NEWS

Electrical problems found at city parks

Most issues fixed; more reports ahead in effort launched after boy's death

Jozsef Papp
jpapp@augustachronicle.com
At May Park, a broken junction box and exposed wires were found by a light pole. That issue has been fixed. [AUGUSTA LAW DEPARTMENT]

Assessments of several Augusta parks – prompted by a boy's October electrocution – found a number of issues that posed dangers to the public.

Most of the issues have been resolved, but some remain, including the lack of ground wires being installed at pole lights for a baseball field and basketball court at Doughty Park at 1200 Nellieville Road. The discoveries were made by High Voltage Specialists Inc., which was hired to assess the facilities for ground wires or electrical hazards after 12-year-old Melquan Robinson's death Oct. 15 at Fleming Athletic Complex.

The firm was also asked to recommend repairs of any problems identified.

Jim Beasley, Augusta's public information officer, said affected equipment at Diamond Lakes, Doughty Park and Fleming Tennis Center was "secured" out of caution until the issues can be corrected and pose no physical hazard. Beasley said the equipment now has lock-out tags warning of danger until repairs can be made. Portions of the parks remain unusable at night because of a lack of lighting and some that is inoperable, Beasley said.

According to an undated facility assessment report on Doughty Park, six light poles were found to not have ground wires running from the junction box to the ground. The report stated that a decision needed to be made about adding the ground wires and that the cost would be higher if they were directly buried instead of using a conduit. The park was built in 1969, with the Augusta Commission approving Community Development Block Grant funds in 2001 to add a new building and make improvements to the playground area, landscaping, signs and parking before reopening in 2003.

The Augusta Chronicle contacted two local electricians to determine what kind of danger a missing ground wire posed, and each said it serves as a safety mechanism that prevents electricity from flowing wildly. In addition, if a ground wire is not properly placed, or is cut or broke, it could shock or electrocute someone who comes in contact with the wire.

At least five issues were discovered at Newman Tennis Center, according to the assessment report. One of the issues listed is a cut ground wire going to a light pole by a court. All issues there were resolved Dec. 26, after the assessment was completed Dec.13.

After Melquan's death, Augusta administrator Janice Allen Jackson said the city hired High Voltage Specialists to assess May Park, Diamond Lakes, McDuffie Woods, Eisenhower Athletic Complex, Newman Tennis Center and Fleming Tennis Center because of similar wiring to Fleming Athletic Complex. The list originally consisted of six parks but was expanded to include several more.

Beasley said the list has grown because some other facilities also have underground wiring and high use by the public. As of Friday, 12 parks have been assessed and eight reports have been filed.

The city is expecting to receive reports for Eisenhower Athletic Complex, McDuffie Woods, Warren Road Tennis and Augusta Soccer Park by month's end. Beasley said the city plans to perform similar assessments at all recreational facilities, with any electrical deficiencies having a priority over other work orders. There are 65 parks owned by Richmond County, with 23 community centers inside the parks, one golf course, six cemeteries, three boat ramps, one marina and one campground that is part of a park.

Of the facilities inspected so far, May Park had the most issues identified with seven, which included missing receptacle covers, disconnects not remaining closed or exposing wires. All issues at May Park were resolved Dec. 26, after the assessment was completed Dec. 12.

Doughty Park and Diamond Lakes were the only parks assessed with issues remaining to be resolved as of Friday. At Diamond Lakes, a broken hub, which had water getting inside the meter, was not resolved because Jefferson Electric hadn't shut off power to the meter. Another issue was broken connectors, which was reassigned to a supervisor for completion.

Fleming Tennis Center, Jamestown Community Center and Park and McBean Community Park all had issues that were resolved in December or January. May Park, Newman, McBean and Diamond Lakes had missing receptacle covers that were replaced with GFCI covers, which cover outlets and protect people from getting shocked, according to an assessment report.

The facilities maintenance division of the central services department is in charge of performing all repairs. A specialty electrical contractor will be hired if needed, Beasley said.

Although the city’s investigation is ongoing, Rob Register, an attorney for Melquan's family, said they believed an electrical wire came in contact with a metal light pole beside the fence that electrocuted the boy.

Melquan was playing football when he touched a fence that had been electrified at Fleming Athletic Complex. At Tuesday’s Augusta commission meeting, family and community members packed the chambers to demand answers from the city.

Mayor Hardie Davis said investigations are ongoing and suggested the formation of a safety task force to look at all facilities to ensure they are being inspected and maintained regularly.

A 1991 incident, in which 8-year-old Crystal Underwood was shocked at Fleming Athletic Complex, recently came to light after a 1993 civil suit was uncovered. The suit by Underwood's mother claims there were previous incidents of people getting shocked at the park.

Register received a thick packet with documents pertaining to the civil suit before Tuesday's meeting. He said they will review the documents and see what has been done since to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

The Richmond County Clerk's Office did not have any documents regarding the resolution of the 1993 case. Jacque Hawk, the attorney who represented the Underwoods in the case, said he doesn't recall the decision on the case because it was a long time ago. Underwood said she had no clue why there was no decision, but she believes it was too expensive for her mother to go against the city.

Register said he has been in contact with Hawk and with attorneys representing two youths and an adult who were injured while attempting to save Melquan.

Pastor Angela Harden, senior pastor at New Destiny Ministries (No Walls), has requested a community public meeting within two weeks, but Jackson said no timetable has been set.

May Park: 7 issues found; all resolved

Diamond Lakes Regional Park: 6 issues found; 4 resolved

Newman Tennis Center: 5 issues found; all resolved

Jamestown Community Center & Park: 2 issues found; all resolved

Fleming Tennis Center: 2 issues found; all resolved

Henry H. Brigham Park: 2 issues found; all resolved

Doughty Park: 1 issue found; unresolved

McBean Community Park: 1 issue found; resolved

Assessments were performed by High Voltage Specialists Inc. All issues that have been resolved are as of Friday.

Facilities assessed