According to the CDC, in the United States, over 200,000 children annually are treated for playground-related injuries. While community parks and playground are fun environments for events and play, they need to be safe.

Here’s a few tips to help ensure park and playground safety:

Stress Supervision

Adult supervision is one of the greatest defenses children have against injuries that take in place in a community park or playground. Adults are able to observe and watch for potential hazards, as well as see, intercede and help play as necessary. If an injury does occur, adults can take immediate, proper action. 

Insist on Safe Clothing

It is important for children to wear safe clothing in a community park or playground. Clothing strings, loose clothing, and other stringed items around a child’s neck could put them in a very dangerous situation. Additionally, closed-toed shoes and properly tied shoelaces are other good playground clothing practices.

Ensure Age-Appropriate Equipment

Playground equipment should be separated by age level: 6-23 months, 2-5 years, and 5-12 years. It’s vital for adults and parents to keep younger children from larger structures to ensure safety.

Maintain Equipment

Community park administrators should regularly check equipment and look for issues, such as deteriorating structures, splinters on wood equipment, cracks in plastic, and rust. Since these issues can arise over time, it is important to check and re-check as the seasons change. Parents can also keep a close on eye on equipment and report maintenance issues.

Remove Recalled / Old Equipment

Every once in a while, a piece of playground equipment may be recalled. When this happens, it is important that it be removed immediately. You can stay up-to-date with equipment recalls here. Also, if a piece of equipment has seen its better days and is starting to deteriorate, it’s time to remove it.

To hire a professional civil engineering company for your next community park and playground project, contact Jerdon today.