Purchasing and building a cottage from scratch adds concerns not only about arranging the future home and creating comfort, but also about the proper use of the local area. A great idea for family owners of a suburban area is the construction of a children's playground. You can organize a comfort zone even in a small area at the entrance, in a clearing in the middle of high-rise buildings. A self-created house, swing, and sports corner will allow you to spend time in the fresh air with benefit and passion. Only by directly participating in the construction of the site can adults be confident in the safety and reliability of the structures.
Features of the layout and arrangement of the playground
Only competent planning leads to a positive outcome of any undertaking. The design of a playground should be approached with great responsibility. The main components of the process are safety, interest, physical development, health. A child will be able to benefit from spending time playing games only in a play area with a proper layout.
First, you need to come up with an interesting project in order to interest future users as much as possible. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the age of the children, level of physical development, and hobbies. To simplify the planning process, creating a sketch of the site with all the elements of the site (swings, sandbox, slide, beams, etc.) will help. Having a detailed layout diagram, you can analyze and predict possible negative aspects in advance, and make timely adjustments.
3.Modernization of playgrounds.
Currently, city administrations in many countries around the world involve architectural and design bureaus in the design and installation of children's playgrounds. Various specialists participate in the work on children's playground projects: designers, architects, teachers, artists, engineers and carpenters.
The basic parameters
when choosing playgrounds or swings for parents
are the following characteristics
: · Safety; · Practicality; · Wear resistance; · Minimal risk of injury; · Capacity for a certain group of children; · Bright, colorful tones and character motifs; · Non-toxic materials.
Children's playgrounds, which are installed in the courtyards of apartment buildings, often repeat each other in design and color, dimensions and number of attractions.
When the question arises of equipping a playground in the courtyard of a private house, it arises simply for imagination and the expression of individuality. Ready-made solutions are available: children's playgrounds and complexes, slides and sandboxes.
In addition to the ready-made option, you can place an order for the production of a playground according to an individual drawing, taking into account the architecture of the house and the layout of the yard in which the playground will be installed. Of course, the individual option is more expensive and is not available to everyone, but such orders quite often come to the company that manufactures children's slides and playgrounds.
Places in which a children's playground is appropriate, in addition to the already listed courtyards of private and apartment buildings, are public places - courtyards adjacent to hospital facilities, parks, alleys, special playgrounds, the arrangement of which is provided by city authorities. But often playgrounds are also built through the efforts of philanthropists who want to help children who need help (orphans, street children awaiting adoption, sick children). It has been noticed that places where there is a children's slide or a children's sandbox, in other words, a playground, is a place where positive energy is concentrated, in the form of a cluster of children of different ages. Adults, in turn, can only support children in this and provide the material side of the issue, including by realizing children’s dreams in the form of equipping a place for games and communication with peers .
Development and principles of creating a site
A children's playground in the courtyard of a dacha or next to a high-rise building must meet the conditions of modern society. The thinking of children of the new generation is significantly different from adults, so it is important to organize a rich, diverse space for their growth and improvement.
Play takes up most of a child's life. This process, transferred to a playground with play equipment, will promote mental and physical development and have a beneficial effect on cultural and psychological adaptation. The formation of useful skills depends on the correct organization of the recreation area. When drawing up a construction plan, there are several important factors to consider.
Selecting a location
The location of the playground should be convenient for all household members. The positive side of a self-created project is the opportunity to choose the most suitable location and save a lot of money. The comfortable placement of the gaming complex will allow you to enjoy playing outdoors at any time of the year. It should be a flat surface without holes or slopes, cleared of plantings. It is also important to consider lighting. When choosing a location for the entertainment area, consider the following points:
- The territory should be clearly visible from any point of the private plot;
- There should be no flower beds with cultivated plants or outbuildings nearby;
- It is better to locate the site near the fence, if it is not a fence from the roadway;
- You should choose a spacious area, the area of which will be sufficient to place all the elements at a safe distance;
- The site should not be permanently shaded. It is better to build a special canopy for the sandbox and swing.
Required area
Regardless of the age and number of children, it is necessary to allocate a lot of space for games in the summer cottage. A house, a sandbox and a low swing will no longer interest the child after a while, so it is worth considering the possibility of improving and completing the recreation area.
You can make the most functional site possible if you first draw a drawing of it to scale and apply the necessary structures. It is important to indicate the distance between all elements and their dimensions.
The standard dimensions of playgrounds for preschoolers are 6 x 6 meters. When making calculations, it is necessary to take into account the size of the safe area near each entertainment facility; it is necessary to take into account the swing size, the place for a run at the carousel, and the safe descent from the slide. The older the child, the larger the area that needs to be used to build the playground. School-age children from 7 years old will be interested in obstacle courses, cable cars, and wooden climbing walls.
