The opening of the newly renovated Bartlett Park playground has been pushed back due to damage to the playground surface.

Renovations on the playground started in December thanks to a Land, Water and Conservation Fund matching grant for $250,000.

According to Julie Noel with the City of St. Joseph Parks Department, they found out Wednesday morning that someone had entered the playground area after the underlayment for the surfacing had just been put in for the park.

“This underlayment is like an asphalt material with glue and other materials, (it) can be kind of caustic to your skin, you have to be really careful about getting it on you,” Noel said. “People had actually gotten into the playground to play, even though it was taped off, and because they got in there before it was dried and set, it left a lot of holes in that underlayment.”

Noel said the plan was for the playground to open this weekend, but repairing the holes and placing the surfacing material will push back the opening date until sometime next week, weather permitting.

“We would really appreciate it if everyone would just respect the area and not enter into the fenced off area… not only because we want to protect the new playground, but also because we want to protect our residents and visitors. This stuff that they’re putting down, while it’s still wet, it will really irritate your skin if it gets on it or if you rub it in your eyes,” Noel said. “Please don’t play in that area until it’s safe to do so and you’ll know that it’s safe when we take down all of the fencing around it.”

Noel said the playground should open next week and they will hold a grand opening when the new bathrooms at the park are completed.