Children's Slides Closed in Yaroslavl Region Over Safety Concerns

Residents of Yaroslavl Region are complaining about the ban on sliding on children«s slides. Photos of boarded-up attractions are spreading across social media. Since early January, seven slides have been closed across the region. They were located in Poshekhonye, Uglich, as well as in Rybinsky, Yaroslavsky, and Borisoglebsky districts.

The editorial staff of 76.RU reached out to local administrations for comments. As the authorities explained, the attractions did not pass safety certification. Such checks were conducted by special organizations. Additionally, the operation of some slides was restricted for other reasons. In this article, we examine where and why children«s slides were closed.

Slides in Yaroslavsky District

In Yaroslavsky District, as reported by the administration, one slide was closed for use. The attraction in Mikhailovsky settlement did not pass the safety inspection. Moreover, local residents noted that the slide started being closed last winter, and this year it was completely banned.

“Children came to slide, but saw only the frame of the structure. There is nothing to slide on. It turned out that the slides installed across the region are subject to requirements that many district and settlement administrations are unable to meet,” wrote residents on social media.

According to locals, in the administration of Nekrasovsky rural settlement, which includes Mikhailovsky settlement, the closure of the slide was explained by new requirements.

“Under new rules, the slide is considered an attraction, so it must be fully fenced, with an operator at the entrance. The slide must be certified. The administration cannot fully meet these requirements, as a result, the slide is being dismantled,” quoted the words of the head of Nekrasovsky rural settlement, Alexander Sorokin, by the settlement«s residents.

In the administration of Yaroslavsky District, in response to a request from portal 76.RU, they clarified that the issue of operating children«s slides is under discussion, and a final decision is promised soon.

Slides in Uglichsky District

In the administration of Uglich, they noted that only one slide in the Mirny microdistrict is closed in the city. It was damaged by vandals, and the manufacturer did not agree to repair it — this is not a warranty case.

“Accordingly, the structure did not pass certification. An examination conducted by the special organization ‘Prommashtest’ showed that the slide does not meet the necessary safety standards,” reported 76.RU from the administration of Uglich.

The administration considered the option of buying and installing a new slide. But this can only be done in spring or summer.

“In winter, there is no possibility to fence the structure with a fence, as required by existing rules,” said the press service of the city administration.

Residents of Uglich complained that on another children«s slide in Uglich, restrictions on operating hours were introduced. A photo with the schedule was published on social media. The authors of the post were surprised, noting that they are encountering this for the first time.

“The wooden slide has worked hard, why does it need weekends so much? For the first time in my life, I see a schedule posted on a slide without staff,” captioned the photo in “Uglich-Online.”

The authorities of Uglich explained that, according to legal requirements, slides are equated to attractions. Because of this, corresponding requirements are imposed on them: slides must be fenced, sliding organized on a schedule, and a specially trained controller must be present on site.

“In the photo — the operating schedule of the active slide in the city center. Unfortunately, it has weekends, since only one employee works as a controller on it,” explained the administration of Uglich.

Slides in Borisoglebsky District

The closure of a children«s slide in Borisoglebsky District was warned by the authorities themselves. The administration published a post on social media, informing that the slide is unfit for use due to technical reasons. Damage was noticed on the attraction, with individual elements ensuring safety torn off.

A replacement for this slide, judging by the authorities« publication, is not being sought. The children»s slide was closed on January 6, but soon the facility was planned to be reopened.

“After carrying out the necessary work, a specialist«s visit is planned to draw up a technical inspection report confirming the serviceability of the structure,” stated in the administration»s post.

Slides in Rybinsky District

In the administration of Rybinsk, they told 76.RU that two slides are closed in the city — on Rokossovsky Street and in the park in Perebory. They need to obtain licenses and find employees. This, according to new requirements of the technical regulation, are mandatory conditions.

“Each attraction must have an operator who maintains the condition of the object, and a worker who monitors the safety of those sliding. The slide and the run-out must undergo daily technical inspection,” added the city administration.

During the daily inspection, the surface of the slide must be cleared of snow. The inspection itself involves an external examination of the slide and run-out, aimed at timely identifying malfunctions, damages, and taking appropriate measures.

“For both objects, documentation is being collected to obtain a license. Letters have been sent to subordinate institutions of sports and culture to take the objects on balance,” said the administration of Rybinsk.

At the same time, the authorities of Rybinsky District clarified that all their slides are operating normally. Nothing was closed, except for the attractions in Rybinsk itself.

Slides in Poshekhonsky District

The closure of slides also affected residents of Poshekhonsky District. Thus, the operation of the “Slide” attraction on the ice rink was suspended. But the reason for closure is different — ownership is being re-registered to a new legal entity in connection with the reorganization of sports institutions.

“With safety, everything is fine, there was an inspection,” noted the press service of the administration.

Also, the authorities added that in Poshekhonye, children can slide on slides near several apartment buildings, as well as in the city center — near the “Yubileyny” cinema and on Freedom Square.