Playground equipment: What it is and 3 important things your child will learn from it

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: March 23, 2023

It is one of the most popular ways for children to play. But how do they actually work? And what are the safety regulations?

Playground equipment is a device intended for children to play on. They stimulate the physical development of children and let them discover by providing incentives. There are different types of playground equipment that suit the age of the child and their development.

In this article I will tell you all about playground equipment and how to use it safely.

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What are playground equipment?

Playground equipment is a construction that is intended for children to play and move on. It is a general term known as a space where children can jump, climb, slide and more. Playground equipment is mainly intended to stimulate the physical development of a child and to allow them to discover and to provide incentives.

Types of playground equipment

There are many different types of playground equipment that suit the age and development of a child. There are wooden playground equipment, interactive playground equipment, separate playground equipment and more. The composition of playground equipment can also differ, for example, there are playground equipment that only work on gravity and playground equipment that must be used actively.

Safety and regulations

When installing a playground equipment, it is essential to pay attention to the safety of the child. For example, a playground equipment must meet certain safety standards and the owner must pay attention to the correct composition and maintenance of the playground equipment. In practice, more and more attention is being paid to safer playground equipment and more regulations are being drawn up to ensure the safety of children.

Money and time

Purchasing a playground equipment can be associated with additional costs and time. For example, the price of the playground equipment itself must be taken into account, but also the costs for installing and maintaining the playground equipment. It is therefore important to consider in advance how much money and time you want and can spend on a playground equipment.

Which playground equipment is suitable for which age?

Playground equipment is a great way for children to explore, learn and develop. But which playground equipment is best for which age? It is important to understand the needs and abilities of children at different ages so that you can choose the right playground equipment to suit them.

Playground equipment for young children

Young children need challenge and incentives to explore and develop their skills. For children from 1 to 3 years old, play equipment with short slides, low posts and possibly a sandbox nest swing are ideal. Colors and shapes are important for young children, so choose play equipment with a wide variety of colors and shapes.

What can children learn from playing on playground equipment?

Playground equipment offers children the chance to be active and develop their physical skills. Climbing, sliding, swinging and running allow children to improve their physical skills and get plenty of exercise. This is crucial for their health and development. Playing on playground equipment can also help develop their motor skills and increasing their stamina.

Social and communicative skills

Playground equipment also offers children the opportunity to develop their social and communication skills. By playing together and interacting with other children, they learn how to express themselves and how to deal with different situations. Playing on playground equipment can also help build confidence and develop social skills that they will need later in life.

Creativity and problem solving ability

Playground equipment offers children the opportunity to creativity and develop their problem-solving skills. For example, they can create their own games invent and find new ways to use the playground equipment. Playing on playground equipment can also help develop their imagination and stimulating their creativity.

Challenge and confidence

Playground equipment also offers children the chance to take on challenges and boost their confidence. Trying out new playground equipment and taking on more difficult tasks can help children push their limits and build their confidence. Playing on playground equipment can also help develop their perseverance and learn how to deal with problems.

Safe environment and teamwork

Playground equipment provides children with a safe environment to play and learn. Playing on playground equipment can also help develop teamwork skills and learn how to get along with others. For example, children can work together to climb a play set or play a game. Playing on playground equipment can also help develop their mental skills and learn how to deal with changes, such as a move or a new team.

What do you pay attention to when buying and installing playground equipment?

As a parent, you naturally want your children to be able to play safely on playground equipment. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Look at the age of your children and what types of playground equipment are appropriate for their age.
• In addition to safety, also consider the space where the playground equipment will be placed. Make sure there is enough space and that the device is not too close to other objects.
• Pay attention to the material of which the playground equipment is made. Wooden playground equipment, for example, is very beautiful, but requires extra maintenance. If you choose a different material, pay attention to durability and safety.
• Be mindful of the weather. Outdoor play equipment must be able to withstand various weather conditions.
• Ask yourself if you want extra options, such as a slide or swing. This can influence the choice for a certain playground equipment.
• Make sure that the playground equipment is easy to install and that you do not need any extra help.

Safety

Safety is the most important aspect when buying and installing playground equipment. Here are some important points to pay attention to:

• Choose the right playground equipment for your child's age. Most playground equipment is suitable from the age of four, but there are also playground equipment for younger children.
• Pay attention to the height of the playground equipment. Make sure it is not too high so that your child cannot fall.
• Make sure the playground equipment is stable and cannot fall over.
• Pay attention to the possible dangers of the playground equipment. Are there any sharp edges or loose parts that your child could hurt themselves on?
• Make sure the playground equipment is in a safe place, for example on a soft surface such as grass or sand.
• Make sure that the playground equipment meets the safety requirements of the WAS (Commodities Act Decree on Attraction and Play Equipment).

Placement

There are a number of important points to pay attention to when installing playground equipment:

• Provide a flat surface on which the playground equipment can be placed.
• Make sure that the playground equipment is not too close to other objects, such as trees or fences.
• Make sure that the playground equipment is not in a crowded place, so that your children have enough free space to play.
• Make sure that the playground equipment is firmly anchored in the ground so that it cannot fall over.
• Make sure there is enough space around the playground equipment so that children can play safely.

Pricing

The price of a playground equipment depends on the type of equipment and its size. Fortunately, cheaper options are also available, such as regular swings and slides. In addition, choosing a wooden playground equipment often offers more options than a plastic playground equipment.

What must my playground equipment meet?

As the owner of a playground equipment, you are responsible for its safety. This means that the playground equipment must be sufficiently equipped with the correct safety measures. It is important to consider the specific age group for which the device is suitable and the environment in which it is placed.

Safety measures when installing playground equipment

When placing a playground equipment, it is important to ensure a safe environment around the equipment. Obstacles and the falling area of ​​the device must be taken into account. It is important to provide a shock-absorbing surface and impact absorption around the device. In addition, the appliance must be properly mounted and installed in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer or importer.

Management and inspection of playground equipment

As a manager of playground equipment, it is important to draw up a management plan that includes points for attention for maintenance and inspections. Playground equipment must be inspected regularly and any defects must be remedied immediately. Registration of inspections and maintenance is important to ensure the safety of the playground equipment. Only approved play equipment may be installed and it is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that the safety measures surrounding the equipment are observed.

When must a playground or sports equipment comply with the WAS?

In the Netherlands it is mandatory that playground equipment is safe for children to play on. This means that the owner of the playground equipment must ensure that the equipment meets the correct safety requirements. The playground equipment must be suitable for the age of the children playing on it and it must be placed in a safe environment without obstacles around the equipment.

Inspection and approval

Playground equipment must be inspected by a designated inspection body before it can be used. Only approved playground equipment may be placed in public areas. In addition, there must be an impact-absorbing surface around the playground equipment, such as impact-absorbing soil material, to guarantee impact absorption.

Maintenance and inspections

The manager of the playground equipment is responsible for the maintenance and inspection of the equipment. A management plan must be drawn up describing points for attention for maintenance and inspections. In addition, inspections must be carried out regularly and registered so that the safety of the playground equipment is guaranteed during the life of the equipment.

In short, a playground equipment must comply with the WAS and the safety of the equipment must be guaranteed by means of testing, approval, maintenance and inspections. It is the responsibility of the owner and operator of the playground equipment to ensure that the equipment is and remains safe for children to play on.

Conclusion

When you are a child, of course you want to play. But how do you do that best? With playground equipment, of course!

Playground equipment comes in all shapes and sizes and is intended to encourage children to play and discover. Let's write an article on "What is playground equipment?" and learn a lot about it.

So, if you're a kid and you want to play, pick a piece of play equipment and get going!

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.