'Star of David' Prompts Play Redesign

 

A 'Star of David' shape at Burlingame, Calif.'s Pershing Park prompted complaints from at least one resident.

The city of Burlingame, Calif. has paid $1,600 to obscure a design at a newly opened Pershing Park playground that a resident felt resembled the Star of David.

The park was closed one day in September while a contractor filled in a pattern in the playground’s surface that consisted of six yellow stars laid out in the shape of the Star of David. Residents had complained it was disrespectful for children to step on the design.

The pattern was changed to an arch shape that more closely resembles a sun. Burlingame is located just south of San Francisco.

The original contractor made a mistake in fashioning the design to look like a star, said Randy Schwartz, director of parks and recreation. The design was supposed to resemble the pattern in the playground’s climbing net.

“Our intent was not to disrespect any religion or any religious organizations,” Schwartz said.

Source: Associated Press