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Handbook for Playground Safety <br />2. GENERAL PLAYGROUND CONSIDERATIONS <br />2.1 Selecting a Site <br />The following factors are important when selecting a site for a new playground: <br />Site Factor <br />Questions to Ask <br />If yes, then...Mediation <br />Travel patterns of children to and <br />from the playground <br />Are there hazards in the way? <br />Clear hazards. <br />Nearby accessible hazards such <br />as roads with traffic, lakes, <br />ponds, streams, drop-offs/cliffs, <br />etc. <br />Could a child inadvertently run <br />into a nearby hazard? <br />Could younger children easily <br />wander off toward the hazard? <br />Provide a method to contain chil- <br />dren within the playground. For <br />example, a dense hedge or a <br />fence. The method should allow <br />for observation by supervisors. If <br />fences are used, they should <br />conform to local building codes <br />and/or ASTM F-2049. <br />Sun exposure <br />Is sun exposure sufficient to heat <br />exposed bare metal slides, plat- <br />forms, steps, & surfacing enough <br />to burn children? <br />Bare metal slides, platforms, and <br />steps should be shaded or locat- <br />ed out of direct sun. <br />Provide warnings that equipment <br />and surfacing exposed to intense <br />sun can burn. <br />Will children be exposed to the <br />sun during the most intense part <br />of the day? <br />Consider shading the playground <br />or providing shaded areas near - <br />by. <br />Slope and drainage <br />Will loose fill materials wash <br />away during periods of heavy <br />rain? <br />Consider proper drainage re - <br />grading to prevent wash outs. <br />2.1.1 Shading considerations <br />According to the American Academy of Dermatology, <br />research indicates that one in five Americans will develop <br />some form of skin cancer during their lifetime, and five or <br />more sunburns double the risk of developing skin cancer. <br />Utilizing existing shade (e.g., trees), designing play structures <br />as a means for providing shading (e.g., elevated platforms <br />with shaded space below), or creating more shade (e.g., man- <br />made structures) are potential ways to design a playground <br />to help protect children's skin from the sun. When trees are <br />used for shade, additional maintenance issues arise, such as <br />the need for cleaning up debris and trimming limbs. <br />2.2 Playground Layout <br />There are several key factors to keep in mind when laying <br />out a playground: <br />• Accessibility <br />• Age separation <br />• Conflicting activities <br />• Sight lines <br />• Signage and/or labeling <br />• Supervision <br />5 <br />