COEUR d'ALENE - Brian Olphie sees an accident waiting to happen at the Fort Sherman Playground at City Park.

The Spirit Lake resident is concerned that the circular play structure that spins is being used more as a seat 5 to 6 feet off the ground rather than to hang from as it's intended.

Olphie believes it's dangerous - especially since it can make kids dizzy like on a merry-go-round - if a child falls that distance to the ground.

"Kids lean back and people spin them around," Olphie said. "They could fall in a way that would break their neck. I don't want to see someone become paralyzed for life."

Younger kids are generally placed on the round bar by a parent, while older children can climb onto the spinning part by themselves.

Olphie said he was told by parks workers that they are aware of concerns about the play piece. But it's also a popular spot for kids who enjoy being spun around, oftentimes by adults.

And Doug Eastwood, Coeur d'Alene's parks director, said he hasn't received any calls of concern.

He said all playground equipment the city buys has been approved and tested by the Consumer Safety Product Commission and that users or their parents need to take responsibility for using equipment properly.

"Kids will be kids and they'll do things that are more interesting to them," Eastwood said. "People will use things in ways they're not supposed to. Swings are meant for one person, but you'll find two or three people in them. It happens in your own backyard.

"The user needs to follow the intended uses. If the user is negligent (and something happens), the user has to take responsibility."

Olphie said the structure can be safely enjoyed - if it's used to hang on as it's intended for - not to sit on that far off the ground. He also believes there are ways to make it safe, including installing mesh on top to discourage sitting.