Our goal is to provide commercial playground equipment that's as sturdy as it is exciting. We know that the right playground isn't just about thrills; it's the foundation of a safe, inclusive play experience that supports child development from head to toe. That’s why the word “safe” is in our name! 

As the leaves begin to fall and pumpkins appear on doorsteps, October brings us National Children's Health Month – a perfect time to spotlight the role of playgrounds in nurturing healthy, happy kids. But here's the important question: Is your playground as safe as it is fun?

To promote children’s health month, we’ll share our playground safety playbook, from protective commercial playground equipment to smart supervision practices. Let's keep those young adventurers safe while they swing, climb, and imagine their way to better health!

Proper Supervision

Adult supervision is the cornerstone of playground safety. While it can be easy to get distracted by conversations or devices, supervisors should be actively engaged and within the sight of children at all times. They must consistently enforce playground rules and be prepared to intervene quickly if unsafe behavior is observed. They should also guide children to use the appropriate commercial playground equipment for their age and abilities. Attentive supervision can prevent many accidents before they happen!

Important aspects of playground supervision for safety include:

• Maintaining constant visual contact with children on the playground and monitoring closely in case of an accident

• Enforcing age and size restrictions for different types of commercial playground equipment

• Encouraging safe play behaviors and discouraging risky activities

• Regularly inspecting playground equipment for any signs of wear, damage, or hazards and promptly reporting it to schools or park managers

• Being prepared to administer first aid or call for emergency services if needed

• Educating children about proper use of commercial playground equipment before they start playing

By keeping these supervision strategies in mind, you’ll help contribute to the safest play experience possible!

Safety Surfacing

The right surfacing can dramatically reduce the risk of serious injuries from falls, which are the most common type of playground accident. Use impact-absorbing materials under and around all playground equipment. This protective surfacing should extend at least 6 feet in all directions from play structures, with even more coverage around swings and slides. Regular inspections of surfacing materials are essential to maintain their protective qualities over time.

Important aspects of playground safety surfacing include:

• Choose materials specifically designed to be impact-resistant, such as:

• Engineered Wood Fiber

• Poured-in-Place Rubber Surfacing

• Rubber Tiles

• Artificial Turf

• Avoid surfacing materials like concrete, gravel, or asphalt

• Make sure that surfacing depth is appropriate for the fall height of your commercial playground equipment, such as from swings and steep slides

• Extend surfacing at least 6 feet beyond the perimeter of stationary equipment and 14 feet from the end of slide exits

• Regularly inspect and maintain surfacing to prevent displacement or degradation

• Address drainage issues to prevent water accumulation, which can compromise surfacing effectiveness and overall safety

• Consider using different colors or textures of surfacing to designate zones for different types of commercial playground equipment

With the help of proper safety surfacing, you guarantee a reduced risk of injury and a fun play experience for all! Play It Safe offers numerous safety surfacing materials that’ll keep your kids physically safe and mentally stimulated. Shop our playground surfacing today!

Age Considerations

Commercial playground equipment should be designed with clear age-appropriate zones to make sure that children are using equipment suited to their physical and cognitive abilities. Equipment should be sized for the intended age group – for example, lower platforms and smaller steps for younger children. Clear signage indicating recommended age ranges for different play areas helps both children and supervisors make informed choices. Encouraging children to use equipment suited to their size and skill level promotes confidence and reduces the risk of accidents.

Implement these age-related safety measures:

• Designate separate areas for preschool children (ages 2-5) and school-age children (ages 5-12)

• Choose commercial playground equipment designed specifically for each age group:

• Preschool: Lower platforms, smaller steps, crawl spaces, and simple slides

• School-age: More complex climbing structures, higher platforms, and challenging physical activities

• Use clear signs and guides to indicate age recommendations for different parts of the playground

• Train supervisors to guide children to age-appropriate play areas

• Consider incorporating multi-age commercial playground equipment that can be used safely by children of various ages and abilities

• Regularly assess whether your playground's age zoning meets the needs of your community

By implementing these age considerations into your playground, you’ll be one step ahead in guaranteeing a safe play environment for all. At Play It Safe, we offer commercial playground equipment that is specially designed to suit different ages and abilities. Check out our lineup to find the exact equipment you need!

Accessibility

An inclusive playground welcomes children of all abilities, promoting social interaction and physical activity for everyone. When selecting commercial playground equipment, prioritize accessibility to create an inviting and safe environment for all. Provide wheelchair-accessible routes, ramps, and transfer platforms to allow children with mobility limitations to access higher elements. Offer a variety of ground-level play options that can be enjoyed by children who may not be able to climb or use elevated equipment. Consider adding sensory play elements, such as musical instruments or textured panels, to engage children with various needs and abilities.

Improve playground accessibility and safety with these strategies:

• Choose commercial playground equipment with universal inclusive design features, such as:

• Transfer platforms to help children move from wheelchairs onto play structures

• Ramps with appropriate slopes and handrails

• Wide platforms and pathways to accommodate mobility devices

• Include ground-level play components that are accessible to all children, such as:

• Sensory panels

• Musical instruments

• Sand and water play areas

• Make sure that accessible routes connect all play areas and comply with ADA guidelines

• Use a variety of textures and colors in surfacing and equipment to assist children with visual impairments

• Consider adaptive swings and other specialized commercial playground equipment for children with disabilities

• Provide quiet spaces or "cozy corners" for children who may need a break from sensory stimulation

Inclusivity is fundamental in any playground space. It’s extremely important that children and individuals of all abilities can participate and engage in creative, safe play! Play It Safe offers numerous accessible playground features and designs, guaranteeing that you’ll have what you need to keep everyone active. Browse our commercial playground equipment today!

Safety is one of the most important aspects of any playground and community space. By implementing these safety measures, we can create playgrounds that promote both health and safety for all children. Reach out to us at Play It Safe to learn more about how you can guarantee playground safety with our products. A safe playground is a fun playground!