensure they were safe for children.
The playgrounds’ safety criteria are listed in the 2011 national standards document that lays down, among other things, that there must be fencing, benches had to be designed safely and all wiring should be underground.
The MCCAA was tasked with ensuring standards were met. Each year, after inspections are held, it draws up a report highlighting any shortcomings. This is handed over to the respective local council and, where necessary, lists recommendations on how to address the shortcomings and make the playground safer.
In past reports, the supervising authority recommended installing soft impact surfaces in certain areas and removing hazards such as protruding bolts.
In cases where a playground is deemed completely unsafe, its closure is recommended.