By Nicole Breskin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
UNION SQUARE — A steel climbing dome in the Union Square playground that had to be shut down after it became dangerously hot in the sun reopened on Tuesday with a massive awning shading it from above.
But some parents worry that the Parks Department's massive, 40-foot-long tarp won't be enough to protect kids, since the awning leaves a section on the east side of the dome exposed to the sun.
Domes designed by the same architect, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, had to be removed at Brooklyn Bridge Park's new Pier 1 playground park because of overheating problems.
“This seems ill-conceived,” said Brooklyn mom Diana Decubellis, who took her two children to play in Union Square on Tuesday. “It’s definitely hot and fully in the sun on this side. Parents should be very vigilant.”
Her daughter, Sophia, 9, opted to play by the sprinklers because she found the dome too hot.
Other parents were happy to have the dome back in action.
"It's great that the dome is reopened. I know it's an extremely popular feature," said Union Square mom Jennifer Moore. “But I am glad it was closed off and is now reopened with shade. It could get super hot.”
The Parks Dept. did not respond to questions about the cloth's design.
Ismael Osguera, 8, of the Bronx, said he was happy the dome reopened and wasn't concerned about the heat.
“It’s a little hot, but it’s my favorite part,” said Osguera, who came to the playground with his grandmother and sisters,. “I like running and climbing up it.”
His grandmother, Gloria Roa, said if the dome got too hot her grandchildren would move on to another part of the playground.
“I’m glad it opened. I like to let them have fun,” she said. “if I’m concerned I’ll test it out. They listen to me if I say it’s not safe.”
The Union Square playground first opened five months ago.
