We all have wonderful playground memories from our childhoods, but it’s safe
to say more than a few of us recall a few tragic moments as
well–tragic in the mind of a child, anyway. What’s the key to making sure your kids stay
safe at the playground? At Noah’s Park and Playgrounds, we want all parents and teachers to be aware of what to look for when it comes to safety during these cooler autumn months. 

Nature’s Hazards

Leaves falling to the ground form piles at the bottom of slide beds, the
entrance and exit of enclosed slides and tunnels, on platforms, and around
equipment supports. Leaf piles can be a choking and suffocation hazard and must be
removed. Wet leafs are also a slip-hazard, not allowing traction for little sneakers. In addition rainy weather can cause puddles to form on equipment. It’s best for children not use outdoor equipment during or immediately after it has rained.

Dressing the Part

Clothes – This one is
particularly important. Make SURE your child is dressed safely and
appropriately. 

• Don’t let your child wear loose clothes, scarves, or clothes with drawstrings as they can get caught in equipment and strangle a child. Take drawstrings out of hoods, waists, and the bottoms of jackets. Choose clothes with break-away hoods (with Velcro™ or snaps) instead of fixed hoods.
• A child can choke on buttons that come loose on his or her clothes.
• Make sure your child wears the right shoes. Keep shoelaces tied properly or choose shoes with Velcro™.
• Choose clothes with snaps, Velcro™, elastic, or buttons. Make sure buttons and other items are secure and not loose.
• Check the seams of socks and mittens to make sure there are no loose threads that can wrap around a small finger or toe and cut off the circulation.
• Wearing gloves in the fall and winter help keep little fingers warm, however they can cause hands to slip off the monkey bars and anything requiring them to grip and hold on.
• Have your child wear a neck warmer or balaclava instead of a scarf. If your child wears a scarf, tuck the ends into a jacket. When on a playground, always take off the scarf.

Winterizing the Equipment

Whether the playground is on public or private property, autumn is the time
to prepare the equipment for harsh winter weather, especially in areas experiencing winter storms and heavy snow fall.

Preparing the equipment includes: 

• Repairing small damage as
  soon as it is discovered keeps it from escalating into big repairs.
• Check for water damage.
  Ensure that the ground safety surface hasn’t become waterlogged as this
  reduces its ability to provide safety for children.
• Purchase high quality back up
  spare parts to make repairs rapidly during winter months. To see high
  quality parts available contact
  us.

With educated students, good supervision, and high-standard maintenance,
playgrounds remain safe and fun for all.