How to Build a Safe Outdoor Play Area
An outdoor play area typically features an open space with one or more pieces of play equipment. When designing and building an outdoor play area, it is important to consider and include elements that help prevent injury. With careful selection of equipment and construction materials, it is possible to construct an enjoyable and safe play area. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- A plan or diagram
- Playground equipment
- Mulch
- Retaining material (landscape timbers, etc)
Instructions
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Select a location suitable for a play area. Level ground will aid in construction as well as the retention of landscape materials such as mulch. Trees should be limited to a few for shade.
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Choose age-appropriate play equipment. From a cost standpoint it is advantageous to select equipment that can be enjoyed for several years. However, especially when dealing with small children, equipment tends to be more specialized and will most likely need to be replaced in a few years. Equipment should be durable and safe. Look for playground equipment that is plastic or has edges and corners coated in plastic.
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Install the equipment, leaving sufficient space between sets or activity stations. If a child should fall from the top of a piece of equipment, there should be enough room for landing away from other equipment or children playing at adjacent equipment.
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Install a border around the play area. Use treated landscaping timbers or man-made timber products to outline the play area. There is also plastic playground edging available that provides an added measure of safety in regard to falls.
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Back fill the area inside the border and around the equipment with a thick layer of mulch or ground rubber product. Install at least 8 to 12 inches of material for a soft surface that can absorb the impact from falls.
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Tips & Warnings
Plan the playground on paper and use measurements from the intended space to determine placement and spacing.
Do not attempt to incorporate too much equipment into an area. Make sure to leave adequate space in the event of falls.
