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Twelve playgrounds in Athens to close over safety concerns
SUPPLIED
Twelve playgrounds in Athens to close over safety concerns

The playgrounds will close for safety reasons as they lack an updated operating permit, following a decision of the City Council. Most of the playgrounds had been operating without their licence renewed, with the responsibility and knowledge of the previous municipal administration. The playgrounds will receive extensive renovation before they reopen.

Newsroom
EKATHIMERINI.COM
Twelve playgrounds in Athens to close over safety concerns
Twelve playgrounds in Athens to close over safety concerns
Another playground being removed from park due to neck and head entrapment safety concerns
Another playground being removed from park due to neck and head entrapment safety concerns

Two play structures at another one of Lake Michigan’s parks are being removed because of safety concerns. The playgrounds must be removed due to potential head and neck entrapments, the same risks as two other play structures removed in 2022. New equipment will be installed this spring.

Lynn Moore
M LIVE
Another playground being removed from park due to neck and head entrapment safety concerns
Another playground being removed from park due to neck and head entrapment safety concerns
Playgrounds are getting a new look
SUPPLIED
'Playgrounds are getting a new look'

Council is renovating 22 new playgrounds across the borough, making them more enjoyable for children to use and get active. The renovations, worth over £2 million, will improve the quality of the play areas with features including new equipment, balance trails, surfacing works and drainage.

AROUND EALING
'Playgrounds are getting a new look'
Playgrounds are getting a new look
Horrified families find syringes and medical waste washed up on NSW beach directly across from playground
SUPPLIED
Horrified families find syringes and medical waste washed up on NSW beach directly across from playground
Residents of Lake Illawarra have been left in shock after dozens of needles, sharp containers and medical waste found washed up on beach directly across from Kanahooka playground.
Nadine Morton
ILLIWARRA MERCURY
Horrified families find syringes and medical waste washed up on NSW beach directly across from playground
Horrified families find syringes and medical waste washed up on NSW beach directly across from playground
Child suffers life-altering injuries after dog attack on gated playground
Child suffers life-altering injuries after dog attack on gated playground

A nine-year-old child suffered serious life altering injuries after being bitten and dragged by a dog in a waterfront playground. The dog was off -leash and charged towards the child through an open gate, in which it then bit and dragged them to the ground. Police are still investigating.

Bryann Aguilar
CP24
Child suffers life-altering injuries after dog attack on gated playground
Child suffers life-altering injuries after dog attack on gated playground
Vandal’s torch playground and cause £25,000 worth of damages and decimated equipment
SUPPLIED
Vandal’s torch playground and cause £25,000 worth of damages and decimated equipment

A mini climbing frame in the shape of a train was left unrecognisable after being set ablaze in broad daylight. The park was refurbished in 2021 for £50,000, and damage costs estimate to be £25,000.

SKY NEWS
YAHOO!NEWS
Vandal’s torch playground and cause £25,000 worth of damages and decimated equipment
Vandal’s torch playground and cause £25,000 worth of damages and decimated equipment
Venomous tiger snake spotted metres from playground in Melbourne
SUPPLIED
Venomous tiger snake spotted metres from playground in Melbourne

A highly venomous snake has been pictured lurking near a playground in Richmond. Snake catcher Stewart Gatt commented, “weather plays a role, but it wasn’t surprising to see a snake in the inner city of Melbourne,” He says, “urban growth is one of the reasons they are more prevalent in suburbs.”

Molly Magennis
7 NEWS
Venomous tiger snake spotted metres from playground in Melbourne
Venomous tiger snake spotted metres from playground in Melbourne
Police warn residents and discourages users of needles after a dozen found at playground
Police warn residents and discourages users of needles after a dozen found at playground

Authorities warned locals after officers found used needles and drug paraphernalia at playground. The incident has raised concerns about public safety, and community members are reminded that used needles can be safely dropped off at their local Syringe Access Program, which provides a place where individuals can dispose of needles responsibly.

Daniel Duric
Newport Dispatch
Police warn residents and discourages users of needles after a dozen found at playground
Police warn residents and discourages users of needles after a dozen found at playground
NYC Parks unveils innovative $3.8M restroom project
NYC Parks unveils innovative $3.8M restroom project at Staten Island playground

NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, alongside Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, commemorated two significant capital projects aimed at enhancing amenities within Staten Island parks. At Lopez Playground, located on Targee Street, a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiled a novel public restroom building, part of a pilot program utilizing modular construction for fully accessible and vandal-resistant facilities.

Toniann DiCostanzo
SILIVE.COM
NYC Parks unveils innovative $3.8M restroom project at Staten Island playground
NYC Parks unveils innovative $3.8M restroom project
School officials to replace playground rubber-chip surfacing after determining it unsafe.
School officials to replace playground rubber-chip surfacing after determining it unsafe

The former surfacing, mulch will be brought back after new concerns for young students were raised.  The playground had wood chips on the surface until three years ago when school officials noticed problems. Being at the bottom of a hill and the lack of sun was causing the mulch to get mouldy.

Crispin Kott
HV1
School officials to replace playground rubber-chip surfacing after determining it unsafe
School officials to replace playground rubber-chip surfacing after determining it unsafe.
City council approves nearly 300k of playground equipment for destroyed park
City council approves nearly 300k of playground equipment for destroyed park

A suspected case of arson that destroyed the parks playground back in August 2023, decimating what officials estimated to be hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment. The council decision will cost $300,000 in total and install a completely new equipment set in the park.

