Height, fun and safety in the design of children's playground equipment

Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot. 2012;19(2):101-8. doi: 10.1080/17457300.2011.603148. Epub 2011 Aug 12.

Abstract

The study reported in this paper adopted a holistic design approach to investigate issues associated with height related playground injuries from a users' perspective. The main objective was to gain an understanding of the relationship between height and fun so as to establish practical guidelines for addressing the causes of height related injuries whilst maintaining the attributes of playground equipment that children find fun and challenging. Results show that, on the one hand, the risk of injury increases when height is coupled with the use of upper body strength and, on the other hand, that coordination is a greater source of fun and challenge than height for children. Accordingly, it is suggested that the level of risk of injury attached to children's playground equipment can be reduced when the use of lower body strength and coordination are combined with lower free fall heights.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Child
  • Equipment Design*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Observation
  • Parents / psychology
  • Perception
  • Play and Playthings / injuries*
  • Play and Playthings / psychology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Safety*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Wounds and Injuries / prevention & control