Swing Set Safety

Elaborate play structures are popping up in backyards across America. Simple swingsets have been replaced with a myriad of options for climbing, swinging and sliding. But as a family starts dreaming of creating the ultimate playground in their own backyard, safety must remain a top consideration.

Making your backyard playground safe and fun requires planning, according to Donna Thompson of the National Program for Playground Safety. “A well-designed play area can greatly reduce the likelihood of injury along with providing hours of fun,” she says.

Start the planning process by choosing the location, one with proper drainage and preferably some shade. Measure the area since the amount of space will affect which components you choose. Then figure out what your kids like to do. Are they climbers? Do they enjoy pretend play? Is sand the ultimate play experience? Not every play structure has to have swings or a slide so make your wish list reflect what your kids will enjoy most.

With this information in hand, visit your local outlet for playground equipment. Ask if equipment meets the Home Playground Standard ASTM-1148. If it doesn’t, don’t buy it, Thompson says, because it may not meet today’s safety standards. If it meets the standards, you are ready to design your playground.

“When looking at equipment, adults tend to think bigger is better,” says Thompson. “But the higher the equipment, the harder the fall, especially for young children.” Research shows equipment taller than 6 feet doubles the possibility of injury. Choose age-appropriate equipment, especially if your children are young. Preschoolers are often injured when they play on equipment designed for older kids. A good rule of thumb is if you have to lift your child up to use the equipment, it isn’t safe for him or her to use.