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One of the surprising aspects of the chart is the number of systems which of- ` ' fer similar types of events. It is also inter- jill I ; � /f esting to note that certain systems offer ' , * � I I � 1 • 41 so few activities. The "X" on the chart I ! • r- ? z:, 0 indicates that the event is common to the .' standard catalog designs. An "0" indi- cates that the event is available as a cata- r.. log option. I I some To satisfy the criteria of complexityi i and challenge for a creative play environ- _ Ili II i j J• 4� ment the system ought to have a total of - 11111 15 or more features. Systems whichI � ". - scored 20 or better offer much more de- .'s"_„�� =F1.* - I 111 • sign flexibility and improved benefits for r`- _ - .• -�� the children. _ - -""bk-- :-..••••,.- . --- - -+.- "moi EVALUATING SAFETY kT,-,,,... or -- , ' ,...01 � �.� . ••-••.•cr'-r. All of the products listed on the chart -— '- - �. ~" are manufactured by established and rep- 1„ • .,N-. - •:.-:-?''--._ ;;': _ ---� utable companies. Most of these systems have been in production for a number of Landscape Structures first popularized the post/deck/event format.Their new AlumaCore system years. In general the systems are as safe offers the best of both worlds. . .the durability of metal posts and the good traction with improved or safer than traditional equipment.One safety of wooden decks. could purchase any of these products with full confidence that no extraordinary haz- ards would be introduced into your play- though the height of apparatus is limited at 38 inches and two vertical bars connect- ground. to the minimum which allows the events ing from the top rail to the deck.This sat- While these are all quality systems, to function. Several manufacturers pro- isfies the C.P.S.C.guideline,offers total there are choices you can make which will duce equipment on which the highest deck supervision, and is very inexpensive. further reduce hazards.As noted earlier, is just eight feet.There is no evidence to The last place for poor railing detail the Cor,.sumer Product Safety Commis- suggest that such playgrounds are less en- must go to certain designs which expose sion(C.P.S.C.)has identified falls as the joyed by children and considerable sup- children to significant heights with no greatest single playground hazard. There port for the contention that they are less railings at all. are three ways to reduce this hazard:place hazardous. A final consideration is the material • a fall-absorbing material under equip- The C.P.S.C. has also made a specific used for deck construction.Children not fament,lower the height of equipment,and recommendation about safety railings: only fall from structures, they also fall install safety rails which will reduce the Elevated Surfaces — It is recom- against them.Striking a steel edge of deck likelihood of falls. mended that an elevated surface lo- is more damaging than impacting on a Selecting the best fall-absorbing materi- cated more than 30 inches above the wood deck. Wooden decks have the addi- al to place under your equipment is a underlying surface and intended for tional benefit of improved traction when complex problem.There is no ideal mate- use as a platform, deck, walkway, wet. Wood edge decks are available with rial. The Consumer Products Safety landing,transitional surface,or simi- Timb"R"scapes, Mod"U"Logs, Land- Commission has produced a booklet lar walking surface have a protective scape Structures, Playboosters, BigToys which provides a summary of their rec- barrier at least 38 inches in height.The and Timberform products. ommendations. Both Volumes I and II of protective barrier should completely A Handbook for Public Playground surround the surface except for neces- CONSIDERING DURABILITY Safety are available from the C.P.S.C. by sary entrance and exit openings. The As with the issue of safety, one can calling (800) 638-2772. Discussing the intent of this recommendation is to generally assume that products manufac- problem with the regional representatives prevent falls through the barrier,pre- tured by any of these well-established na- of equipment manufacturers is also an ex- elude the possibility of entrapment and tional companies will offer acceptable cellent procedure. discourage climbing. durability and adequate field support. Reducing heights of equipment is more There are three types of enclosure sys- There are, however,considerable differ- controversial. Many people feel that the tems which meet this requirement: solid ences between products that will affect higher a playevent the more children will panels, wood slat panels, and pipe rails their long term service. like that activity.This assumption has not with vertical barriers. Several manufac- The primary distinction between these. ' been investigated in any systematic way, turers have enclosures which consist of systems is the material used for the up- and may or may not be true.The conten- several horizontal rungs. These fail to right support posts. Wood-based systems tion is that older children at least require meet the guideline for non-climbability. cannot come close to matching the long such height if they are going to use the They also introduce a new hazard—chil- term durability of metal. Three types of playground at all. It is presumed that very dren commonly sit on such rails and hook wood are offered: redwood, pine and young children will be intimidated by such their feet into the lower rungs.One good Douglas Fir. Douglas Fir is by far the equipment and not use it. This assump- shove and the child. falls back off the strongest of these woods,but it also does tion is without merit as accident statistics structure. not absorb pressure treating well. The contain a significant number of cases in Wood slat enclosures are offered by pine woods are generally treated with a which astonishingly young children fell Timb"R"scapes, Mod"U"Log,Nature- copper compound which has well estab • - from equipment up to 14 feet in height. ville, and Landscape Structures. Solid lished preservative qualities. Redwood 1 ill One must assume that any equipment panels are the solution on Steelville. Both has some natural rot and insect resistance, placed in a public unsupervised play- Landscape Structures and Playboosters but, as with all organic materials, will ground will be used by all ages. offer a solid panel with a clear bubble vary from piece to piece. There are indications that a complex which allows for child supervision. An- Two systems combine the durability of and challenging play environment will at- other solution is offered by Playboosters. metal posts with the safety advantages of tract and interest children of all ages even This rail consists of a si: ,rizontal bar wood decks,AlumaCore and Playboost-