September 19th, 2017
We all have wonderful playground memories from our childhoods, but it's safe to say more than a few of us recall some painful moments as well (painful in the mind of a child, at least). As temperatures drop and leaves begin to fall, fall playground safety becomes more important that ever. At Noah's Park & Playgrounds, we care deeply about the safety of children and want to help parents, caregivers, and teachers understand the seasonal safety measures necessary to protect kids during these cooler months.
Autumn may bring crisp air and colorful leaves, but it also introduces hazards that can make a playground dangerous if precautions aren't taken. Below are some critical safety considerations to keep in mind during the fall season.
Nature's Hazards: Leaves, Moisture, and Debris
One of the most common seasonal hazards is fallen leaves. While jumping into a leaf pile might seem like harmless fun, leaves can hide playground dangers.
Leaf buildup creates several safety issues:
- Slip hazards: Wet leaves can be as slippery as ice, especially on equipment like slides or balance beams.
- Choking risks: Piles of leaves may collect in places where children play, such as slide beds, enclosed tunnels, or equipment entry points. These piles can obstruct vision or even pose suffocation risks.
- Hidden objects: Leaves can hide broken glass, sharp sticks, or trash that could cause injuries.
Tips to mitigate leaf-related dangers:
- Inspect the playground regularly and clear away leaves from platforms, steps, slides, and under swings.
- Use a leaf blower or rake to remove accumulation daily, especially after a storm.
- Check tunnels and enclosed spaces for hidden leaf piles that children might crawl into.
In addition to leaves, rainwater and dew present fall specific concerns. After a storm, puddles often collect on slides, swings, or at base of structures, reducing traction and increasing slip risks.
Best practices for rainy conditions:
- Avoid using playgrounds during or immediately after rain.
- Wipe down high traffic surfaces like handles and steps before letting children play.
- Ensure your safety surfacing, such as wood mulch or poured in place rubber, is drawing properly and hasn't become waterlogged.
Dressing the Part: Safe Clothing for Fall Play
While fall wardrobes are often cute and cozy, they can pose unexpected dangers on the playground. Choosing the right clothing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve fall playground safety.
Avoid the following clothing items on the playground:
- Scarves and drawstrings: These can get caught on equipment and create strangulation hazards. Remove drawstrings from jackets and pants, and swap scarves for safer alternatives.
- Loose or oversized clothing: Baggy clothes can catch on protrusions or moving parts of the equipment.
- Shoes with untied laces: Opt for Velcro closure shoes for young children or double knot laces on older kids before play begins.
- Clothing with unsecured buttons or accessories: Buttons that come loose can be swallowed or create a choking risk.
Safer alternatives include:
- Neck warmers or balaclavas instead of scarves.
- Jackets with Velcro or snap hoods that break away if caught.
- Clothes that fit well and don't dangle or drag.
- Gloves with grip features, as slippery gloves can cause kids to lose their grip on monkey bars or climbing elements.
Extra tip: Before heading out, do a quick head to toe check to make sure clothing and accessories meet fall playground safety standards.
Winterizing Playground Equipment: Prepare for the Cold
Fall is the perfect time to assess and prep your playground for winter. Whether your playground is at a church, school, city park, or daycare, seasonal maintenance ensures the equipment stays safe and operational.
Here's how to winterize playground equipment for fall:
1. Inspect and Repair Early
Small damages can worsen in freezing weather. Cracks in plastic, rust on metal, or worn-out bolts should be addressed now before they escalate into major hazards.
- Tighten loose hardware.
- Replace any damaged components.
- Check for sharp edges or exposed bolts.
2. Evaluate Surfacing Materials
Your playground's surfacing should absorb impact and provide traction. Fall and winter weather can compromise its effectiveness.
- Check for puddles or water accumulation.
- Rake loose-fill surfacing like rubber or wood mulch regularly to maintain depth and coverage.
- Consider refreshing the material
3. Stock Spare Parts
Keeping a stockpile of commonly used spare parts (like swing chains, fasteners, or brackets) allows for faster repairs during the colder months when replacement parts may take longer to arrive.
Need help sourcing parts? Contact Noah's Park and Playgrounds for high-quality replacement parts designed for safety and durability.
4. Remove or Secure Seasonal Hazards
As the weather turns, snow, ice, and frost can settle on equipment. While fall may not yet bring these conditions, it's the time to prepare:
- Install signage that warns against play during icy conditions.
- Lock gates or block of equipment if it becomes unsafe due to weather conditions.
- Schedule seasonal inspections and document any potential concerns for follow-up.
The Importance of Supervision and Education
Even the safest equipment can't protect children if they aren't supervised or educated on safe behaviors. Fall playground safety also involves keeping a watchful eye and encouraging smart choices.
Tips for effective supervision:
- Adults should scan the entire playground regularly, especially after warm weather events.
- Position yourself so you can see multiple kids and activities at once.
- Intervene early if kids misuse equipment or crowd each other.
Teach kids safety habits:
- Wait their turns on slides and swings.
- Keep hands and feet to themselves.
- Never push or roughhouse near equipment.
- Report anything broken or unusual to an adult.
By reinforcing these behaviors, you help children develop lifelong habits of safe play.
Final Thoughts on Fall Playground Safety
Autumn brings beauty and fresh air, but it also adds unique challenges to outdoor play. By understanding seasonal hazards and preparing properly, you can ensure your playground remains a fun and safe environment throughout the fall.
At Noah's Park and Playgrounds, we're passionate about creating play spaces that inspire imagination while prioritizing child safety. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or community leader, your role in maintaining fall playground safety is critical, and we're here to support you with the equipment, parts, and guidance you need! Reach out if you need any fall playground help: