Sharraxaadda

There is a raised cylindrical vent or pipe about 2.5 - 3 ft. in diameter in front of apartment 4-I. The manhole cover is easily removable. On Saturday afternoon, 10/18/14 at about 4:15 PM, I saw a group of about six children from 3 yrs - 7 yrs leaning into the opening. As I approached, I thought it was a sandbox, but it turned out to be a hole. One of the children had lost a flipflop and they were all fishing for it. 1) It is unthinkable that such an unsightly and apparently dangerous fixture could be allowed in any residential complex, much less a few feet from the front door of a dwelling. 2) It is unthinkable that even a child can remove the manhole cover and expose this hazard to the numerous young ones who play in this complex. It looks like a tragedy waiting to happen. I am asking a code inspector to contact me with feedback.