Site design
The criteria for choosing a suitable playground design directly depend on the age of the child. Little kids don't need large and complex structures. They will be happy with the usual sandbox, slide and swing. School-age children will love the tall house with a slide, a climbing wall and other elements on which they can climb and jump. Teenagers from 12 years old already have their own interests and preferences, so it would be appropriate for them to build a playground in the style of their favorite movie or computer game. The recreation area for older children must be equipped with a focus on physical development; you can place a rope, a Swedish wall, simple exercise equipment, and a horizontal bar. The following types of playgrounds will fit perfectly into the landscape design:
- Thematic. They are created like fairy tales and films. It could be a pirate fleet, a big fire truck, a little princess's kingdom;
- Sports complexes. Consist of many components. Place horizontal bars, rings, various equipment, a tennis table;
- Combined. Designed for children of different ages. To meet the needs of each child, the yard is filled with elements of varying complexity.
Materials for arrangement
At the initial stage, when drawing up a layout, it is necessary to select suitable materials for the future entertainment area. High-quality parts are the key to the durability of any design. When constructing a playground, there should be no doubt at all about their reliability. Each building material, regardless of purpose and type, must be certified and meet all safety standards. To arrange the outdoor play area, the following materials are used:
- Tree. The main part of the structures. Used for the manufacture of solid, glued parts (sandboxes, seats, beams, rings, tables). After treatment with a special impregnation, the products do not crack or deform when wet;
- Metal. Various supports, crossbars, swing frames and other elements are made from it. Aluminum and steel are used. To improve quality characteristics and improve appearance, zinc coating and powder painting are used;
- Plastic. The most affordable, damage-resistant material. Available in a huge range of colors. You can purchase ready-made parts of the required shape;
- Waterproof plywood. Designed for the manufacture of various decor, giving strength to products. The material can be used in different thicknesses;
- Polypropylene. With a small fiber diameter, it has high permissible loads. Used to make ropes, swings, suspension bridges, obstacle courses.
Textiles on the playground are used only to organize a removable canopy or fences. Constant use of fabric outdoors will quickly ruin its appearance. Getting wet in the rain will cause fungus to appear.
Why is zoning of playgrounds important?
Dividing one playground into several zones for children of different ages is important, since different equipment is intended for each age category, which corresponds to the interests and level of development of children of each age.
It is also important to take into account the location of the benches so that parents sitting on them can freely look at any part of the site. This will allow you to constantly monitor the actions and location of children.
It is also very important that the playground is decorated in natural colors and from environmentally friendly materials, since the child’s taste is formed from childhood, and an absurd combination of colors on the playground can disrupt the child’s thinking and sense of taste. A good children's area is the result of the hard work of architects, designers, psychologists and the children themselves.
Zoning of playgrounds can be done in several ways, including:
functional areas for different ages;
territorial location of equipment;
using a coating.
The subsections below will discuss in more detail the basic principles of planning a children's playground , ensuring safe and convenient operation of the equipment by children of different ages.
| Functional areas by age (click on photo to enlarge)
This playground has 2 complexes designed for children 3-7 years old and 5-12 years old. On the left is a large complex for the older age group, and on the right for the younger. The main sign by which this can be determined is the height of the slide. In SKIF children's play complexes, slides with blue sides are intended for children aged 3-7 years, and slides with red sides and plastic slides are intended for children aged 5-12 years. | Zones by territorial location of equipment
At this site, zones are distributed according to the purpose of the equipment. There is a workout zone - where equipment for street workout is located, there is a sports zone where sports equipment is located, exercise equipment is collected in a separate area. There is a basketball play area. | Zones delimited by coating
On the top of the playground, zones for a sports field and a children's play area are marked out in different colors. At the same time, the sports area is additionally fenced for the convenience of playing and so as not to disturb others. | |
Choosing a surface for the site
The most budget-friendly type of covering for a children's recreation area is lawn grass and river sand. You can play on them almost safely. However, natural, pleasant-to-touch lawns become unusable for some time after rain. Also, the disadvantages are complemented by the difficulty of cleaning and the presence of insects.
