Playgrounds, Wellness, and Physical Equipment
Parks and recreation areas provide free options for healthy activity to individuals and families alike. This area contains resources applicable to maintenance of playgrounds, wellness circuits, and other types of physical equipment within our parks.
A Guide To Creating Accessible Play Spaces
Rick Hansen Foundation
The Accessible Play Spaces Toolkit is a practical guide to creating accessible play spaces for children of all abilities.
Accessible Sports Facilities
US Access Board
A summary of accessibility guidelinesfor recreation facilities
Accessible Play Areas
US Access Board
This guide is intended to help designers and operators in using the accessibility guidelines for play areas. These guidelines establish minimum accessibility requirements for newly constructed and altered play areas.
The Dirty Dozen of Playground Safety
NRPA
The Top 12 Safety Hazards in America’s Playgrounds
Federal Research Action Plan on Recycled Tire Crumb
US Environmental Protection Agency
EPA status report on the use of recycled tire crumbs for playing fields and play areas
Playground and Water Safety Guidelines
Maryland State Dept of Education
Maryland State Dept. of Education Safety Guidelines
The Verdict is in on Synthetic Fields
Mary Helen Sprecher, American Sports Builders Assoc.
Over the years, there has been considerable debate on the human health concerns of synthetic fields with crumb rubber infill. In this summary report, Mary Sprechers shares the results of EPA research report and several studies that point to the safety of synthetic turf. She also highlights several advantages of synthetic turf.
Is It Too Old to Save?
Paul Edwardson
Considering a playground replacement? Read this first.
Natural Materials in Playgrounds
Alex Waffle
As natural materials gain popularity, it is vital to ensure their safety and performance.
Checklist for Public Playgrounds
Intact Public Entities
A PDF checklist for playground with daily, weekly, monthly and annual inspection items.
The CPTED Movement (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design)
National Institute of Crime Prevention
Learn how to better manage and protect your resources and enhance public safety.
Playgrounds with Purpose
Aubrea Bandfield
Read about how your playgrounds support a child’s emotional, physical and social development.
Smart Controls Optimize Park and Recreation Operations
Josh Gaunt
Technology can help you with your operations.
