No matter what parents do, they can't eliminate the risk of their child getting hurt on the playground. However, that doesn't mean you can't maximize their safety by making sure the playground is designed with a child's well-being in mind.
Whenever you and your child visit a new playground, here are the safety features that you should look for:
Whenever you and your child visit a new playground, here are the safety features that you should look for:
Important Safety Features All Playgrounds Should Have
1. Safe Surfaces
The surfaces of playgrounds should minimize the impact of falls because let's face it; children fall all the time and sometimes for no reason at all. If you see that the playground's surfaces are made of concrete, packed dirt, or grass, walk away. Acceptable playground surfaces are engineered wood fiber, synthetic rubber, wood chips, sand or pea gravel, or poured-in rubber.
2. Rails & Barriers
A public playground's play equipment should feature lots of guard rails and barriers. Your child may be able to climb to the top with ease, but that doesn't mean they will have the balance to prevent themselves from falling. A guard rail should be age-appropriate as well; playgrounds for school-aged children should have guardrails on platforms higher than 30 inches, while playgrounds for preschool children should have guardrails for structures as low as 20 inches.
Guardrails and barriers prevent children from potentially dangerous heights. Although it's important for parents not to let younger children play on equipment meant for older ones, it can be hard to keep an eye on them at all times. If a child climbs on a platform that's too high for them, guard rails will prevent them from falling.
3. Adequate Spacing
Play equipment should have proper spacing between them to avoid children from hitting each other or running into people. Swings and slides, in particular, should have ample space around them to keep children safe. Hence, if you come across a playground that is too cramped, find another one.
4. Line Of Sight
Well-designed or upgraded playgrounds provide parents with enough lines of sight so they can easily supervise their children while playing. This feature will also let parents see if a stranger has approached their child in the playground.
5. Zero Tripping Hazards
Children trip all the time, so it's important for playgrounds to get rid of any other tripping hazards to keep kids from injuring themselves. Possible tripping hazards include tree roots, edges of surfaces, misplaced elevation changes, large rocks, and random dirt mounds.
Play equipment should have proper spacing between them to avoid children from hitting each other or running into people. Swings and slides, in particular, should have ample space around them to keep children safe. Hence, if you come across a playground that is too cramped, find another one.
4. Line Of Sight
Well-designed or upgraded playgrounds provide parents with enough lines of sight so they can easily supervise their children while playing. This feature will also let parents see if a stranger has approached their child in the playground.
5. Zero Tripping Hazards
Children trip all the time, so it's important for playgrounds to get rid of any other tripping hazards to keep kids from injuring themselves. Possible tripping hazards include tree roots, edges of surfaces, misplaced elevation changes, large rocks, and random dirt mounds.
6. Perimeter Barriers
You would want to find a playground that has adequate perimeter fencing, especially if you live in an urban area. This will help make sure that your kids stay inside the playground, and no strangers can easily approach them without you noticing.
7. No Exposed Hardware
Getting caught or impaled on a piece of hardware is a nightmare for many parents. Hence, when looking for a safe playground for your child, make sure there is no exposed hardware on the equipment, such as hooks, loose ropes, bolts, nails, and other potential hazards.
You would want to find a playground that has adequate perimeter fencing, especially if you live in an urban area. This will help make sure that your kids stay inside the playground, and no strangers can easily approach them without you noticing.
7. No Exposed Hardware
Getting caught or impaled on a piece of hardware is a nightmare for many parents. Hence, when looking for a safe playground for your child, make sure there is no exposed hardware on the equipment, such as hooks, loose ropes, bolts, nails, and other potential hazards.
Finding a safe and good-quality playground is a concern for most parents, but some don't know what kind of safety features to look for. Hopefully with this list, you will be able to find a playground that eliminates most of the hazards yet still allows your child to enjoy themselves on the playground.
Comment Box is loading comments...
