A Place To Play

u Public Playground Safety: 10-Point Checklist for Parents u

This playground safety checklist is a project of the Parent Leadership Project of Family Action of Sonoma County and is co-sponsored by the Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation

What to look for:

Do surfaces around playground equipment have at least a 12-inch thickness of wood chips, mulch, sand, pea gravel, or mat made of safety-tested rubber or rubber-like materials?
Does the protective surfacing (as described above) extend at least 6 feet in all directions from play equipment? For swings, be sure surfacing extends, in front and back, as far as a child might be able to jump.
Is there at least 9 feet of space between play structures that are more than 30 inches high?
Check for sharp points or edges on equipment.
Is there dangerous hardware, like open "S" hooks or protruding bolt ends? Is there peeling or chipping paint on older play equipment?
Make sure spaces that could trap children, such as openings in guardrails between ladder rungs, measure less that 3.5 inches or more than 9 inches.
Do you see tripping hazards, like exposed concrete footings, tree stumps, and rocks? Check for broken glass or other harmful materials under or near play areas. Protect your child and others by carefully picking up material. If the problem persists, contact the responsible agency.
Do elevated surfaces, like platforms and ramps, have guardrails to prevent falls? For preschool-aged children, the top surface of the guardrail should be 29 inches high, and the lower edge should be 23 inches above the platform. For school-aged children, these figures should be 38 and 28 inches, respectively.
Are bathrooms in working order and reasonably clean? Are the drinking fountains in working condition? Are there drainage problems?
Are there stop signs and cross walks for safe access? Are there loose animals in the park?
This list was adapted from the Consumer Product Safety Commission: Tips for Playground Safety-CPSC Document #324

Keep our Children Safe:

Each year about 200,000 children are treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms for playground equipment-related injuries (Source: National Program for Playground Safety). Nearly 70% of all playground injuries are related to falls to the surface (Source: Consumer Product and Safety Commission).
An adult presence is needed to watch for potential hazards, observe, and step in when necessary. It is estimated that over 40% of playground injuries are related to inadequate supervision (Source: National Program for Playground Safety).
Strings on clothing or ropes used for play can cause accidental strangulation if caught on equipment. Shoes that are smooth on the bottom do not provide good traction for safe play.
Because children are developmentally different, school-age equipment does not fit preschool children (ages 2-5), and preschool equipment is too small for school children (ages 5-12). The areas for the age groups described should be separated and provided with appropriately designed equipment.

If you find unsafe conditions at a park, contact the appropriate agency, school district, or city department. Those responsible for park maintenance and safety welcome parent involvement to keep our children free from injury and our parks a welcoming place for all.

Family Action of Sonoma County
3650 Standish Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95407

(707) 586-3032ufax: (707) 585-2158

web: www.fasc.orguemail: fasc@fasc.org

The mission of Family Action is to effect long term policy change that will have a positive impact on the lives and health of children and their families in Sonoma County.