The article Six Playgrounds In ‘Awful’ State (July 19) is the latest in a long list of regular, adverse comments by various journalists and correspondents, not to mention parents, about the dangerous lack of maintenance on certain playing fields which are frequented by our children.

In 1993 it was unilaterally decided by local government to transfer all playing fields and parks to the local councils who were also given the responsibility for their upkeep.

Since its inception in 1950, when the first playing field was inaugurated at Floriana, The Malta Playing Fields Association had equipped over 70 playing fields in Malta and Gozo. Each and every one of them had been financed from funds raised by the association when it organised innovative events such as the first August Moon Ball, the first Film Première and other activities. Each playing field was sponsored by individuals and commercial entities and all equipment was manufactured in Malta and when installed, regularly maintained by the association’s contractor. Galvanised steel was used throughout with very little use of wood or plastic. The equipment shown in both pictures was installed by us in the 1980s.

Soon after the takeover in 1993, the Association organised a meeting for all local councils to discuss what could be done to improve safety standards in playing fields and how the MPFA could help local councils to achieve this and also possibly lighten their financial burden.

We had suggested that the association provide an engineer to inspect all pieces of playing equipment once a year, repair/replace any faulty equipment and insure all equipment under one insurance policy. Only half the number of local councils attended and no agreement was reached with those present. Still true to its aim, which is playing fields for all, our association started donating Lm1,000 to a local council drawn by lots. This was to go towards improving and buying new equipment.

Recently the MPFA was asked to form part of the committee which drew up the standards published by the Malta Standards Authority. Owing to years of experience in playing field management we were able to contribute to a number of points which were included in these standards.

However, it remains sorely evident that because of lack of funds, interest, or whatever, today very cheap imported materials made up of plastic, wood, iron and asbestos are being used by the local councils and only rare slap-dash attempts at maintenance are done.

Unfortunately the MPFA has been left with only one possible role – a consultative one. Especially so when our last project, that of a sailing school, which was based on a site we had “on encroachment” and leased to us for 49 years at Ta’ Xbiex, and just approved by Mepa, was again summarily expropriated and passed on to RMYC. We have a current court case against the government on this.

However, all local councils are welcome to contact the association for suggestions, advice or assistance regarding their playing fields and their equipment. We are ready to help them.

Details can be found on our website www.maltaplayingfields.com.