It is much easier to cover the playground with artificial turf. Thanks to modern technologies, many types of lawns are made that prevent injuries from falling. The most popular coatings are:
- Tartan. Consists of synthetic rubber. The material is absolutely safe, does not cause allergies, does not generate dust, and does not emit toxins. The bright dyes contain only natural ingredients. The seamless coating is resistant to evaporation, withstands a wide range of temperature changes, is easy to clean, and does not slip;
- Plastic. The collapsible design consists of modules. Geometrically stable products have a ribbed surface. The blocks tolerate low temperatures well and are resistant to fading. Installed on a flat sandy surface, compacted into it and snapped into place;
- Soft tiles. Rubber soft covering has characteristics identical to tartan flooring, but consists of separate elements. The hygienic, non-slip material is resistant to changes in weather conditions and has high sound and vibration insulation. The tiles are easy to repair at home;
- Artificial turf. The main advantage of synthetic grass is that there is no need for watering, fertilizing, or shaping. This coating does not trample or wrinkle. The springy fiber softens the load on the legs and spine, and absorbs the impact when falling. Artificial turf requires careful maintenance. Polypropylene grass must be combed in a timely manner, debris removed, and wiped with a solution of water and vinegar.
Larger playground equipment for children
“Adult” children do not need every minute care from their mothers. They are mobile, interact well with each other and no longer need a sandbox. For them, it is planned to install modular:
- slide,
- horizontal bars,
- pillars
- and ropes.
The distance between the horizontal bars is calculated so that the range of movement of the swing does not intersect with other exercise equipment.
The top of the slide can be equipped with houses. The playground provides slides of different heights for children of different ages. This will avoid crowds and conflicts on the slide and will protect children from falls and injuries.
Main objects of the playground
Arranging a children's playground is an excellent option to complement the composition of the site. The remoteness of country private houses from large parks and entertainment centers makes it simply necessary to build a separate play area right in the yard. Children will enjoy playing outdoors on their own playground.
All children, regardless of age, are interested in outdoor games. But the type of structures for their development will be radically different. A good play area should be filled with various elements that allow creativity without limits. There is no need to come up with activities for children, just build a small dream town, leaving freedom to the imagination.
Sandbox
A must-have attribute for every playground. Sandboxes are more suitable for children, so during construction it is necessary to provide for the further possibility of their transformation. Designs can be closed or open.
Before starting work on the construction of an open sandbox, you need to choose the best location. Then you need to make a small depression in the ground, cover it with oilcloth and knock down a frame of boards. The tree must be pre-prepared, planed and treated with an antiseptic. The design of an open sandbox can be the most common with nailed seats, in the form of a car. You can use any material - plywood, plastic, rubber tires, etc.
A closed sandbox is distinguished by the presence of a lid. The main advantage of this element is ease of maintenance and good protection against debris. The manufacturing method is identical to the open type. The lid is made from two plywood sheets and door hinges. Screw the doors to the side boards.
Children's house
Most children dream of having their own house. They build huts on the street from scrap materials and equip a place of solitude to their liking. But it’s much more pleasant to play in a real garden house. Here you can hide, conduct secret research with friends and just relax, enjoying nature. Depending on the type of material used, playground houses are of the following types:
- Fabric folding. The simplest, cheapest option and least reliable. A frame made of any material is covered with fabric, and a roof is created in the same way. It could be a house - a tent, a wigwam. It can only be used in summer, in calm weather. You won't be able to hide from the rain in it;
- Hobbit hole. The design is copied from the house of a popular forest dweller. It has a round shape and is made of timber. Doors and windows are round in shape. Such a structure on the site transforms an ordinary country garden into a world of limitless fantasies;
- A house on a tree. An unusual, entertaining design raised above the ground and hidden in the treetops. It is made from wooden boards or beams. You should treat fastening elements responsibly;
- Two-level house. Such a construction on the playground is the ultimate dream of every child. The design takes up a lot of space, so if the area is small, you will have to sacrifice one or more zones. On the first floor you can store toys, and on the second you can put a sofa and a table for relaxation. You can get to the upper tier by rope or ladder;
- "Green house. Creeping and climbing plants are allowed to grow along a regular mesh frame. The middle is always cozy and fresh. It will fit perfectly into any landscape.
Gorki
It’s hard to imagine a full-fledged children’s playground without a slide. Before choosing a design, you should take into account safety, durability, and complexity of assembly. Garden structures are made of plastic, metal, wood.
PVC slides are suitable for children under 5 years old. Miniature lightweight designs are universal. The slopes can be made in the form of pipes, waves, spirals. Thanks to its good heat capacity, the plastic slide does not overheat in summer and maintains normal temperature in winter. Assembly of the elements is very simple, just connect the parts according to the instructions. The disadvantages include fragility and fragility.
Metal slides are very durable. Even with active use, such a slide can be used for several more generations. The height and length of the descent can be adjusted for the child. The negative aspects include the high thermal conductivity of the material and the need for constant maintenance.
Wooden slides are chosen for many reasons. Natural structures are safe and lightweight. Such slides can be moved from any place in the playground or kindergarten. You should also take into account the possibility of deformation of the material due to temperature changes and precipitation. To maximize the service life, all parts of the wooden slide must be treated with a special product.
