Trespassing Rises at Anticipated Pirate-Themed Playground in San Antonio

Trespassing Rises at Anticipated Pirate-Themed Playground in San Antonio

The pirate-themed playground is not expected to open until winter, but that has not stopped people from trespassing on the property. Mitchell’s Landing, an imaginative inclusive playground dedicated to the memory of a 3-year-old, Mitchell Chang, who tragically drowned in 2018, has seen an unexpected increase in unauthorized entries, primarily on Wednesday, September 26.

Concerns over Safety

The organisers are concerned about potential injuries and damage to the playground. “We cannot stress enough this needs to stop,” stated April Chang, mother of Mitchell and the organizer of the playground. She warned that the area is still an active construction site, posing numerous safety hazards.

The Impact of Trespassing

Such trespassing could delay the playground’s opening, expected to take place at 10 a.m. on November 30. According to April’s recent social media post, if the unauthorized access continues, the organisers may need to hire security staff, thus depleting funds intended for future maintenance and the opening ceremony. Additionally, any damage caused could result in substantial financial losses; for instance, damage to the playground’s safety ground cover, not yet set, could cost around $100,000 to repair.

Implications for the Future

If such unapproved visits persist, it could significantly affect the future of the playground. Although no damage has been reported thus far, repeated trespasses can discourage benefactors and sabotage plans for other community projects. April pleaded with the public to cooperate, emphasizing the importance of this project to the community and, more personally, in honouring Mitchell’s memory.

About the Playground

The playground will be located at the upcoming Stone Oak park, Classen-Steubing Ranch Park on the city’s Northside, near Las Lomas Elementary School. It will comprise various interactive zones, including a pirate ship, a mermaid’s lagoon sponsored by H-E-B, a marshy bog, and a Spanish mission, each meticulously designed to engage and entertain its little visitors.