How to Create a Safe Playground

A safe playground is a place where kids can play without the risk of injury. Unfortunately, kids are injured on playgrounds each year. These injuries can range from minor cuts and scrapes to traumatic brain injuries.

A safe playground should have a ground surface made of sand, wood chips, pea gravel, mulch or poured-in-place rubber. Concrete, asphalt and grass are unsafe for playgrounds because they don’t provide enough shock absorbency. 안전놀이터

Safety surface

Children often fall from playground equipment, but the right surface can help them avoid serious injuries. The best surfacing materials are shock absorbing and designed to meet safety and accessibility requirements. They should be installed over a layer of road base and cover an area twice the height of any equipment.

There are several types of surfacing material available for playgrounds, but they all have different prices, maintenance costs, and longevity. Some have a low initial investment cost but require frequent upkeep, while others have a higher upfront cost and need less maintenance over time.

The best choice for a safe playground is solid rubber, which comes in both poured-in-place and interlocking tiles. It offers ADA accessibility and can be customized with inlaid shapes and themed designs for added visual appeal. It is also durable and slip resistant, reducing the risk of falls. It can be purchased in a variety of colors to match any design.

Shade structures

Shade structures offer a visual appeal to playgrounds and protect visitors from harmful UV rays. They are also easy to install, making them a great addition to parks and other public spaces. They come in a variety of styles to match any design. Some have a natural look, while others are designed to accent specific playground themes.

Kids can overheat quickly, leading to dehydration and sunburns. They may also be distracted by a burning sensation or want to go back inside for relief. A good quality shade structure keeps the air and equipment 20 degrees cooler, reducing the risk of burns.

Parks and other public spaces need to provide a comfortable environment for children and adults. Shade structures are a great way to do this without requiring a large investment or extensive landscaping. With multiple base plate mounting styles, shade structures can be installed on any surface. For example, the Arbor design has four arms and tensioned fabric to mimic a tree, offering both shade and aesthetics to your park.

Separate enclosures

For playgrounds to be safe, they need to have separate enclosures. This helps prevent children from getting lost, and it also gives parents peace of mind. The enclosures should be built to meet all safety standards and ADA requirements. The enclosures should have a clear line of sight to restrooms and other amenities.

Playgrounds that feature natural elements are more interesting and stimulating for children. They are also safer for kids with allergies and special needs. Plants can add texture to the playground and are an excellent source of sensory stimulation for autistic, blind, or deaf children. Plants can also help increase children’s attention span by engaging their senses.

Shock-absorbing surfacing should be placed on and around all equipment. It should be able to withstand a peak deceleration of 200 G and head Injury Criterion (HIC) of 1000. Organic materials that support the growth of molds should not be used in the playground because they can be hard to sanitize and disinfect (1).

Supervision

Supervision is one of the most important safety factors for playgrounds. It requires alert, aware supervisors who are familiar with safe playground rules and know when to intervene. They must also be able to communicate with each other and call for additional assistance in the event of an accident. Many schools provide walkie-talkies or cell phones for this purpose.

It is also a good idea to clearly state the rules for the play area and explain them to students. This will help children understand the importance of following these guidelines and will encourage them to report unsafe behavior.

It is also a good idea to divide the playground into supervision zones and limit access to equipment that is not appropriate for the age group of the children. This will allow supervisors to monitor each zone more closely and avoid distractions. For example, some students may have trouble sharing or taking turns, so it might be helpful to set a rule that allows them to go to a staff member with their problems.