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Safety First: AS 4422 (Int):2022 Playground Surfacing and Its Interim Release
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Playgrounds that Embrace All Abilities: AS 1428.1:2021 and Its Impact on Inclusive Design
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AS 16630 (2021): A Game-Changer in Outdoor Fitness Equipment Standards
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The Latest Standard for Skateparks: AS EN 14974 (2021)
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What Are the Latest Trends in Playground Design in Australia?
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Ensuring Safety and Fun: Australian Standards for Playground Equipment and Surfacing
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Enhancing Safety and Fun: AS 4685 Part 1-6 (2021) Update for Playground Equipment and Surfacing
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Why Is Compliance with Playground Standards Essential?
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Understanding the Four Types of Playground Inspections in Australia
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Pricing Playground Inspections: A Guide for New Companies and Sole Traders in Australia
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Choosing Age-Appropriate Playground Equipment: Guidelines for Selecting Equipment Suitable for Different Age Groups
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News

Ecore converts end-of-life gym flooring into playground surfacing.jpg
Ecore converts end-of-life gym flooring into playground surfacing
Jumping castle only pegged down by half its anchor points when six children killed, Tasmanian court told
Jumping castle only pegged down by half its anchor points when six children killed, Tasmanian court told
Playground named after 7-year-old killed at school by falling gate
Playground named in memory of 7-year-old killed at school by falling gate
Traumatising Big message left burned into grass at children’s playground
‘Traumatising’: Big message left burned into grass at children’s playground
Pigeon culler slammed for firing rifle metres away from playground in broad daylight
Pigeon culler slammed for firing rifle metres away from playground in broad daylight
Playground closures during pandemic
‘Lost childhoods’: Government urged to apologise for playground closures during pandemic
Student suffers critical injuries after tree falls on 5 children playing on playground
Student suffers critical injuries after tree falls on 5 children playing on playground
Aussies in awe of incredible nostalgic playground photo
Aussies in awe of incredible nostalgic playground photo: 'Wouldn't be allowed these days'
New accessible playground in Vernon made of recycled tires
New accessible playground in Vernon made of recycled tires
Police reopen investigation into playground crash that killed 2 schoolgirls
Police reopen investigation into playground crash that killed 2 schoolgirls
Serious hazard Playground equipment under scrutiny after spate of injuries
‘Serious hazard’: Playground equipment under scrutiny after spate of injuries
Horrified mother finds maintenance worker spraying herbicide over playground
Horrified mother finds maintenance worker spraying herbicide over playground
Playground fall leaves Aussie Boy with painful and incurable disease
Playground fall leaves Aussie Boy with painful and incurable disease
School fails to notify mother after autistic child injured on playground .PNG
School fails to notify mother after autistic boy kicked by child on playground swing
5-year-old slices fingers on carousel at playground
5-year-old slices fingers on carousel at playground
Crew demolish playground equipment, shocking some homeless.jpg
Crew demolish playground that had become ‘a haven for drug users and unhoused people’
Daycare centres are exposing children to risky play, and there are unexpected results
Daycare centres are exposing children to risky play, and there are unexpected results
Officials blamed for playground gate collapse that killed 10-year-old boy.jpg
Officials blamed for playground gate collapse that killed 10-year-old boy
image
skater works to protect others after near-death injury
'Dangerous' playground equipment removed from Lower Burrell Park
'Dangerous' playground equipment removed from Lower Burrell Park
How adult playgrounds are revolutionising fitness in more ways than one.jpg
How adult playgrounds are revolutionising fitness in more ways than one
Council under fire over 'depressing' worn out playgrounds .png
Council under fire over 'depressing' worn out playgrounds
WA mum calls for urgent action after finding 60 needles on streets, playgrounds
WA mum calls for urgent action after finding 60 needles on streets and playgrounds
Are playgrounds too safe? Why anthropologists say kids need to monkey around
Are playgrounds too safe? Why anthropologists say kids need to monkey around
Charity's playground air pollution warning
Charity's playground air pollution warning
8-year-old Aussie girl pricked by needle in Primary School playground
8-year-old Aussie girl pricked by needle in Primary School playground
image
Parents face fines if children violate skate park policy
Masked man accused of trying to steal playground equipment in Evansville .jpg
Masked man accused of trying to steal playground equipment in Evansville
4-year-old poked by hypodermic needle found on school playground
4-year-old poked by hypodermic needle found on school playground: ‘Complete panic’
Children find box full of drugs and candy on school playground, cops say
Children find box full of drugs and candy on school playground, cops say
Faecal find on playground beach leads to cleanup and conversation
Faecal find on playground beach leads to cleanup and conversation
Requests to Restrict access to school grounds and playgrounds, likely not possible
Requests to Restrict access to school grounds and playgrounds, likely not possible
Probe into multiple zip wire and swing accidents at playground
Probe into multiple zip wire and swing accidents at playground
Nightmare playgrounds of the past which would give health and safety a headache .jpg
Nightmare playgrounds of the past which would give health and safety a headache
Parents protest as council remove children’s DIY bike jump
Parents protest as council remove children’s DIY bike jump
Beachgoers welcome plans for adventure playground made with ocean waste
Beachgoers welcome plans for adventure playground made with ocean waste
Recycling PPE for playground surfaces
Recycling PPE for playground surfaces
Proper greening of schoolyards fosters inclusion, creative learning and children's health
Proper greening of schoolyards fosters inclusion, creative learning and children's health
Case closed Community helps Jacksonville school for children with autism replace stolen playground
Case closed: Community helps Jacksonville school for children with autism replace stolen playground
Police arrest suspects for hate speech, graffiti and vandalism of three different playgrounds and parks
Police arrest suspects for hate speech, graffiti and vandalism of three different playgrounds and parks

