Playground injuries are the leading cause of injuries to students, ages 5 to 14, in the school environment. Hard surfaces, such as asphalt, concrete, dirt, glass or brick are ineffective, since they do not absorb falls. Acceptable alternatives are wood products, pea gravel, sand, and rubber products. The surface type, depth and area covered all contribute to safe play environments. A well designed playground should also include play equipment that is accessible to children with special needs.
Equipment needs ongoing care.
If you see something broken or needing maintenance, report it to playground officials. Lack of proper supervision contributes to approximately 40 percent of playground-related injuries. Playground supervisors and parents need to actively observe children of all ages. This includes making sure children's shoes and clothing do not have loose strings or fabric that could catch in equipment. Supervisors and parents should also be prepared for emergencies, such as being trained in CPR, in case children are injured.