Creating Safer School Playgrounds: A Parent’s Guide to Advocacy

As parents, we want our children to thrive in all aspects of their school experience, including recess and playtime. The playground is more than just a place for fun—it’s a vital setting for physical development, social interaction, and cognitive growth. However, many school playgrounds need improvements to better serve all children safely. This guide will help you effectively advocate for and contribute to creating a safer, more inclusive playground environment for your 7-11 year old and their peers.

Understanding Playground Safety Standards

Before approaching your school about playground improvements, it’s important to understand the basic safety standards that should be in place. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) provide comprehensive guidelines for playground safety.

Key standards include proper surfacing materials to cushion falls, adequate spacing between equipment, regular maintenance protocols, and age-appropriate play structures. Research shows that nearly 80% of playground injuries are related to falls, making proper surfacing one of the most critical safety factors.

Familiarize yourself with these standards by reviewing the CPSC’s Public Playground Safety Handbook, which is freely available online. This knowledge will help you speak confidently when advocating for specific improvements and ensure that any changes meet established safety criteria.

Assessing Your School’s Current Playground

Begin your advocacy journey by conducting a thorough assessment of the existing playground. Visit during recess if possible, or arrange a time with school administrators to observe the playground when children are using it.

During your assessment, pay attention to:

• Surface materials: Are they appropriate for the height of equipment? Look for adequate depth of loose-fill materials like mulch or engineered wood fiber, or properly maintained unitary surfaces like rubber.
• Fall zones: Is there sufficient space around equipment where children might fall? Equipment should have clear zones extending at least 6 feet in all directions.
• Equipment condition: Check for rust, splinters, protruding screws or bolts, and other signs of wear or damage.
• Spacing: Ensure adequate distance between different play structures to prevent collisions and crowding.
• Toxic materials: Note any treated wood, peeling paint, or other potential sources of harmful chemicals.
• Accessibility features: Identify barriers that might prevent children with disabilities from fully participating.

Document your findings with notes and, if permitted, photographs. This evidence will be valuable when presenting your concerns to school officials.

Building a Coalition for Change

Creating meaningful change is more effective when you have strength in numbers. Rather than approaching the school administration as a single concerned parent, work to build a coalition of stakeholders invested in playground improvement.

Start by connecting with your school’s PTA or PTO. These organizations often have established relationships with school administration and may already have playground improvements on their agenda. If not, propose creating a playground safety committee within the existing parent organization.

Reach out to teachers, especially physical education instructors who understand the importance of safe physical activity. School nurses can also be valuable allies, as they deal directly with playground injuries and can provide data on common accident types.

Consider involving community members with relevant expertise, such as landscape architects, safety inspectors, or occupational therapists who understand children’s developmental needs. Local businesses may also be interested in supporting playground improvements through donations or sponsorships.

By creating a diverse coalition, you’ll bring multiple perspectives to the table and demonstrate broad community support for your initiative.

Addressing Fall Safety: The Number One Priority

Falls account for more than 40% of all playground injuries, making fall safety the most critical aspect of playground improvement. Focus your advocacy efforts on implementing proven fall protection strategies.

The most effective way to prevent serious injuries from falls is to ensure proper surfacing materials beneath and around all play equipment. Appropriate surfacing options include:

• Engineered wood fiber (minimum 9-inch depth for equipment up to 7 feet high)
• Rubber mulch or tiles (follow manufacturer specifications for depth)
• Poured-in-place rubber surfacing (professionally installed)
• Sand or pea gravel (12-inch minimum depth, though less effective for higher equipment)

When advocating for surfacing improvements, emphasize that the material must be maintained at appropriate depths and regularly inspected for compaction, displacement, and foreign objects. Surface materials tend to compact over time, reducing their shock-absorbing capabilities.

Beyond surfacing, advocate for appropriate guardrails and barriers on elevated platforms. Equipment for 7-11 year olds should have guardrails on platforms higher than 30 inches. Equipment height should also be appropriate for the age group—the maximum height recommendation for elementary school children is 7 feet.

Emphasize the long-term cost savings of investing in quality fall protection. While the initial investment might be significant, the reduction in injuries and potential liability claims makes it economically sound in the long run.

Creating Inclusive Playgrounds for All Children

An effective playground must serve all children, including those with physical, cognitive, sensory, or social challenges. Inclusive playground design goes beyond basic accessibility to create spaces where children of all abilities can play together.

