Playgrounds in Lapeer are suddenly feeling a lot less carefree after dozens of metal spikes were discovered scattered across two city parks this month. Police are warning parents and park-goers to scan play areas before kids take off running, while officers and city crews keep combing the grounds and pulling out the devices, which were reportedly left with the sharp ends pointing up. The finds have shaken families who use the parks every day and reignited calls for better lighting and more patrols.
Where and how many
Police say the metal pieces, described as fence spikes or caltrops, turned up during routine patrols and maintenance checks. Officers collected 23 of them at Crampton Park and another 21 at Rotary Park, according to WNEM. City workers reported finding many of the spikes buried in playground woodchips or hidden under snow, again with the pointed ends facing upward.
Neighbors and officials react
Families who regularly hit the swings and slides there say the discovery has them rethinking everyday park outings and worrying about both children and pets. One parent told WXYZ she used to bring her child to the park daily but now plans to steer clear of the playground. Commissioner Stefan Brady said the city is looking at beefing up lighting and security, and City of Lapeer Police Chief Jeremy Howe told WXYZ the department is dedicating resources to tracking down whoever is responsible.
Past incidents give context
This is not the first time something sharp has shown up where kids play in Lapeer. Local coverage last year documented caltrop-style spikes turning up in woodchips at Crampton Park, and the same park was the site of a chemical-burn incident in 2018, according to The County Press. Earlier reports described the devices as similar to anti-theft “stars” designed so that at least one point sticks up, an obvious danger for bare feet or a child coming down playground equipment.
Police advice and reporting
Officials are asking anyone who spots a suspicious object in a park to leave it where it is and call the City of Lapeer Police Department. Detective Sgt. Jeff Jones and Detective Jesse McKelvie can be reached at 810-664-0833, per WNEM. Police are urging residents not to handle the spikes themselves and say city crews will keep doing daily sweeps of playground areas until they are confident the threat is gone. In an emergency, residents should call 911.
Local television coverage has shown footage of the spikes and aired police warnings; video is available from CBS Detroit. For now, parents say they will give playground surfaces a careful once-over before letting kids loose while investigators work through the tips coming in.
