The Seventh District Recreation Council has been told to end the much loved after school roller skating programs due to asbestos problems at the schools.

A couple weeks before a six-week session was set to begin at Parkton, the school system suddenly cancelled the roller skating program for students.

Cafeteria and Gym Tiles Contaminated

The tile floors in Parkton’s cafeteria and gym have been found to be contaminated with asbestos, says Kara Calder, spokeswoman for the school system.

Even though layers of sealant have been applied to the flooring, roller-skating doesn’t apply to normal use of the tile, explains Calder.

“Roller skating, by nature, has an abrasive effect on the skating surface,” said Robert Merrey, the supervisor for the department of physical facilities’ environmental services division.

Debate Over Program

Suzy Gill-Boucher, chairwoman of the recreation council’s roller-skating committee, believes the school system simply doesn’t want the program to continue, asbestos or not.

However, Merrey said many positive things about the after school program and claims he hold it in high regards.

“The popularity and success of the program, however, does not override our responsibility to consider the health and safety of our community above all else,” said Merrey in a reply to a letter written by Gill-Boucher.

Floor Replacement

Gill-Boucher and many parents of the students attending the school are pleading with the school officials to have the floors replaced if they are putting the children at risk.

“It seems to me that if the children are being put at risk by skating on it 12 times a year, then the tiles need to be replaced. Please do not wait any longer to ensure the safety of our children,” one parent said at a school meeting.

(Source: The Jeffersonian)

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