Home Playground Equipment

With increasing fad of television, video games and computers, children do not feel the need of going out to playgrounds and playing in the fresh air. For them, entertainment is everything, which they easily get in the house, in their own rooms. But, parents should be aware that their kids need exercise for a healthy physical and mental growth. If time doesn't permit you to take your kids to the playground, why not get the playground to the kids? It's a very good option. Try installing playground equipment right in your backyard.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) of the United States of America has specified few precautions to be taken while constructing a playground and designing playground equipment plans. It has also specified some criteria to ensure the safety of your kids.

• Install a shock-absorbing floor before starting the installation of the equipment. For added safety, after installing the equipment, place rubber or rubber-like material mats; specially close to high equipment. The CPSC suggests to use thick layers of wood chips, shredded rubber, mulch, sand or pea gravel around the play equipment.
• Install protective surfacing, specially for swings, that extends twice the height of the suspending chains, at the back and front of the swings.
• Never attach ropes, jump ropes or clothes lines play equipment; children may strangle or trip over these.
• Avoid having any open "S" hooks or protruding bolt ends. If needed, bend the open pointed end inside or cover it up with rubber/plastic caps.
• If there is any space between guardrails or between ladder rungs, keep their measure less than 3.5 inches or more than 9 inches; so that a child cannot get trapped in or can pass through without getting stuck.
• All the platforms, ramps, bridges and ladders should have guardrails to prevent the kids from falling.
• Check if any of the equipment have sharp points or edges. If they do, try to cover them up with foam or rubber material.
• Remove exposed concrete footings, tree stumps, and rocks that can cause the kids to trip.
• Maintenance of play equipment should be done on a regular basis.
• Avoid having any water bodies or pits in the vicinity of the play equipment. If you have a swimming pool nearby, install a proper partition between the pool and the play equipment.
• Proper supervision of elders is essential when the kids are playing on the play equipment, specially for very young children.
• A full-fledged first aid kit should be ready in case of any emergencies.

The equipment for residential use generally includes the following items. The outdoor play equipment should be installed keeping in mind the age group of kids, and the purpose of each item.

Slides: Slides can be used by kids of every age group. Even toddlers can play on them if they have some elders around. The height of the slide can be decided according to the age of the child who will be using it. There are slides known as tunnel slides that are closed like a tube. Be careful that they are wide enough and do not have any nails or other hardware protruding out. Slides are effective in exercising the body as the kid has to climb the ladder to get to the top and also reduce fear of heights.

Swings: Swings are of many types. There are flat swings which do not have any support. These are suitable for kids big enough for taking care of themselves. For younger kids and infants, install swings with support, specially made for them. These are effective in improving sense of balance and is a good exercise for legs and back.

Mazes: Mazes take up a lot of space and are like a practical puzzle for the kids. They make good play equipment for kids. Also, these are not recommended for very young kids. They help to exercise the mind of the child effectively.

Play Panels: Good for mental growth and basic learning as it includes puzzles and cardboard games in enlarged plastic-board form. It avoids choking hazards in kids like swallowing the small parts of toys. Installing play panels prove to be good educational toys for children.

Climbers: Effective in exercising the upper torso, specially arms. Again this playground climbing equipment should be installed depending on the height and maturity of the kid. Make sure to place a shock-absorbing mat under this equipment, if it's too high.

Spinners: These are fun equipment. They are dangerous for kids who are not big enough to handle the hazards included. This equipment does not contribute to any kind of physical exercise, hence can be avoided.

Seesaws: Another fun equipment that exercises the balance sense, hands and legs is the seesaw. It is not recommended for infants, though some seesaws have seats with support.

Make sure you choose colorful equipment. You can also set a theme for the play place. These equipment are available in ready-to-install kits and can be installed easily. Still, it is advised to install plastic ones and take professional help for incorporating proper safety measures. Let your kids enjoy the fun ride without any restriction or danger.