| When kids see our colorful, innovative playstructures, regardless of their age, they want to jump right in and begin having fun. But an eight-year-old may not be adequately challenged on playstructures designed for ages 2-5. And three-year-olds may be overwhelmed by the large components intended for the big kids.
You can reduce the risk of playground-related injuries by offering your kids playstructures better suited for their age. The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends separate play areas for preschoolers from ages 2 to 5 and school-age children between ages 5 and 12.
Recommendation: Allocate 40 percent of your equipment budget and space to preschoolers and 60 percent to school age children. Adjust this ratio depending on the mix of ages using your playground.
According to the National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS), you should consider these factors when selecting age-appropriate equipment to help make your playground safer:
- Playground equipment should foster appropriate physical development and be scaled accordingly.
- Playgrounds should help ensure positive emotional development.
- Playground equipment should help provide social development.
- Play areas should provide intellectual development.
- Play areas should provide accessibility and play opportunities for all children.
LSI incorporates NPPS age-appropriate guidelines into the design of its playstructures for ages 2-5 and ages 5-12. Your LSI representative knows the details.
Visit the NPPS Web site |
