Playground equipment removed from a New Kensington neighborhood’s parklet can be replaced but can’t be done in time for this summer, a city councilman said.

The removal of the equipment on Campbell Avenue came as a shock to children and adults.

Tracy Mercuri said she went to city council’s meeting Monday on behalf of her four children, ages 10, 12, 14 and 16 — who she said were devastated to lose their playground.

“The kids had no warning,” she said.

Neighbor Arlene Mercurio said she and other adults enjoyed sitting on the swings and watching the sunset, while children would sit around the merry-go-round and talk.

Calling the playground an integral part of their neighborhood, Mercurio said she was upset that the city ripped out the equipment without consulting with residents first.

But Councilman Dante Cicconi said the equipment was in very poor condition and unsafe. That also was not a recent assessment — a recreation, park and open space plan prepared for the city in 2007 said the same.

“The removal was long overdue and was on top of the work list for this year as we ramp up our maintenance program of all the parks,” Cicconi said.

Cicconi said he wants to get public input on what the city can do with the space.

Because the playground was located on an island in the middle of two streets, the 2007 plan deemed it unsafe for recreational use. It suggested the city designate it as open or green space.

“I am open to adding new equipment but would want input from citizens to see what they would want in that space, if anything,” Cicconi said.

Cicconi said other options could include a walking path and dog stations.

Mayor Tom Guzzo raised the idea of installing a “gaga ball park.” Gaga ball is a variant of dodge ball, in which players in a pit slap or hit the ball aiming to hit other players at or below the knees.

Mercurio said she liked the gaga ball idea. Cicconi said he liked Mercurio’s idea of creating a space where teens could sit and talk.

But Mercurio is steadfastly against the new, plastic equipment often installed in playgrounds.

“I hate that ugly plastic stuff,” she said, adding that she wants the swings back. “Those were great swings.”

Cicconi said it’s unlikely anything can be done before the end of summer.

He said he wants public input and encouraged residents to send their thoughts, ideas and suggestions to parks@nkcity.org.

Mercuri said she wants her children to have something to play on.

“We’re excited for whatever they put back,” she said.

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