Outdoor play spaces for kids are beneficial regardless of their location. A backyard playground can make it easier for parents to keep watch on their children, while school playgrounds bring an element of fun into standard learning.
Tips for Creating Safe Backyard Play Areas
A backyard play area is a way to encourage exercise and outdoor fun within the parameters of your home. It’s a way for parents to keep an eye on their children while they play, while also creating a safe space for them to gather with their neighborhood and school friends. For those who live in a suburban area, a backyard playground avoids the need to drive to a destination for play. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before installing any play equipment in your own backyard.
Choose the Right Location
Location is a key determinant for the type of play space you can build. Those fortunate with larger backyards can design and install different play zones for various needs. An activity zone with slides and swings can be separated from a quieter activity zone with a sandbox and stimulating sensory walls. However, those with more constrained areas — such as a side yard or smaller fenced-in space — will need to get creative with the intended space.
Make sure to select an area of your yard that is visible from your home. Supervising your children is still important, even though they are within your reach. Avoid a play area near a busy street. If you have a backyard pool, make sure either the pool is gated when not in use or the playground is situated far enough to avoid any potential accidents.
Select the Right Equipment
After selecting your location, proceed to choosing equipment. Planning ahead and developing a design will help you find the best playground equipment. There are many options available, with some ideal for backyard spaces and others perfect for school playground equipment. Choose age-appropriate playsets designed for your child’s age, while also considering how they can grow with them over time.
Again, consider your space when selecting equipment. Make sure that the size won’t overwhelm the area that you have. Safety clearance should also be thought about. In general, it’s recommended that there be at least six feet of clearance around the playset.
Layout and Install
Now comes the fun part — installation! When the playground pieces are shipped to you, do an inventory to make sure that you have everything you need before you begin the installation. Lay out all materials and instructions to ensure that you’re starting off on a good foot.
The ground should be leveled, and the playground perimeter should be marked. Any protective surfacing, such as rubber mulch or wood chips, should be purchased as well and spread out throughout the designated play zone.
Remember that top-quality playground equipment will likely need to be installed by a professional or contractor. Improperly installed equipment can be hazardous to children. If you aren’t familiar with this kind of installation, get an expert’s help to ensure it is up to safety protocols.
Tips for Creating Safe School Yard Play Areas
Similar to a private backyard, school yard playgrounds are a fun, interactive way to get children to play outside, socialize with others, and develop cognitive and physical skills. However, school playgrounds must be designed and built for multi-purpose use, meaning they should be accessible to a wide range of children and ages. Schools will also get more use out of the playground, meaning there is likely more wear and tear over time. That said, here’s what schools should consider to create safe play areas for students.
Design and Plan Ahead
Unlike an enclosed backyard, schools tend to have a bit more space for designing and planning a play space for students. That said, some of the same considerations should be kept in mind. These include finding an area where teachers and guardians can watch the children, locating a hazard-free zone, and avoiding any busy roads or parking lots. Adding a gate or fence can keep children contained and make it easier for teachers to keep an eye on everyone at one time.
Also, because a school serves children across ages, it’s important to think about how the design will meet the needs of various ages. This is where having specific play areas can be helpful. Older children and tweens can play on more challenging structures, while littler ones will be more comfortable with smaller slides and low-level structures. Try to plan for different types of play to make the space accessible and inclusive for all children.
Feedback and Approvals
Getting parents and the community involved is a great way to increase engagement and receive support for the project. If the school has a PTA (Parent Teacher Association), think about bringing the plans to them ahead of time. They may have feedback on the design or structure, providing insights before the plan comes to life. If fundraising is needed, these types of groups can also help raise money and gain community support.
Also, depending on the school, there may be some necessary approvals before construction can begin. School boards and local authorities may need to approve plans, including site and design specifics. In these cases, make sure you have comprehensive documentation of exactly what you’re planning to install, including the project’s overall vision and benefits.
Regular Maintenance Plans
Lastly, to ensure the playground remains a safe area for all children, regular maintenance inspections should be accounted for. Loose screws, cracks, rust, and other small hazards can lead to unwarranted accidents. Therefore, ongoing maintenance should be a requirement.
These inspections can be done daily by school staff. Teachers, aides, and maintenance staff can remove obvious hazards such as fallen branches and address any obvious wear and tear. On an annual basis, a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) can go beyond surface-level to identify complex issues and ensure they meet safety benchmarks. Doing these regular inspections will keep students as safe as possible during their recess breaks.
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