Play Safe: Celebrating National Playground Safety Week
At Struthers Recreation, we’re passionate about creating playgrounds where children can learn, grow, and explore—safely. As representatives of GameTime, we take National Playground Safety Week as a time to highlight the important steps taken in playground design to protect children while they play.
Safety Starts with Smart Design
Every playground we design and install meets or exceeds national safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and ASTM International. These guidelines are the foundation for how we approach layout, equipment selection, and surfacing—all to minimize the risk of injury.
Built-In Safety Features
Here are a few of the most important safety elements you’ll find in a well-designed GameTime playground:
Protective Surfacing Falls are the most common playground injury. That’s why we use impact-absorbing materials like engineered wood fiber or poured-in-place rubber to cushion falls and reduce serious injury.
Age-Appropriate Zones Playgrounds are designed for specific age groups—infants and toddlers (6–23 months), preschoolers (2–5 years), and school-age children (5–12 years). Equipment height, spacing, and challenge level are tailored to suit each group’s development.
Guardrails and Barriers Elevated areas include sturdy rails and barriers to prevent falls and provide secure climbing paths.
Safe Spacing & Clear Zones Swings, slides, and climbing structures all require proper spacing to prevent collisions and encourage safe play movement.
Non-Toxic, Durable Materials We use materials that withstand weather and heavy use without exposing children to sharp edges or hazardous chemicals.
Accessibility & Inclusive Play
Safety includes access for all children. GameTime designs inclusive playgrounds that allow children of all abilities to play together safely—whether they’re using mobility devices, need sensory-friendly spaces, or require quiet zones.
Ongoing Maintenance & Supervision
Even the safest equipment needs regular care. That’s why we provide inspection checklists, maintenance support, and training to help communities keep playgrounds in top shape. Active adult supervision also remains an essential layer of safety.
Your Partner in Safe Play
National Playground Safety Week reminds us that fun and safety go hand in hand. At Struthers Recreation, we’re proud to partner with GameTime to design playgrounds that meet the highest safety standards while inspiring a lifetime of play.
🛝 Need a safety inspection or planning your next play space? Let’s build a safe, exciting place to play—together.
