How to Make Playgrounds Safer Without Sacrificing Fun

After 50 years of designing playgrounds, we know how important it is for the final result to be marked by two elements: A thrilling experience, and a safe one. The universal desire for playgrounds to be both exciting and secure is one that we understand well. In fact, we’re happy to confirm that the common misconception (especially with play) that ‘safe’ equals ‘boring’ is wholly untrue. In this blog, we’ll show how thoughtful design and strategic choices can be made to maximize safety without compromising fun, engagement, and developmental benefits. We’re committed to working together to create play environments that are uniquely creative, totally thrilling, and undeniably secure. Let’s dive in and discover what makes playgrounds both fun and safe.

Why Playground Safety Matters (and Where the Fun Comes In)

Although it’s not the most exciting subject, playground safety is hugely important. Safety is the starting point for any playground we design, and we want to emphasize the importance of prioritizing safety, no matter what playground designer you work with. The CPSC offers their own Public Playground Safety Checklist and Safety Handbook, the former an easy way to quickly check that your playground design is safe, and the latter an extensive resource with detailed considerations, possible hazards, and maintenance direction. Why is safety so important to us? We are responsible as professionals in play to keep children safe from the get-go, from the very beginning of the design process. By ensuring this priority, we can prevent serious falls and mitigate hazards altogether.

Now that we’ve covered the necessary bases, let’s get to the fun stuff! Reducing the risk of injuries on playgrounds can actually enhance the experience of play, believe it or not. If children are provided with an environment in which they feel safe and protected, they can explore, experiment, and develop confidence more readily. The safest playgrounds encourage longer sessions of more imaginative play. They allow children of all ages and abilities to connect with one another and members of their family or peer group in a controlled, joyful environment. Safety promotes inclusivity, a core pillar of a good playground design concept.

Learn more about standards for playground equipment from the ASTM: Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use

Core Pillars of a Safe, Fun Playground Design

There are a few key considerations that we would recognize as core pillars of a confidently safe and fun playground:

• Impact-Absorbing Safety Surfacing
  • Playground safety surfacing plays a critical role in fall attenuation. Fall attenuation can be understood as the integrity of the cushion that the surfacing creates. Safe surfacing materials compress upon impact, reducing the force of the fall that the child’s body takes.
  • Modern surfacing options are not only extremely safe (like poured-in-place rubber or synthetic turf), but can be colorful and creative, making it easy to infuse safety features like pathways for those using mobility devices.
• Thoughtful Equipment Selection
  • Playground designers have gone above and beyond to create equipment that offers perceived risk (excitement!) within safe parameters. Literally! Play towers allow children to see the world from above, while simultaneously being fully enclosed and safe from falls.
  • Age-appropriateness of equipment is extremely important. You’ll notice when you’re browsing that all equipment is designed for two different age groups, 2–5-year-olds and 5–12-year-olds. Varied equipment keeps older kids challenged and younger kids safe.
• Clear Sightlines & Layout
  • A good playground layout allows caregivers to supervise easily, ideally from a comfortable spot on the edge of the play area. Many play systems are designed with sightlines intentionally placed throughout the structure. Not only does this design consideration promote peace of mind, but provides a true level of security for kids and their caregivers.
  • Intuitive pathways and zoned play areas (e.g., quiet zones, active zones) contribute to a safer flow and better user experience for all children. Zones make it possible for children with disabilities, whether they’re visible or invisible, to have a safe place to find respite. Inclusivity makes everyone safer.

There are so many other elements to safe, fun playgrounds that we can explore. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to discuss the wide range of options available to you.

Read more: The Importance of Safe Play and How to Build a Safe Playground

Beyond Design: Maintenance and Community Engagement

Engaging and safe playgrounds are born in the design phase, but they are made truly secure throughout their lifetime. Even the best designed playgrounds need consistent check-ups and upkeep to ensure they remain safe and up to standard. It’s easy to inspect your own play equipment for regular wear and tear, but you can also reach out to your local playground design team. They should have several Certified Playground Safety Inspectors (CPSI) on staff who can assist you in ensuring your structure is maintaining proper surface depth and equipment is in good working order. With regular inspections, your playground can provide a safe place for enjoyment for an extended lifetime.

The final touch to make your playground truly safe is to involve, educate, and empower the community. Community members having a good understanding of the play space, any signage that might be present, and the playground rules will not only keep them and their families safe, but all members of the community. When making an effort to educate leaders, a ripple effect will take place. More and more caretakers and families will feel empowered to report issues, attend park events, and invite more members of their circle to the playground. This fosters a shared sense of ownership and safety that makes your playground a uniquely safe place for everyone.

Ultimately, creating a safe playground isn't about removing every ounce of risk. It's about managing it to the best of our ability so children can truly thrive. When safety is seamlessly integrated into design and maintained with care, it doesn't limit the fun. In fact, it unlocks a world of confident exploration, imaginative adventures, and joyful connections. At MRC Recreation, we're deeply committed to designing spaces where safety and excitement go hand-in-hand. We believe every community deserves a playground that provides peace of mind for caregivers and endless wonder for kids.

If you're ready to create a playground that offers the best of both worlds, we'd love to help you bring that vision to life! Connect with our expert design team or browse our project case studies to see how we've balanced fun and safety in communities just like yours.