| Installing outdoor playground equipment in your | | | | equipment for the first time or before deciding on |
| own backyard is a great way to get the kids to | | | | a purchase. |
| play outside in a safe and secure environment. | | | | The following is a list of six basic questions to ask |
| There are also many public playgrounds available, | | | | yourself before allowing your children to jump on |
| but sometimes they are overrun with | | | | unknown child playground equipment. |
| rambunctious children or even kids obviously too | | | | 1. Are play zones overlapping? |
| old for playground equipment. Purchasing child | | | | What this asks is whether or not children on the |
| playground equipment is definitely a worthwhile | | | | swings can easily run into those coming down a |
| investment. | | | | slide or hit the children recovering from the tire |
| So what will one of these outdoor playground | | | | swing. Each section of equipment should have its |
| equipment sets cost you? Well, as you can image, | | | | own 'area' or 'zone.' |
| the sky's the limit! There are actually a variety of | | | | 2. Can fingers, hands and heads fit in Unsafe |
| styles and price ranges available. But do be | | | | Places? |
| prepared to consider the child playground | | | | A fun day at the playground is quickly cut short |
| equipment an 'investment.' Also, if you are looking | | | | when someone twists a finger or catches their |
| for something in particular, or maybe Junior has | | | | hair awkwardly. Railing slats should be far enough |
| his or her heart set on a specific piece, almost all | | | | apart to avoid snagging fingers as children run by, |
| manufacturers are happy to assist with custom | | | | but not so far that a head can fit through. |
| design. | | | | 3. Is there hardware sticking out? |
| Some residential outdoor playground equipment | | | | Obviously playgrounds must be secure, but quality |
| can be purchased for a few hundred dollars. For | | | | child playground equipment will have recessed |
| less than $100, you can purchase the 'shell,' and | | | | bolts and screws. But what about those capped |
| then decide what to add. Meaning, after the initial | | | | covered bolts? They may look nice, but are easily |
| $100 investment you will still need to purchase | | | | popped off. So now, not only can a child cut |
| swings, slides and whatever else you might want. | | | | themselves, they are now susceptible to a |
| But, this starter playground may be the best | | | | choking hazard if they put one of those caps in |
| choice for you and your family. | | | | their mouth! |
| Maybe you're not sold on the fact that Junior | | | | 4. How is the ground around the playground |
| promises to play on it every day. Or you just are | | | | equipment? Is it smooth, soft and level? |
| not ready to invest thousands. Either way, you | | | | One of the most common causes of injury at a |
| can always add-on to your current model once | | | | playground is because someone falls on a hard |
| you purchase the initial frame. | | | | surface. Children are going to fall at the |
| Eager to get the whole kit and caboodle? Well, | | | | playground. Well-made playgrounds will be |
| you are in for a treat! The variety of style, color | | | | surrounded by wood chips or other soft |
| and options are endless when it comes to | | | | substances. |
| choosing the perfect outdoor playground | | | | 5. How anchored is the equipment? There should |
| equipment for your family. Be prepared to spend | | | | be no 'sails.' |
| anywhere from $650 for a single tire swing to | | | | Properly anchored playgrounds are a must! If you |
| $6000 for the system with a large array of | | | | see a tarp roof above the play deck you may |
| swings, slides, Tires and Monkey Bars. And to add | | | | notice a 'sail affect.' Skip this playground as the |
| on a Log Cabin for the kiddos, go a head and add | | | | tarp may cause the equipment to lift up. |
| on $3200 to the bill. | | | | 6. Where are the children?! |
| Yes, outdoor playground equipment can be | | | | One of the most important and easily enforced |
| expensive, very expensive. But it can also provide | | | | guidelines is to be able to monitor your children at |
| years of enjoyment for your children, their | | | | all times. If you are uneasy with a 'fort' or 'cabin' |
| friends and any other young people who may | | | | since it completely eradicates visibility either don't |
| just show up at your door step! But regardless of | | | | purchase one or find a new playground. |
| whether you decide to purchase a personal | | | | This outdoor playground equipment checklist is |
| playground, or opt to visit one of the public | | | | meant just as a guide of tips to keep in mind. Of |
| playgrounds, there are a few safety tips to be | | | | course you will have your own set of concerns |
| aware of. | | | | that may or may not mirror the ones listed |
| Public outdoor playground equipment is required to | | | | above. Every parent wants to keep their child |
| meet specific standards. However, home | | | | safe whether they are playing in their own |
| equipment is not under the same regulations. But | | | | backyard or on public child playground equipment. |
| it is always wise to have some sort of safety | | | | After all, the point is to have fun, right? |
| guidelines in mind when using playground | | | | |