When advocating for inclusivity, focus on these key elements:

• Accessible routes to and throughout the playground, with smooth, firm surfaces that accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices
• Transfer systems that allow children to move from mobility devices onto play equipment
• Ground-level play activities for children who cannot access elevated structures
• Sensory-rich elements like musical instruments, textured panels, or water features that engage children with different sensory preferences
• Quiet spaces where children who become overwhelmed can retreat and regroup
• Clear visual boundaries and organization to help children with cognitive differences navigate the space

Emphasize that inclusive design benefits all children by encouraging diverse play experiences and fostering empathy. Research shows that inclusive playgrounds promote positive social interactions between children with and without disabilities.

Partner with local disability advocacy organizations who can provide expertise on specific needs. Consider inviting occupational therapists to provide input on designs that support developmental goals for diverse learners.

Remember that inclusion extends beyond physical access—it encompasses social inclusion as well. Advocate for buddy benches or other features that encourage children to include peers who might otherwise be left out.

Identifying and Eliminating Toxic Materials

Many older playgrounds contain materials now known to pose health risks to children. When assessing your school’s playground, be vigilant about identifying potential toxins.

Common playground toxins include:

• Pressure-treated wood manufactured before 2004, which likely contains chromated copper arsenate (CCA), a known carcinogen
• Lead paint on metal equipment, particularly in playgrounds built before 1978
• Tire crumb rubber infill, which may contain heavy metals and chemicals of concern
• PVC plastic components that may contain phthalates or other harmful additives
• Pesticides used for weed control around playground areas

When advocating for toxin removal, gather specific information about the materials in question. Many schools are unaware of the potential hazards in older equipment. Present alternatives, such as naturally rot-resistant woods (cedar, redwood), steel or aluminum structures with powder coating, or newer composite materials.

For existing wooden structures, suggest professional testing for CCA. If replacement isn’t immediately feasible, regular sealing can reduce exposure risk in the short term. For areas treated with pesticides, propose natural weed control methods or more child-friendly ground cover options.

Partner with environmental health experts or organizations that can provide credible information about material safety. The EPA and state environmental agencies often have resources specific to playground materials that can support your case.

Securing Funding for Playground Improvements

One of the biggest challenges in playground improvement is securing adequate funding. School budgets are often tight, with playgrounds sometimes considered lower priority than academic needs. However, with creative approaches, funding obstacles can be overcome.

Start by researching available grants specifically for playground safety and accessibility. Organizations like KaBOOM!, the National Recreation and Park Association, and various corporate foundations offer grants for playground improvements. Many state education departments also have safety improvement funds available.

Consider community fundraising events that engage students and families. Fun runs, auctions, or community build days can generate both funds and enthusiasm for the project. Local businesses may be willing to sponsor specific elements of the playground in exchange for recognition.

For larger projects, explore public-private partnerships. Some communities have successfully partnered with parks departments, health organizations, or community foundations to create shared-use playgrounds that serve both the school and broader community.

Present a phased implementation plan to school administrators. Breaking the project into manageable components allows for incremental improvements as funding becomes available, rather than waiting for a complete overhaul.

When making your case for funding, emphasize the multiple benefits of improved playgrounds: reduced injury rates and liability, increased physical activity supporting academic performance, and community goodwill. School boards may be more receptive when playground improvements are framed as investments in both safety and education.

Maintaining Momentum: Long-Term Playground Safety

Creating a safer playground is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment. To ensure lasting impact, advocate for systems that maintain playground safety over time.

Work with school administrators to establish:

• Regular inspection protocols (daily visual checks by staff, monthly detailed inspections, and annual professional assessments)
• A clear process for reporting and addressing hazards
• Dedicated maintenance funding in the school’s annual budget
• Staff training on playground supervision best practices
• Student education about safe play behaviors
• Documentation systems to track inspection results and repairs

Consider creating a playground safety committee as a permanent subgroup of your PTA/PTO to monitor conditions and advocate for ongoing improvements. This committee can conduct periodic safety audits and serve as a liaison between parents and administration on playground matters.

Remember that playground needs evolve as equipment ages and student populations change. Revisit your playground assessment annually to identify new concerns or opportunities for enhancement.

By establishing these long-term systems, you ensure that the improvements you’ve worked so hard to implement will continue to protect and serve children for years to come.

Through thoughtful advocacy and collaborative effort, parents can make a significant difference in creating safer, more inclusive playgrounds that support children’s development while protecting their well-being. Your advocacy not only benefits your own child but creates a lasting legacy of safety for all students.