Playground Needs, Assessment, Priorities, and Options

Author: Austin Stanfel

Playgrounds are meant to be fun for children and provide entertaining exercise so that children keep fit and, most importantly, stay safe. These considerations apply to playgrounds in schools, public parks, and commercial enterprises that offer playgrounds as an attraction.

A playground needs assessment is necessary to provide the safety that prevents children from being seriously or fatally injured in the playground. Children, especially small children, are prone to fall and take chances that could lead to serious injury. Your playground-needs assessment should take this consideration as a priority.

You should first consider the size of the playground relative to the number of children that will be using the playground at any given time.

Your second consideration should be the age of the children that will use the playground. There are different state, local, and federal laws and guidelines for children between the ages of two and five and children between the ages of five to 12. These rules involve the type of equipment, the material that composes the playground’s surface, and the external barrier separating the playground from potentially dangerous external areas like streets. In addition, it considers the needs of disabled children that will use the playground.

Most laws recommend that separate playgrounds be erected for children between two and five years of age and those between five and twelve. This consideration prevents potential injury that may occur if young children use equipment that is not designed for their size or the level of their physical strength. Your playground needs assessment will benefit from the advice of a professional that has been trained in all the regulations involved in playground safety and construction.

A professional can guide you in the choice of surface that provides the highest level of safety in the event of a fall. Shock absorbent materials in solids and specially designed polymer pebbles are available. A barrier between the playground and the exterior environment is a must for safety. A variety of materials and designs are available.

Most regulations require a walking area around the playground. This consideration provides a way for parents and children to inspect the variety of playground equipment available and is also helpful in tending to the needs of children that may be upset by other children or have a disability that produces problems when interacting with other people. You should also consider supervision during your playground needs assessment. For schools, there are classes that train teachers on the safety and legal requirements of playgrounds. You may want to consider hiring a trained playground supervisor if you have a playground in a commercial setting.

The American Society for Testing and Materials provides information about all the components that go into a playground. The report includes chemical composition, load limits, age restrictions, the expected lifetime of equipment, and safety information. The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides a handbook that contains all the safety regulations you need to consider in your playground needs assessment. The handbook includes case studies, design suggestions, and safety information.

Your first step in providing an enjoyable playground experience is planning. The first step in planning is a playground needs assessment.