Salina park playground is crumbling into dangerous rust

A dilapidated children’s play area at the Salina national park has been slammed as a danger to children by the families who use it.

Pictures showing the play apparatus in a derelict state were recently published online, sparking calls for action by St Paul’s Bay residents.

The images show rusted and broken metal structures with some of the equipment lying detached on the ground and safety turf damaged.

Safety turf in the play area is missing. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Facebook users who live in the area warned that the equipment was not safe for children to play on.

“A Sunday out with the family could very easily end up in hospital,” one parent warned on a popular Facebook group.

Others asked whether any maintenance was carried out in the area, saying it was one of the few play parks locally.

In a response to questions, an Ambjent Malta spokesperson insisted regular maintenance is carried out in the area to address weathering and vandalism.

Equipment in the Salina play area is in a dilapidated state, with equipment broken and rusted. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

However, the spokesperson said a full-scale refurbishment plan has stalled since May 2025, when the government agency issued a public call for works. The process was unsuccessful, with all submissions failing to meet the tender requirements.

“Consequently, Ambjent Malta needs to reissue the call for tenders and the process to do so is currently under way,” the spokesperson told Times of Malta, adding that, in the meantime, the entity will maintain the play area to the “best of our ability”.