Young girl on playground swing.

Playgrounds

Home Health and Wellness Injury Prevention and SafetyPlaygrounds

Playgrounds are fun outdoor spaces in facilities such as parks, schools and child care centres. Playgrounds can help children develop physical coordination, strength and flexibility, in addition to supporting social and emotional development.

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) playground standard outlines the requirements for public-use playground equipment and play spaces. Outdoor public playgrounds should meet the current playground standards.

Tips to help keep your children safe

Use neck warmers and mitten clips instead of scarves and cords. Loose clothing can cause serious injuries if they get caught around your child's neck.
Do not let your child play on the play equipment with bicycle helmets. The helmet can be too big to pull through an opening. This can trap your child's head.
Do not allow skipping ropes on the play equipment. Ropes can get wrapped around the child's neck.
Look for a sign that says what ages the playground is for. Either 18 months to five years, or five to 12 years.
Look out for broken glass, splinters, sharp edges, loose or broken edges, and nails and bolts that may be sticking out.
To avoid serious injuries, check the material (sand, pea gravel, wood chips or rubber) below the playground to make sure it is soft and deep. Grass, dirt, asphalt, or concrete can be too hard and not safe if a child falls off.
In the winter, ice and snow can harden and freeze the material below the playground. Don't let your children play on the playground in these conditions.

Safer child care centres

We work closely with licensed child care centre staff. We want to make sure they understand their role in keeping kids safe during play.

If you have any questions about a playground at your child's centre, call the Durham Health Connection Line to speak to a public health inspector.

Safety tips for all play equipment

Buy play equipment that is suitable for your child's age.
Leave enough space around the play equipment.
Inspect the play equipment often. Make sure it is not broken.
Check that there is good drainage. Water should not collect on the equipment.
Secure the equipment to the ground to prevent it from falling over.
Install at least two metres away from fences, trees and other items that kids may fall from or run into.
Secure ropes, cables and chains at both ends.
Do not use metal or wood for swing seats.
Watch out for moving parts such as the teeter totters, track rides and merry-go-rounds which may pinch fingers and skin.
Pay attention to the area between steps and the railings as it might be big enough for a child's body but may trap their head or neck. This can stop your child's breathing.

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