The design of a playground has a significant impact on how safe it is and the type of play children can get. Some gardens are designed for a specific age group, while others are suitable for a wide range of ages. In addition, particular laws prohibit the use of rubber in playgrounds.
Design
Designers should follow a systematic process when designing a playground to create a safe and fun environment for kids to play. This includes planning, assembling parts, and ensuring safety.
When designing a playground, it’s essential to consider children’s physical, mental, and cognitive capabilities. The design should also be appealing to the eye.
The best way to do this is to design a playground that follows the basic rules of physics. This includes using proportions and materials that obey natural forces. A good example is using wood and steel instead of plastics.
Another trick to designing a playground is to repurpose existing structures. This can create a unique play space for children. If you’re planning a new garden, finding out what the local community is interested in is a good idea. It may be beneficial to visit a few parks and ask what features they like and don’t like.
Age groups
If you are constructing a playground, you will want to consider each age group’s physical abilities and psychological development. This will help you design the right equipment for your child.
For example, young toddlers spend a lot of time on the ground. As a result, they need a variety of play activities to develop their gross motor skills. Such activities include crawl tunnels, mini slides, and small swings.
Younger children need supervision when playing at a playground. However, older children may not always respect their younger counterparts. These two age groups also have varying expectations, which can lead to clashes on the playground.
Playgrounds with a variety of age groups encourage sibling bonding. This can be especially beneficial if you have siblings of different ages. The best gardens include three separate play zones. Each zone is designed to provide children of a certain age with varying levels of challenge.
As your child grows, they will need more challenging equipment. A good playground will have a variety of low-to-the-ground and high-to-the-ground play structures, including swings, spring riders, and tricycle paths.
Laws banning the use of rubber in playgrounds
If you own a playground or are planning one, you might want to consider installing a warning sign. Luckily, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has put together a list of recommended warning signs for your play area.
The CPSC is currently conducting a research project involving tire rubber playground surfaces. As part of its research, it will ask playground owners to complete a survey regarding their uses and experiences. It will use the data to evaluate potential risks and provide a better idea of whether these materials have real-world health effects.
It’s also wise to install a high fence around your playground. This is good for safety and can help reduce your liability. However, be aware that gardens are not always as safe as you think. In addition to the apparent dangers, the ground beneath your feet can be filled with harmful chemicals.
When it comes to the health benefits of using rubber, the jury is still out on the long-term effects. For now, it’s best to avoid letting kids touch it.
Safety
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) commissioned the COMICS Corporation to assess playground safety. They found abrasions, cuts, and puncture wounds were the most common injuries. However, a large percentage of other injuries were also reported.
As a result, the USCPSC has published guidelines for playground safety. These include General Guidelines for New and Existing Playgrounds, Technical Guidelines for Equipment, and Surfacing.
Additionally, ASTM International has developed voluntary technical manufacturing standards for public-use playground surfacing. Several states have compiled guidelines for playground equipment.
The National Playground Safety System has also been a leader in promoting safe play spaces for children. Since 2005, the organization has awarded the John Preston Playground Safety Award to those who have improved playground safety.
In the 1990-91 school year, a survey was conducted to evaluate playground safety. Seventy-five school divisions responded to the study. It was found that abrasions, cuts, strains, and puncture wounds were the most commonly reported injuries.