Swing
Traditional swings for the playground are made of metal and wood. The main thing is convenience, safety, and the ability of the racks to withstand heavy loads. Garden structures are often complemented with canopies made of wood, polycarbonate, and fabric.
Before you start assembling the swing, you should decide on its location, seasonality, and purpose. Large structures will be inappropriate in a small area. Very miniature structures may not be able to support the weight of an older child after a while. You can build a mobile or stationary model with your own hands.
By type they are classified as follows:
- Hammocks. They are stretched between metal crossbars and tree branches. Creates a feeling of floating above the ground. Able to withstand heavy weight;
- Singles. They feature a very fast installation system. Can be installed anywhere on the site. The design can be any - hanging, frame;
- Hanging. The seat is suspended on a chain or rope. Due to the abundance of available material, swings can have different sizes and shapes;
- Sun loungers. The swing is fixed at a single point. Can accommodate several people at once. The frame is made of a special high-strength alloy.
Suspended walkways
A useful attribute on any playground. Children aged 7 years and older will enjoy playing on the suspended tracks. It is very important to explain to your child the importance of safety before use. If the elements are stretched high, a mesh should be stretched underneath them.
Rope devices have a beneficial effect on the child’s development and coordination. Even if you don’t manage to overcome all the obstacles the first time, physical development during the game is ensured. Parts of hanging paths can be round or flat, made of wood, plastic, metal. Homemade designs can be decorated in any way.
Staircase complexes and rock climbing slides
Installations for sports and active games should be on every playground. This is a universal solution to many problems. Such complexes will provide the child with active, interesting leisure time, and will help improve health. Children will be able to exercise on the outdoor sports ground using special equipment.
Staircase complexes should be filled with devices for training all muscle groups, coordination, and dexterity. Climbing slides develop endurance and strengthen the abdominal muscles. Street stairs with a large number of rungs can be mounted individually in concrete or create a whole group. Between them you can hang rings and horizontal bars.
Requirements for physical education and playgrounds at kindergarten sites
Almira Rashova
Requirements for physical education and playgrounds at kindergarten sites
Requirements for physical education and playgrounds at kindergarten sites were created in order to provide the necessary conditions for the implementation of educational programs, the full development of children, as well as to prevent the adverse effects on their bodies of harmful factors that accompany play physical education . According to the current Sanitary Rules, a play area must be located the site of , including individual playgrounds for each children's group , as well as one or more physical education grounds .
The main part of the kindergarten's for group playgrounds for kindergartens . Their area is calculated based on the fact that at least 7 square meters must be allocated for one child under 3 years of age and at least 9 square meters for a preschool child over 3 years of age. In the current dense urban areas, as well as in the northern regions, it is allowed to reduce the area of playgrounds by up to 20%, subject to the principle of group isolation, as well as ensuring that needs for movement and physical development are met. The principle of group isolation in kindergarten must be observed due to the reactivity and imperfection of the immune processes of preschool children. Due to the low resistance of the child’s body and increased morbidity, the layout of kindergarten areas should provide the opportunity for organized walks in separate areas . In this regard, the number of playgrounds should correspond to the number of children's groups in the kindergarten . Group playgrounds for children in nursery groups should preferably be located near the exits from the premises of these groups. Given the current dense development, the use of combined group areas under a certain regime for organizing walks. Thus, a walk for a short-stay group is organized after the end of a walk for a stationary group. It is recommended to fence group areas with bushes and connect them with a 1.5 meter wide ring path around the perimeter of the site . The path is intended for cycling, learning the rules of the road, and skiing. The covering of group playgrounds in a kindergarten can be grass, resistant to trampling, or compacted soil that is dust-free or consists of materials that do not have a harmful effect on the health of children. For grass, it is best to use types of grass that are resistant to trampling. To protect children from precipitation and sun, as well as to create the opportunity to take walks in any weather, shady canopies must be installed on the territory of the group playground : at least 1 square meter per child. For groups of no more than 15 people, the area of the shady canopy can be equal to 20 square meters. The floor under the canopy should be made of planks and raised 15 centimeters above ground level so that it does not flood with water. Playgrounds for kindergartens located in the northern territories (first, second and third climatic regions) should be equipped with shady canopies, which are fenced on three sides. The height of the fence should not be less than one and a half meters. Collapsible gazebos and canopies can be installed areas , which are used in the hot season. Canopies or walking verandas, which are used for walking or sleeping for children under 2 years old, are allowed to be attached to the kindergarten . Attached shady canopies or verandas should not shade group rooms and reduce their natural light. Under the canopy you can equip a built-in storage room in which to store toys and equipment for children used for walks. In severe winter conditions in northern climatic regions, heated verandas with forced ventilation are convenient for walks. The area of such verandas should allow for motor-active activities and be determined based on at least 2 square meters per child.
