Girl Sustains Serious Injury at City-Run Day Camp

Case Overview

This case involves an injury caused by allegedly deficient materials and supervision at a day camp run by the city. A child was playing on a baseball diamond, which was part of a larger recreational park, when she started to climb the fence behind home plate. As she started climbing, the fence, which was not designed to support any excessive weight, began to bend until the girl fell. She sustained a broken wrist, a broken arm, and multiple lacerations on her face.

Questions to the Parks and Recreation expert and their responses

What are the responsibilities of the supervisors at the day camp as it pertains to maintenance of equipment and supervising the children?

The day camp should have had a coach, instructor, or leader that would be responsible for ensuring that all the children were respecting the rules of the organization, the field, and the equipment; as adults we know not to climb on equipment that is not meant to be climbed on. My role as a facility associate and recreation attendant includes ensuring that the facility's equipment is in proper working order, making sure the equipment is properly used, and ensuring the safety of the public in and around recreational facilities.

Is the city liable to ensure that the children have a safe environment?

Yes, it is the responsibility of the city to ensure their facilities are monitored for safety. The city should have an employee that is monitoring the field, someone to ensure the user groups understand the proper usage, and someone who is ensuring that all equipment is safe to use.

About the expert

This expert has over 20 years experience as in Sports, Parks & Recreation, and Community Services. He is a Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC) & Registered General Practitioner (RGP). Has participated in the Coaches of Canada & National Coaching Certification Program, and has completed courses through the University of Waterloo's Recreation & Leisure Studies program. Currently, he is a private swim coach.