In Mykolaiv, the benches in the square are sagging under the weight of adults: city officials have explained that they can support up to 80 kg

In Mykolaiv, the benches at the playground bend under the weight of adults. Photo: NikVesti

In Mykolaiv, a resident has complained about benches in a children’s playground that bend under the weight of an adult. The municipal utility company DEZ Pilot responded that the structures comply with standards and are designed to withstand loads of up to 80 kilograms, as they are intended for children.

As local resident Olena Skidan reported in the Contact Centre group on the Mykolaiv City Council’s page, a bench at the children’s playground near 8 Hennadii Matuliak Street creaks and sags under the weight of an adult.

As is known, the new playground was officially opened recently, on 26 March. Those present at the opening included the Mayor of Mykolaiv, Oleksandr Sienkevych, the Head of the Inhulskyi District Administration, Hanna Remennikova, and the Director of the municipal enterprise Mykolaiv Parks, Dmytro Chuchmai.

«I weigh 82 kg. The bench at the children’s playground near 8 Hennadiy Matulyak Street creaks and sags under my weight. Will ‘Mykolaiv Parks’ then claim that vandals have broken the new benches? Perhaps it would be better to install benches that can support an adult’s weight from the outset?» wrote Olena Skidan.

In Mykolaiv, playground benches bend under the weight of adults. Photo: NikVesti

In Mykolaiv, playground benches are sagging under the weight of adults. Photo: NikVesti

In Mykolaiv, playground benches are buckling under the weight of adults. Photo: NikVesti

In response to the complaint posted under the post, the Rapid Response Service replied that the benches are designed for children aged 3 to 12.

«Municipal Enterprise «Directorate of the Single Customer «Pilot». It is proposed to close case 65365. The benches in question comply with TU U 32.3-39069054-001:2024 and are intended for children aged 3 to 12 years, with a weight capacity of 80 kg,» the Service replied.

Response from the Rapid Response Service regarding the condition of the benches at the children’s playground. Screenshot of the comment under the post

In turn, Olena Skidan noted that information regarding weight limits should be displayed on all elements of the playground.

«In that case, please add information about weight limits to all elements of the playground, not just the benches. As I understand it, there is no point in discussing who usually sits on the benches at playgrounds. I sincerely hope that the playground planners’ relatives have to stand for two hours by the sandpit,» wrote Olena Skidan.

A discussion unfolded in the comments under the post regarding the quality of the benches and the appropriateness of installing them. Some residents suggest that the benches serve more of a «decorative function».

User comments under the resident’s social media post. Screenshot of a comment under the post

User comments under the resident’s social media post. Screenshot of a comment under the post

User comments under a resident’s social media post. Screenshot of a comment under the post

As a reminder, the playground has been fitted with swings, a slide, a sandpit, a roundabout and other play equipment.

Opening of the playground. Photo: Mykolaiv City Council

It should be noted that next to the playground, in the square on Sculptor Izmalkov Street, between Hennadii Matuliak Street and 9 Pozdolvzhnia Street, a space for relaxation and active leisure has been created. The municipal enterprises ‘Mykolaiv Parks’ and ‘Pilot’ worked on the creation of the playgrounds.

«Previously, this area was a wasteland where dogs roamed. Today it is a public space (referring to the area, — note), and also a children’s playground, which has become a hub where young people and parents with children will gather to spend time in a comfortable place with lighting and pedestrian zones,» said Oleksandr Sienkevych.

Opening of the space. Screenshot from the Senkevich Online Telegram channel

Opening of the space. Screenshot from the Senkevich Online Telegram channel

It is worth noting that complaints from Mykolaiv residents regarding neglected playgrounds and sports grounds are frequent. Recently, residents complained about the dilapidated state of the playground and basketball court on Kazarskoho Street.

Rails are sticking out of the sports ground on Okeanivska Street. Broken boards in the maze, rubbish and benches on the playground and along Kolodiazna Street. Residents said the playground has been in this state for the last five years. Repairs are scheduled to take place here in April.