Overview:
Playgrounds are designed for children to explore their physical and mental abilities.
The design of these spaces can be unique and can be quite different from playground to playground.
That said, the one thing that unites all playground design is safety. This assignment will take you out to a playground, and you will assess it for safety.
Instructions:
In this assignment, do the following:
Visit a local playground and spend some time observing the following:
Supervision
Age-appropriate design
Fall surfacing
Equipment maintenance
Overall comfort design
Using the below checklist indicate each observed line item with an “x.”Consider the physical condition of the playground.
Leave comments in the comment column, explaining why you gave the rating
you did.
Take a picture that is a good representation of the playground with you in it
(selfie) and submit it with your checklist.
Requirements:
Submit a completely filled out checklist with a picture of the playground (selfie).
Add comments, positive or negative, for each item checked.
Be sure to read the criteria below by which your work will be evaluated before
you write and again after you write.
Reviewer Name:
Directions: Put an X in the Yes, No, or N/A column to indicate if the item safe, unsafe, or not applicable.
Provide brief comments to explain what you saw for each line item. Answer the Final
Question.
Supervision
Item Yes No N/A Comments
Children can easily be viewed on equipment
Children can be viewed in crawl spaces
Rules are posted regarding expected behavior
Age-Appropriate Design
Item Yes No N/A Comments
Playgrounds have separate areas for ages
2-5 and 5-12
Platforms have appropriate guardrails
Platforms allow change of directions to get on/off structure
Signage indicating age group for equipment provided
Equipment design prevents climbing outside the structure
Supporting structure prevents climbing on it
Fall Surfacing
Item Yes No N/A Comments
Suitable surfacing materials provided
Height of all equipment is 8 feet or lower
Appropriate depth of loose-fill provided
Six-foot use zone has appropriate surfacing
Concrete footings are covered
Surface free of foreign objects
Equipment Maintenance
Item Yes No N/A Comments
Equipment is free of noticeable gaps
Equipment is free of head entrapments
Equipment is free of broken parts
Equipment is free of missing parts
Equipment is free of protruding bolts
Equipment is free of splinters
Equipment is free of rust
Equipment is free of cracks/holes
Overall Comfort Design
Item Yes No N/A Comments
Overall design encourages open-ended play.
Shady areas are provided
Places to sit are provided (i.e., picnic table)
The surfaces are varied.
There is fencing and or gating for security
Source of fresh water for drinking and handwashing
There are bathrooms available
There are trash receptacles
There is adequate lighting
Final Question:
Is there any item you feel should be on this checklist that is not?
