Miracle Recreation Equipment Company To Repair "Flying Gym" Playground Swings

Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Miracle Recreation Equipment Company of Grinnell, Iowa, today announced a repair program affecting an estimated 1,475 "Flying Gym" playground swings produced by the firm prior to 1985. A ten-year-old boy in Seattle, Washington died from injuries received after part of a "Flying Gym" swing fell and struck him in December 1984.

"Flying Gym" is a playground swing consisting of two swings suspended from a cross beam that rotates about a central metal shaft. The units were sold with a metal "cowboy" or "clown" shroud over the center or with no shroud at all. "Flying Gym" swings subject to this program are models 309 (cowboy), 306 (clown) and 305 (no shroud) and were sold nationally to local park and recreation departments and to some schools and churches.

From its sales records, Miracle Recreation Equipment Company will contact directly, by registered mail, each known purchaser- of a "Flying Gym" unit to notify them of the potential hazard and arrange for a field repair intended to prevent the swing assembly from separating from the central shaft. The firm will provide needed parts, without charge, for the repair and an allowance of $50.00 for welding costs.

The manufacturer sold some units prior to 1972, the earliest year for which it currently has sales records. Any owner of play- ground purchased prior to 1972 who believes he may have a "Flying Gym" should contact Miracle Recreation Equipment Company for assistance in identifying the product and obtaining information about the repair.

Until the repair has been completed, the Commission and the manufacturer urge that the swings be removed from all "Flying Gyms" to prevent their use.

For additional information, please contact Miracle Recreation Equipment Company, P.O. Box 275, Grinnell, Iowa 50112 (515-236-7536).