Requirements for equipment on playgrounds for kindergartens
Equipment installed on group playgrounds in kindergartens must correspond to the height and age of children and help increase their physical activity and a variety of independent activities in the open air. It must also have a document that confirms its quality and safety. The equipment must be made of durable, high-quality material that can withstand heavy loads. The surface of the equipment should not have protrusions, roughness, sharp corners, or protruding fasteners. The materials used to cover structures must be resistant to water and detergents. If possible, the equipment on the kindergarten playground should be updated.
For young children in group playgrounds , it is recommended to install a section with a gymnastic ladder, a slide-arena, an inclined ladder, a section with a set of elements for ball games, a balance beam, climbing equipment, and rocking chairs. For preschool children - a boom of different heights, towers for climbing, fences with vertical bars, gates for climbing, stumps of different heights, hanging swings, monkey bars, bars located at different heights, a solid wall for climbing, a gymnastic wall, racks for tensioning the net. To prevent child injuries in preschool educational institutions, when arranging equipment on the playground for a kindergarten, it is necessary to strictly follow safety rules. Sandy surfaces should be used in the area where slides and climbing equipment are located. Sandy paths must lead to equipment installed on grass. You should ensure that the equipment on site and is securely fastened. If necessary, all structures must be repaired in a timely manner, lost parts must be restored. If the lost parts of the equipment cannot be restored, then in order to avoid child injuries , it should be dismantled. The readiness of the kindergarten for the new school year is checked annually by a commission consisting of specialists from all supervisory services. Upon completion of the inspection, a signed report is issued. As part of the inspection, the commission, which is appointed by order of the head of the kindergarten , tests physical education and play equipment , including portable equipment, which is located on the physical education and playgrounds of the kindergarten . The annual basic inspection of the equipment is carried out by competent personnel of the preschool educational organization in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. During the annual basic inspection, the presence of rotting wood and corrosion of metal elements is determined. Particular attention should be paid to hidden, hard-to-reach equipment elements. play slides , ladders, the strength of slats, railings, as well as the suitability of the equipment for the age of the children are checked Regular visual inspection of the equipment of the children's sports play complex must be carried out daily. During daily inspection, the strength of wooden and metal structures, as well as fastening units, is checked. The equipment on the playground should not only be reliable and functional, but also bright and beautiful in order to attract children with interesting colors. Compliance with all rules when designing physical education and playgrounds in kindergartens , caring for them, installing and maintaining equipment allows us to guarantee the safety of children during physical activity.
Playground Safety
There are no requirements or standards for sites built independently on their own site. Each parent himself must think about safety and follow the following recommendations during construction.
Playground elements for small children under 5 years old should not exceed 2 meters, slides and swings - 1.5 meters. In order not to redo the filling of the recreation area as the child grows up, you can immediately install a combined playground.
An important point is high-quality coverage. It is better to avoid concrete and asphalt. These materials will cause injury even with slight contact with the skin. The most profitable options are artificial grass, rubber tiles, rubber crumbs.
For safety reasons, all steps on the site must be covered with rubber. If plastic is present, it must be of high quality. Suspended structures must be firmly screwed. The integrity of the fastenings should be checked at regular intervals. The entire perimeter of the playing area should be well lit in the evening.
Arrangement of a children's playground on the territory of the dacha: 4 main points
To install a children's playground in your country house, you need to take into account many factors. So, the age of the child is important, since, for example, what will be interesting to a teenager is not suitable for a baby. You also need to correctly determine the location for playgrounds in compliance with safety measures and the needs of children. In addition, the size of playgrounds and the material used to cover them are also important.
The influence of the child’s age on the equipment of playgrounds
The first thing to consider when drawing up a plan for a children's playground in the country is the age of the child. The size of the space for games and its equipment with gaming or sports equipment will depend on this. The following table describes the features of children's playgrounds for different ages.
| Age | Peculiarities |
| the smallest | you will need a small space equipped with a sandbox, possibly with a mushroom and a small swing, you can also purchase a small inflatable pool |
| preschoolers | will be happy to have an area equipped with slides, swings, carousels, and simple sports equipment |
| from 6 to 12 years | younger schoolchildren will be interested in more complex play equipment, including slides, ropes, labyrinths, etc.; It would be ideal to purchase a ready-made gaming complex |
| over 12 years old | For this age, a sports ground with a wall bars and a variety of attachments for it, or just a couple of exercise machines, is suitable |
If you have children of different ages, the best idea would be to buy modular play sets. They can be rearranged at your discretion, supplemented with new elements, and arranged in different ways. This solution will make the place for games interesting for children of different ages for a long time.
