A safe playground is one that gives kids the space they need to run off their energy and develop new skills without worrying about getting hurt. Playground planning should always involve keeping safety at the forefront of your mind. Yet, you might be wondering exactly how you can go the extra mile to protect the kids who visit your play space. Starting your plans with these six tips helps you prepare a safe play area where everyone can enjoy their day.
Follow Age Guidelines
Playground equipment is designed for specific age groups. Choosing age-appropriate equipment helps small children avoid falls from heights that are substantial for their size. Age guidelines are also meant to help the equipment be suitable for the children’s developmental level. For example, preschool playground equipment has features such as ramps and lower steps that are easier for smaller children to use.
Think About Capacity
Crowded conditions on a playground increase the risk for injuries. Our kids playground equipment comes with additional information that includes a child capacity recommendation. Knowing that the structure that you put in has enough space for an entire class or larger group means that kids will be able to give each other plenty of space and take turns.
Maintain the Fall Zones
The areas around loop ladders, swings and other parts of the equipment that involve heights should always be viewed as potential danger zones. Most playground injuries occur when a child falls off the equipment onto a hard surface. Adding protective surfacing to these areas is all it takes to reduce the risk of fall-related injuries. We have multiple types of surfacing that all provide different levels of cushioning. Our experts can help you explore which types work best for your play area so that no surface is left uncovered.
Provide Shade
Young children tend to leap onto playground equipment without stopping to check things out. This can sometimes lead to burns if equipment is allowed to get too hot. Adding shade to areas that get a lot of sun can help kids avoid a painful burn. Shaded areas also give kids a place to stop and catch a break from the heat on those hot summer days.
Encourage Proper Sanitation
Injuries aren’t the only thing that you need to be concerned with when planning a playground. Today, the importance of germ and infection control on playgrounds is more important than ever. Including waste receptacles in the design scheme gives parents a safe place to dispose of soiled diapers or tissues so that they don’t end up in little hands.
Include Helpful Signage
Park visitors want to do their part to keep everyone safe. Consider adding signage that reminds the adults of things such as the age and maximum capacity recommendations. You can also include the contact information for reporting safety hazards that might arise between inspections and maintenance dates.
There’s a lot that goes into planning a safe playground, and your efforts at keeping the area as safe as possible should be ongoing. Once our experts have set you up with sturdy equipment and cushioned surfacing, make sure to monitor the area for needs that might arise as time goes on. Are more kids suddenly visiting the play area, or is there a new group with different ages? If so, then adding new equipment and increasing your maintenance schedule gives you assurance that the area stays safe.