What Are Playground Use Zones
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Author: Austin Stanfel
Walk into a playground, and you will recognize the children of the different section can use. Slides, swings, stairs, monkey bars, balance beam, etc. While it integrates, there are boundaries that some won’t recognize and they are not invisible. Just look down on the ground, and you can identify a certain distance from every station. These are outdoor playground use zones, areas around every part of the playground, which is designated with a landing zone. In other words, they must not infringe on different zones and is safe for children to be in. These zones are made to prevent a mass of children huddled in one area that can go into another part of the playground and make it dangerous.
If a child were to fall from one structure and land on another, they and others in the area could get hurt. The need for at least six feet of space around the playground provides the freedom that a child won’t land on others or into another part of the playground. The ground, usually made from rubber, is soft and can absorb the fall. For tall structures that a child may jump from, it may need a more significant zone, while smaller features may not need any region. The general rule is a zone of at least six feet of open space around the spot.
How to remedy this?The most common spots are swings, slides, ladders, and monkey bars. Swings need space in front, and behind because of the movement a swing can make going back and forth and high in the air. They are placed on the sides of the whole playground because they need the most space for a use zone. Slides may end on the ground, but need some space to land and get up. There is also the space below the top of the slide because children shouldn’t be standing right under it. The same applies to climb a ladder or going under someone swinging on the monkey bars. Give extra room for these stations.
These zones are built-in with the playground, so safety checks involve measuring the spaces. All adults should watch them in how they land and how they play that it doesn’t endanger others. The zones should be clear of other things like balls and shoes. The playground is fun always for children, but it still has to be safe. Playground injuries are common with thousands going to hospitals every year, and 20% of them with head injuries. Getting hurt should not be a risk in the playground.
Children are active to run around, and the room is necessary for them. It can get wild, and parents cannot always watch them every second while not be prepared for every single issue that can come. The use zone is designated as a way to establish boundaries for those using a station and prevent harm as much as possible. By knowing the importance of these use zones while supervising, parents will know how to make a safe and fun experience in the playground.