Why shredded tires and not sand at Cuesta Park playground?

I was so disappointed to find shredded tires in the sandbox at Cuesta Park.

I had taken my 3-year-old grandson to Atascadero Park, and he had so much fun playing with his pail, shovel and truck in the sandbox (filled with sand).

We went to Cuesta Park the next day expecting another fun play day. The sandbox there was filled with shredded tires! It was 80 degrees, and the tires were heating up and letting off toxic fumes. Needless to say, we didn’t stay long. It wasn’t very fun.

I want to know whose idea it was to fill a play area with shredded tires. What thought process or discussion went into choosing shredded tires over sand or grass or just dirt? Maintenance costs for shredded tires is low, dogs and cats won’t poop in it and children won’t play in it. So what’s the point of even providing expensive equipment if it’s surrounded by toxic waste?

Ironically, that night’s news reported health concerns for children who play on shredded-tire soccer fields.

I hope to read responses to my concern: shredded tires or sand?

This story was originally published March 9, 2016 at 6:02 PM with the headline "Why shredded tires and not sand at Cuesta Park playground?."