Creating A Safe Playground Surface

One of the most important parts of your playground is the surface you choose to build it on. Playground surfaces come with many different options to consider, many of which are not safe. With poor surfaces the results can be devastating! Children can and "will", fall from the playground equipment. The results of the injuries will depend on where they land.

You must keep in mind that concrete, asphalt, and black top are completely unsafe and unacceptable surfaces to build your playground on. Believe it or not... grass, soil, and packed earth are equally unsafe as well. Quite simply the wear and tear of the weather conditions can make for an unsafe landing for children. The playground you are planning should be away from tree roots, tree stumps, rocks and other debris that can cause injury. Be sure to check for dangerous materials such as broken glass, and other sharp objects that are in the surface area of your playground equipment. Clearly these are very important factors to consider while working on this project.

There are some very safe materials to consider using. These will ensure that you create a very 안전놀이터 for children. You can fill your playground surface with materials such as, pea gravel, shredded rubber, wood chips, sand, or even mulch works great too! Keep in mind if you choose wood chips for your surface they should be free of (CCA) chromated copper arsenate. This is a chemical that can pose as a health hazard.

When deciding which material to use for your playground surface please remember these some of these very important elements. If your playground is NO HIGHER than 8ft. your surface material should be at least 12 inches deep. Keep the material loose and do not pack it down. Your playground surface should be at the very least 6ft. past the playground equipment. If the slide is higher or the swings are low you may need more coverage. Children or adults in wheel chairs can be accommodated using rubber mats for a smooth and even surface. If your playground is over a hard surface and have used loose fill you must: have 3-6 more inches of loose fill, a layer of geo-textile cloth, layer more loose fill again and then add impact mats.

If the combined height of the playground equipment and the child is higher than 12 feet (standing on the highest platform) this is consider extremely unsafe.

With all the years I have spent in "safe" playgrounds with my own children as well others, you cannot prevent all injuries from happening. The higher your playground is, the greater the severity of the injury. Keep in mind that nothing replaces good old fashioned adult supervision.