Council investigates after Oakleigh Lewis, 2, suffers burns at Grafton council-run park, receives skin grafts

As Northern Rivers toddler Oakleigh Lewis recovers from two skin graft surgeries after having her skin “melted” on a boiling hot playground slide, a council has expressed their apologies.

A toddler suffered severe burns after a day out at a Grafton playground. Picture: Supplied.

As two-year-old Oakleigh Lewis recovers from two skin graft surgeries, Clarence Valley Council has expressed apologies over an incident on an overheated playground slide, and confirmed an investigation is underway.

A spokesperson from the council said they were “deeply sorry about this incident and our thoughts go out to the family”.

“Our parks and playgrounds are there for recreation and enjoyment and we remind people to provide active supervision of children when using our public facilities,” the spokesperson said.

Oakleigh Lewis before the incident at Grafton Jacaranda Park.

On January 24, the “horrific screams” of Oakleigh Lewis turned a fun family trip to the local playground into a living nightmare.

Mother Shakirra Stewart raced to her toddler who was “stuck to a metal slide” at the Grafton Jacaranda Playground.

“I didn’t know what was happening, she was just screaming at that point so I just picked her off the slide,” Ms Stewart told this publication.

“As I was carrying Oakleigh, her knee melted — like skin dripping off her knee and a massive blister had already formed on her foot.”

Ms Stewart and her mother rushed the toddler – who was in agony - to Grafton Base Hospital.

Oakleigh is recovering from skin grafts after suffering burns in Grafton.

It was at the hospital she received temporary treatment but had to return three days later for further assessment.

Oakleigh then spent time between Lismore and Gold Coast University Hospital where she was eventually admitted on February 19.

She has since had two skin grafts.

Picture: Supplied.

In the wake of the incident, Ms Stewart wants Clarence Valley Council (CVC) to urgently revise their playground equipment policies and to provide shade and signage.

Council is not accused of any wrongdoing.

The family said they put in a formal complaint to CVC within days of the incident but have not heard back.

In a statement to NewsLocal, council said “they were initially unaware of the situation” until we approached them for comment.

One of two metal slides at Grafton's Jacaranda Park.

A fundraiser has been launched to assist Ms Stewart as Oakleigh’s recovery continues.

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