The Latest Standard for Skateparks: AS EN 14974 (2021)

Skateboarding has evolved from a subculture to a global phenomenon, and skateparks have become essential community spaces for skateboarders and other action sports enthusiasts. To ensure the safety and quality of these recreational facilities, standards like AS EN 14974 (2021) have been established. In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of this new standard and its impact on skatepark design and construction.

Understanding AS EN 14974 (2021)

AS EN 14974 (2021) is the latest standard specifically dedicated to skateparks and other wheeled sports facilities. It provides comprehensive guidelines for the design, construction, and maintenance of skateparks to ensure the safety of users and the longevity of the facilities.

This standard covers various aspects of skatepark design and construction, including:

  1. Safety Requirements: AS EN 14974 (2021) places a strong emphasis on safety. It outlines requirements for skatepark elements, such as ramps, rails, and bowls, to minimize the risk of injuries.
  2. Design Considerations: The standard offers guidance on the layout and design of skateparks, ensuring that they are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and suitable for various skill levels.
  3. Materials and Construction: It specifies the materials to be used and construction methods to ensure durability and longevity. Proper construction is essential to maintain the integrity of the skatepark.
  4. Accessibility: AS EN 14974 (2021) considers accessibility, making sure that skateparks can be used by individuals with disabilities. It promotes inclusivity and ensures that everyone can enjoy wheeled sports.

Benefits of AS EN 14974 (2021)

Safety First

One of the primary benefits of AS EN 14974 (2021) is its focus on safety. Skateboarding and other wheeled sports come with inherent risks, but by adhering to this standard, skatepark designers and builders can minimize those risks. Properly designed and constructed skateparks are less likely to pose safety hazards to users.

Consistency and Quality

Having a standardized guideline like AS EN 14974 (2021) ensures consistency in skatepark design and construction. This means that regardless of where you skate in Australia or even internationally, you can expect a certain level of quality and safety in skatepark facilities.

Inclusivity

The standard promotes inclusivity by addressing accessibility. Skateparks should be welcoming spaces for individuals of all abilities, and AS EN 14974 (2021) helps achieve this goal. Wheelchair users and individuals with mobility challenges should have the opportunity to enjoy wheeled sports just like everyone else.

Conclusion

AS EN 14974 (2021) is a significant step forward for the skatepark industry in Australia. It not only prioritizes safety but also contributes to the development of high-quality, inclusive, and durable skatepark facilities. Whether you’re a skatepark designer, builder, or an avid skateboarder, embracing this standard can lead to safer and more enjoyable skateboarding experiences for all. Skateboarding is more than just a sport; it’s a culture and a community. AS EN 14974 (2021) ensures that this culture can thrive in safe and well-designed spaces across the country.

 

Note: This information is correct at time of publication, please click here for current Standards. Standards can be purchased directly from SAI Global.

 

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