How to choose the right place to install a playground
When choosing a place for a play area, you must remember that it should be:
1. Absolutely safe
It is important to make sure that the play area is not located in the open sun - most of it should be in the shade of trees or houses. It should also be as far away as possible from thorny bushes, outbuildings, and communications. It is not allowed to install children's playgrounds near a pond, if any. It is also worth thinking about protecting the structure from drafts and strong winds.
2. Convenient and comfortable
All structures and elements of the playground should be comfortable for children. The play area should not be located in a low-lying or damp place. If the location of the site is uneven, it is better to level it first.
In addition, the children's corner should be clearly visible from the windows of the house and other places where adults spend their time, so that they can always supervise their children.
What you need to know about the size of play areas
Before arranging a playground, it is better to create a design that will clearly show how the structure will fit into the dacha space. In this case, it is necessary to take into account not only the number of structural elements, but also their dimensions, as well as the distance between them.
Even if the play area is made for children, it is better to calculate its size with a margin - children will grow up quickly and they will need a large area for play.
When developing a project, it is important to adhere to the following safety requirements:
- provide a running lane in front of the slides;
- outline a safety zone around the carousels and swings of at least two meters;
- provide free space around sports facilities.
In addition, when choosing the size of structures, you need to take into account the age of the children and their number. For example, for a preschooler, a slide up to two meters high will be sufficient; for a schoolchild, this parameter needs to be increased by at least another meter and a half. If there is one baby in the family, a small sandbox will be enough for him; several toddlers will need more space.
What will the material say?
For the safety of children's playgrounds, you need to choose the right flooring for the play area. It should be non-hard, non-slip and made of environmentally friendly material.
A description of the most popular materials used as flooring in playgrounds is presented in the following table.
| Material | Characteristic |
| Lawn grass | The most natural material, soft and pleasant for walking barefoot. But the lawn will have to be sown, watered and mowed regularly. Not suitable for use immediately after rain. |
| Sand | You need to choose coarse sand. This is a natural material that will soften falls and will not sink your foot. But sand is very difficult to remove due to its ability to spread throughout the area and get stuck in clothes. In addition, you need to wait a long time for it to dry after rain. |
| Bark | Also a natural material, which is not very common for the use of children's playgrounds. It does not stick to shoes and clothes, it perfectly softens falls, but it is still difficult to remove. The service life of such coating is no more than two to three years, although its cost is not high. |
| Artificial turf | Presented in roll material on an elastic basis. It perfectly imitates natural grass, while being devoid of all the shortcomings of previous materials. It is unpretentious in care, but does not soften blows well. Also, the lawn has a high price. |
| Rubber tiles | One of the modern materials. It is absolutely safe for children, springs well and softens falls, is unpretentious in care and easy to clean. The tile dries quickly and allows water to pass through well. It is durable and fits on almost any flat surface. In addition, tiles are produced in different colors and even with patterns, which is very important for a children’s playground in the country. |
| Modular plastic covering | It consists of separate elements that are easily stacked and connected using a special lock. The covering can be quickly disassembled and, if necessary, moved to another place. |
Making your own wooden platform
Every child dreams of his own corner in the country. It’s very easy to give a real fairy tale created with your own hands. You should start with planning and drawing up drawings. At the initial stage, a competent layout and favorable location of all parts of the future complex are important. The type of fencing should be considered. Method of fastening movable wooden elements.
It is better to use river sand or lawn grass as a covering. A platform made of natural material will look great against a natural background. If you don’t have time to wait for the grass to germinate, the play area can be covered with an artificial plastic carpet.
The number and type of elements, their design method depends on the desire and size of the site. First of all, you should build a sandbox. We dig a small pit and arrange drainage. Pour gravel into the bottom and compact it well. You need to drive stakes into the corners; their height above the ground will indicate the height of the board fence. You shouldn’t make it too high, 20 centimeters is enough. We knock down a wooden structure.
You can also build a wooden slide with a house with your own hands on the playground. For the frame it is better to use a powerful beam. All work must be performed strictly according to the level. We assemble the harness and mount it on pre-dug posts. We sew the descent tightly with transverse strips.
The simplest version of a wooden swing is counterweight. They can be made very simply. We assemble the support frame from two wooden triangles, and with our own hands we place a metal crossbar on which the wooden board will be based.
All wooden elements on the playground must be safe. At the end of the work, sharp corners must be rounded as much as possible, sanded, and prepared for painting.
New requirements for children's playgrounds have come into effect. What to change at work now
How will technical regulations affect the work of municipalities?
