| You have finally decided that you want a children's | | | | limits. |
| outdoor playset for your active kids. You realized that | | | | * You should not scrimp on cost for a well-made, |
| a backyard or front yard playset is necessary to | | | | sturdy and durable outdoor playset. Often, the relatively |
| protect your children from malicious strangers lurking in | | | | expensive price is worth it in terms of durability and |
| the public park and from neighborhood bullies, not to | | | | strength. Besides, you could expect a longer life-span |
| mention that your budget for gas is taking a beating. | | | | from this playground equipment. |
| However, before you actually buy a playset, look for | | | | Ultimately, the safety of your children and their |
| these desirable qualities and conditions necessary for | | | | playmates always comes first. The cost of ensuring |
| proper installation. | | | | this safety is worth every penny than when you have |
| Qualities of a Good Playset | | | | to rush your children to the hospital emergency room |
| In an oft-quoted statistic, the U.S. Consumer Product | | | | for injuries sustained on a flimsily-built playset. |
| Safety Commission (CPSC) tallied more than 200,000 | | | | Conditions Necessary for Installation |
| playground equipment-related injuries annually, of which | | | | Now that you have decided on a children's outdoor |
| around 15 children die. It is imperative that you choose | | | | playset, you have to ensure that the necessary |
| a children's outdoor playset that meets the following | | | | conditions for safety are present in your backyard. |
| essential criteria: | | | | * The surface under the children's outdoor playset |
| * As much as possible, there should only be smooth or | | | | should be composed of fall-friendly materials like wood |
| rounded edges especially on the most used parts like | | | | chips, shredded wood mulch or rubber, pea gravel and |
| the swing seats, hand and guard rails, and the slide | | | | sand. Your backyard grass and concrete paving is |
| itself. If you find exposed screws and bolts, inquire if | | | | unsuitable for the purpose. Also, this area should at |
| there are protective coverings available for these | | | | least be 12 inches deep and extend at least six feet |
| parts. | | | | from the perimeter of the playset. This is a necessary |
| * The swing seats should be made of soft materials | | | | precaution that will cost you little. |
| only, never of metals. You have to look for materials | | | | * The playset should have a clearance of at least six |
| like soft rubber, durable plastic and lightweight canvas. | | | | feet from the fence and the house walls. You should |
| However, you should not buy a children's outdoor | | | | find a shady spot or a spot facing the north. This way |
| playset with animal-shaped swing seats. These might | | | | your children will be more protected from the sun's |
| look cute but have been connected to several deaths; | | | | harmful rays, though you will still need to put on |
| instead opt for bucket seats. | | | | sunscreen before you allow them to play outside. |
| * The slide should have a platform and a seat atop the | | | | These two factors - good quality and good conditions |
| slide to encourage children to sit down on their rears | | | | - must come hand in hand in your final decision to |
| instead of using their feet to slide down. You have to | | | | purchase and install a children's outdoor playset in your |
| look for the appropriate height - six feet for preschool | | | | own backyard or front yard. |
| children and eight feet for grade school kids are the | | | | |