Many of these injuries occur at public park, public school, preschool, and fast food restaurant playgrounds that are in a state of disrepair. Outmoded, poorly designed equipment, and improperly installed and maintained equipment present physical hazards to children. Review these guidelines and evaluate the playgrounds where your child plays. Sixty percent of all playground injuries are caused by falling onto hard surfaces. Clean sand, pea gravel, wood mulch, or manufactured material are acceptable surfaces.
Professional installation is a wise policy.
Check CPSC for depth, width, and other details. Equipment not appropriate for age of children. Look for safety signs that state ages for which the playground was designed. Watch your children play to ensure they are able to use the equipment without signs of fear or falling. Small bodies can fall or crawl through openings as small as 4 to 5 inches wide, leaving a child suspended by the head.