On November 17, 2021, the requirements of the EAEU technical regulation 042/2017 “On the safety of equipment for children’s playgrounds” came into force. The Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission approved the technical regulations by decision No. 21 dated May 17, 2017. The document contains requirements not only for ensuring the safety of equipment and coatings, but also for the design, production, installation, operation, storage, transportation and disposal of sites. Municipalities will be required to check whether manufacturers, consumers, suppliers, operators and organizations servicing playgrounds comply with these rules.
From June 1, 2021, all playgrounds will have to comply not only with technical regulations, but also with GOSTs. There are 14 GOSTs in Russia that relate to children's playgrounds. There are three main ones.
Important to remember! If the prosecutor identifies violations of security requirements, he will demand that they be eliminated. In case of serious injury or death of a child, all those responsible, including the head of the local administration, may be held criminally liable
1. GOST R 52169–2012 “Equipment and coatings for children's playgrounds. Design safety and test methods. General requirements" (approved by order of Rosstandart dated November 23, 2012 No. 1148-st).
2. GOST R EN 1177–2013 “Shock-absorbing coverings for playgrounds. Determination of the critical fall height" (approved by order of Rosstandart dated June 24, 2013 No. 181-st).
3. GOST R 52301–2013 “Equipment and coatings for children's playgrounds. Safety during operation. General requirements" (approved by order of Rosstandart dated June 24, 2013 No. 182-st).
For manufacturers, the requirements of national GOSTs are advisory in nature. But local government bodies, when purchasing equipment for the needs of the municipality, are obliged to check whether it complies with national GOSTs and EAEU TR 042/2017.
What equipment is covered by the new requirements?
From November 17, 2021, in the procurement documentation, indicate the requirements established in EAEU TR 042/2017. They apply to impact-absorbing coating, slides, swings, rocking chairs, carousels, cable cars, as well as children's playgrounds (play complexes), including equipment for them - stairs, sandboxes, houses, labyrinths (Appendix No. 1 to EAEU TR 042/2017 ).
The technical regulations do not apply to:
- for equipment and coatings for children's playgrounds produced and put into operation before the technical regulations came into force;
- sports equipment and products intended for training and physical education, sports and tourism;
- attractions that are subject to the technical regulations “On the safety of attractions” (EAEU TR 038/2016), adopted by decision of the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission dated October 18, 2016 No. 114;
- toys.
Equipment for playgrounds created before the entry into force of EAEU TR 042/2017 can be replaced when its service life expires, but no later than June 1, 2021. The same principle applies to a product certificate that the manufacturer received before November 17, 2021. This document will not expire until June 1, 2020 or until its expiration date, if it occurs earlier.
What equipment and coating should I buy now?
Equipment and covering for playgrounds should not pose a danger to the life and health of users. Let's look at the requirements in more detail.
Equipment and its elements
The equipment and its components must be designed to be appropriate for the age group of children for which they are intended. For the age group by height and weight of the child, as well as strength indicators, look in the equipment passport.
The design of the equipment must be such that, if necessary, an adult can provide assistance to a child without any additional means. Make sure that enclosed equipment (tunnel, playhouse, etc.) has at least two open access points that are independent of each other and located on different sides. The design of accesses must exclude the possibility of blocking them. The surfaces of platforms, walkways, ladders and stairs must not be slippery in any weather conditions. Do not purchase equipment if water accumulates on its surface. The design should ensure free flow of water and drying, as well as accessibility and ease of cleaning the surface from dirt and debris. See the table for other requirements.
Table. What should be the design of the equipment and its elements?
| Yes | No |
The structure is strong, stable, rigid and unchangeable | Protruding elements with sharp ends or edges |
The edges and corners are rounded, there is protection for the protruding ends of bolted connections, and the welds are smooth | Rough surfaces that can cause injury |
Load capacity meets requirements | A child's body, part of the body or clothing may get stuck in the structure. |
There are railings and fences | Equipment can be dismantled without specialized tools |
The cross-sectional dimensions of the equipment elements ensure that they can be grasped by a child's hand | Pressure or cutting surfaces may form between moving or moving and stationary elements |
Movable elements of equipment are kept at a safe distance from the surface of the playing area | |
There is protection against corrosion and aging, as well as against unauthorized access to equipment elements (components) that are subject to periodic maintenance or replacement |
Shock-absorbing coating
The entire equipment landing area must be equipped with an impact-absorbing coating. A good coating does not have dangerous protrusions and retains its properties regardless of climatic conditions. If the covering is made of non-flowing material, then there should be no areas on it where parts of the child’s body or clothes can get stuck. The height of free fall from the equipment depends on the type of shock-absorbing coating, possible movements of the child and structural elements. The maximum distance from the surface on which the user rests his feet to the landing zone is three meters. The level of the hand grip and the landing zone should be separated by no more than four meters.
