Every child loves to play in the playground and every parent loves to watch their children play and have fun. But, a playground can be a dangerous place if it is not well maintained. Therefore, every possible measure must be taken to ensure safety at the playground.

Here are a few tips to keep your playground secure:

• Make sure that the playground has a proper fencing system in place. Children can run after a ball and venture onto the main road or highway in the process. A good fence in place ensures that your child does not cross the boundary and venture into dangerous places.

• Elevated surfaces like platforms and ramps should be secured with guardrails.

• Make sure that there is enough space between swings in a bay.

• Ensure that the playground equipment is well maintained. A broken swing or loose parts on a merry go round can be fatal. If any equipment shows signs of wear and tear, get it repaired immediately. Check metal surfaces for rust and make sure that there are no S-shaped hooks or sharp edges protruding from the playground equipments. There should be no loose or broken parts.

• Another important point to remember is that the surface under the playground equipment must be made of material which can cushion a fall. Rubber mats, mulch and gravel make good surfaces for the playground. The cushioned surface must extend at least 6 feet past the equipment.

• If there is sandbox in the playground, you should also make sure that there are no debris and shards of glass in it. It must be kept covered when not in use so that it is not contaminated by animals like stray dogs and cats.

• It is a good idea to have different play areas for kids of different age groups.

• Teach kids the basics of playground safety. They should know that roughhousing and pushing is not permitted while waiting to use the equipment. Similarly, they should test the temperature of metal surfaces like slides on hot days. Sometimes, the metal can become really hot, so your child should know enough to use his own judgment. Teach your children to put their bags and bikes in the designated area so that no one else trips over them. Tell your children not to use play equipment if it is moist or wobbly.

• While using see-saws make sure that the children are of almost same weight so that they balance each other. They should sit facing each other and hold on tightly with both hands. They should use only their legs and not their hands while pushing upwards.

• While using a swing, make sure that the children are seated and not standing or kneeling. Others in the playground should keep a safe distance from the swing. If possible, swings should be set in a separate area altogether.

• While climbing on slides, children should use handrails and slide down with their legs first. Children should take turns in sliding down and not do it in groups. The same applies while using climbing bars and arches.

• Adult supervision is just as important as equipment safety as far as playgrounds are concerned.

With these safety measures in mind, you and your kids can enjoy the playground to the maximum.

Mark Perry

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