Playground ‘Skittles’ disappear

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This article was published 17/07/2014 (4179 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THREE giant “Skittles” have been stolen from the Nature Playground at Assiniboine Park.

The colourful balls are climbing obstacles for children made of recycled rubber. They were anchored to the ground along a path in the children’s play area, which is filled with unique items.

Park officials say the balls called “Skittles” by staff, as they look like giant versions of the Skittles candy, are extremely heavy. The balls weigh about 150 kilograms.

“It is a bit of a mystery how and why someone might want to take them, but nevertheless they are gone and we would love to get them back,” said Laura Cabak, the brand and communications manager for the Assiniboine Park Conservancy.

Cabak said gardeners noticed the balls were missing when they arrived Tuesday morning.

“We have searched the park in the hopes that the culprit(s) may have discarded them somewhere on the grounds, but have had no luck,” she said.

Cabak said the Nature Playground is not open after dark.

“The gates are shut in the evening at dusk and locked, and the playground is surrounded by a fence,” she said. “I guess, if someone was so inclined, they might climb over it.”

But she noted the perpetrators would still have needed a way to get the heavy balls out of the park.

“We’re hoping that whoever has taken them has discarded them and somewhere, someone is looking at a big, colourful ball and wondering what the heck is this thing and now they’ll know and they can give us a call and we’ll come get it.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 204-927-6000.