Materials
Materials used in the production of equipment and (or) coatings must not:
2 ways to confirm equipment compliance with new requirements are provided in the technical regulations
- have a harmful effect on human health and the environment during operation;
- cause thermal burns upon contact with the user's skin in climate zones with very high or very low temperatures;
- refer to flammable materials, extremely toxic combustion products or materials whose properties have not been sufficiently studied.
See the requirements for hygienic safety of materials in Appendix No. 2 to the technical regulations.
What documents to require from the supplier
Require procurement participants to submit a certificate or declaration, as well as a passport of the equipment.
Certificate or Declaration
The technical regulations provide for two forms of confirmation by the manufacturer, supplier, authorized person of the conformity of equipment and coatings for children's playgrounds TR EAEU 042/2017: certification and declaration. For the list of products that are subject to certification, see Appendix No. 3. For example, this includes slides, swings, rocking chairs, and carousels. Officials indicated which products are subject to declaration in Appendix No. 4 to the technical regulations. The list includes sandboxes, playhouses, labyrinths, etc.
Equipment passport
Passport is an operational document. In it the manufacturer:
- explains how to use the equipment;
- indicates the guaranteed values of the main parameters and characteristics (properties) of the equipment;
- establishes the warranty period.
Important to remember! When the equipment has reached the end of its service life, it must be discontinued. It doesn’t matter what condition it’s in.
Make sure your passport contains:
- name and address of the equipment manufacturer;
- details of the document in accordance with which it was produced;
- month and year of production;
- assigned service life;
- basic technical data and completeness;
- information about acceptance, packaging and disposal;
- manufacturer's warranty;
- information about storage and transportation;
- information on preservation and depreservation of equipment during operation;
- recommended type of coating;
- information about recording faults and maintenance;
- information about repairs, including a list of parts and parts of equipment that are subject to heavy loads;
- period and cases of replacement of parts and components;
- instructions for installation of equipment, its inspection and testing before operation, maintenance and repair;
- rules for safe operation of equipment;
- information about age groups (including weight and height restrictions);
- photo, graphic drawing or drawing of a general view of the equipment indicating the main dimensions;
- equipment assembly diagram and diagram (plan) of the fall zone.
What should be on the playground besides equipment?
The technical regulations contain requirements for the design of the playground. You need to install a sign or information board on it. Please specify:
- rules for using equipment;
- information about age groups and height and weight restrictions;
- telephone numbers of rescue services, ambulance;
- Operator telephone numbers to contact in case of equipment malfunction or breakdown.
Among other information, please include contact numbers of the local administration and an email address to which you can send photos of damaged equipment and dangerous structures on the playground. Then you will quickly receive information about problems and will be able to respond to violations before the prosecutor points out them in the presentation.
How to gain control
After construction of the playground, all equipment on it must be tested. Objects must withstand the test load established by GOST R 52169–2012 for five minutes. After testing, there should be no damage left on the object, such as cracks, breakages, excessive residual deformations, weakening of connections and connections. Also test for the child’s head, neck, arms, legs, fingers, and clothing getting stuck in the openings of the structures. Check all openings in solid structural members. Use special testing devices.
Document: When testing, be guided not only by national GOSTs. Look at the lists of standards for EAEU TR 042/2017 (approved by decision of the EEC Board dated 02/07/2018 No. 22). They have 31 standards for testing equipment
After the tests, you will transfer the playground to the management company. She must monitor the condition of the site and inspect it regularly. Local government bodies are required to conduct scheduled and unscheduled inspections in order to prevent, identify and suppress violations of the requirements of technical regulations, GOSTs and equipment operating rules. This is established by Federal Law No. 294-FZ of December 26, 2008. Carry out scheduled inspections no more than once every three years. Draw up a plan for on-site and documentary inspections annually (Part 2, Article 9 of Law No. 294-FZ).
Schedule an unscheduled inspection if:
- an appeal has been received from a citizen or legal entity, information from state or local authorities;
- a child was injured or killed as a result of using playground equipment;
- the deadline for executing the order to eliminate the violation, which the control body issued earlier, has expired.
We build a platform from scrap materials
You can build an entire town for a child on your own site from simple available materials. There are a huge number of original ideas for such construction. Having planned the children's area and selected the attributes the child needs, you can begin construction.
You can whip up a beautiful house from cardboard boxes. Using scissors and tape, we cut out the windows and give them the required shape. For a more durable house, you can use wooden boards and plastic bottles filled with sand.
An excellent sandbox can be made from a car tire. It is necessary to cut off the internal bends, line the bottom with oilcloth and fill it with sand. You can make a miniature pool using the same method. You can also build a running ladder from tires. Tires of different sizes must be stacked and secured. If you dig them vertically into the ground, you can get an interesting labyrinth that can be decorated with multi-colored paints.
