Outdoor Playground Checklist

An outdoor playground should have a checklist of basic elements to consider for the safety of children. Remembering how a child plays should be considered when creating an outdoor playground, such as do they like to climb, do they swing or slide more or do they enjoy running in the playground area?

Climbing

Children love to climb walls, ropes and bars at the playground. Each of these will allow for various mobility for children such as having walls will allow a child to move vertically, while ropes allows a child arm and leg coordination. A favorite for most children are the bars, monkey bars are very popular on playgrounds and offers climbing, hanging and a lot of mobility for active children.

Sliding

Slides are fun to ride, children can slide straight, backward or with a twist. Sliding straight allows a child to go from top to bottom, a wave slide allows a child to slide in a curved motion, a backward slide allows a child to go down backward or with a twist in the slide which goes in a circular motion.

Swinging

Swinging on a playground is a favorite for children and adults. Swinging can be done by oneself or with someone else holding the rope, two chain or ropes holding a plastic or wood board, or one that is made for two people. Handicap accessibility should be considered when building an outdoor playground with swings.

Space

The most important aspect of building an outdoor playground is to consider the space or location that you would like to place the playground. The playground must be placed properly for the safety of children. Making sure that the land is perfect for the location of the playground must also be considered.