Anna Kutz
WE ARE OIWA
City council approves nearly 300k of playground equipment for destroyed park
City council approves nearly 300k of playground equipment for destroyed park
Park begins removing equipment to make room for 4.5 million upgrade project
Kiama Council
Park begins removing equipment to make room for 4.5 million upgrade project

A playground in Hindmarsh Park has finally been removed and new upgrades are on route. Features include new landscaping, picnic furniture, pathways, as well as play equipment such as toddler play springs, balance bull rushes, towers with bridges, an inclusive trampoline, and a sensory trail.

MIRAGE NEWS
Park begins removing equipment to make room for 4.5 million upgrade project
Park begins removing equipment to make room for 4.5 million upgrade project
“There was inadequate mulch surfacing.” Update on lawsuit against school district for boys’ death fall from slide
“There was inadequate mulch surfacing.” Update on lawsuit against school district for boys’ death fall from slide

The lawsuit for Dallin Cunningham, who fell 7 metres to his death from a corkscrew slide, now notes safety standards including the slide being too steep, lacking guardrail-type devices at the entrance and highlighted the lack of maintenance to the playground surfacing, claiming there was only 1 inch of wood chips covering a frozen solid surface, not enough to cushion the boys fall.

INSIDE EDITION
“There was inadequate mulch surfacing.” Update on lawsuit against school district for boys’ death fall from slide
“There was inadequate mulch surfacing.” Update on lawsuit against school district for boys’ death fall from slide
Playgrounds to get facelift
Playgrounds to get facelift

After a 10 month wait due to delays in the manufacturing and shipping of many goods nationwide, the city announced that several playgrounds will be seeing new equipment installed, removing those that are antiquated or damaged.  Upgrades include water fountains with dog bowls, new fencing, skate park ramps, shade structures, and safety surfacing.

Ron Eland
BOULDER CITY REVIEW
Playgrounds to get facelift
Playgrounds to get facelift
demolition debris drifting onto playground
'We just want a resolution.’ Bornhava concerned about demolition debris drifting onto playground

President and executive director say debris from shop demolition has drifted over to the local playground. They were made aware of this situation and were advised by the county Department of Health to keep their students away from the playground.

Kristren Mirand
WKBW
'We just want a resolution.’ Bornhava concerned about demolition debris drifting onto playground
demolition debris drifting onto playground
Playground full survivor shares recovery story; expert explains safety guidelines
Playground fall survivor shares recovery story; expert explains safety guidelines

“I am a walking miracle’ the now 21-year-old said. Chase Makin was 9 when he fell from a 15-foot slide, suffering a traumatic brain injury, costing him years of rehabilitation and re-learning crawling, walking, sitting up and even eating solid foods. Certified playground safety inspector Dr. Suzanne Rodriguez explains guidelines all parks must follow to keep play areas safe.

Shelby Lofton
KSL TV
Playground fall survivor shares recovery story; expert explains safety guidelines
Playground full survivor shares recovery story; expert explains safety guidelines
Family sues after 8 year old boy dies flying out of slide and falling 7 feet to the ground at his elementary school
Family sues after 8-year-old boy dies flying out of slide and falling 7 feet to the ground at his elementary school

Dylan Cunningham was playing on a Corkscrew style slide at his elementary school playground on February 6 last eyar when he fell 7 feet and suffered fatal blunt force trauma to the head. His parents are suing the County School District for $90,000 dollars and other undisclosed damages for failing to properly supervise and allowing unsafe playground conditions.

Rachel Bowman
DAILY MAIL
Family sues after 8-year-old boy dies flying out of slide and falling 7 feet to the ground at his elementary school
Family sues after 8 year old boy dies flying out of slide and falling 7 feet to the ground at his elementary school
Toddler playground surface to be replaced after wet-pour colouring causes gaps and tripping hazards
SUPPLIED
Toddler playground surface to be replaced after wet-pour colouring causes gaps and tripping hazards

The 10-year-old Toddler playground surface is designed with wet-pour rubber in a decorative pattern. Considering the different colours expand and contract at different rates, gaps have appeared overtime and are becoming very noticeable and are tripping hazards.

HENLEY STANDARD
Toddler playground surface to be replaced after wet-pour colouring causes gaps and tripping hazards
Toddler playground surface to be replaced after wet-pour colouring causes gaps and tripping hazards
China's 200-metre-high aerial playground has people questioning its safety
South China Morning Post
China's 200-metre-high aerial playground has people questioning its safety

The playground spans 1500 square metres and is crafted from high-density polyethylene material incorporating a double layer netting system. A tourist site constructed the playground in the sky which features a large net suspended between two cliffs at a height of 200 metres.

Tamara Jayne
SAYS
China's 200-metre-high aerial playground has people questioning its safety
China's 200-metre-high aerial playground has people questioning its safety
‘We need a push’ beloved adventure playground launches crowdfunder for ‘unique’ new fence
Francisco de la Mora
‘We need a push’ beloved 45-year-old playground launches crowdfunder for safety fence upgrades

45-year-old wooden border at SWAPA playground is falling, and a like-for-like replacement is expected to cost upwards of £300k. For nearly half a century, the play space has provided a free, safe space for children aged 6-16 to experience outdoor play. Community members aim to raise funds for the much-needed fencing upgrade, which features parkour, graffiti paradise, sensory tunnels and more.

SWAPPA
HACKNEY CITIZEN
‘We need a push’ beloved 45-year-old playground launches crowdfunder for safety fence upgrades
‘We need a push’ beloved adventure playground launches crowdfunder for ‘unique’ new fence
Work to fill in 35-metre sinkhole on playground to cost £270k
Andrew Buckley
Work to fill in 35-metre sinkhole on playground to cost £270k

A 3D subsurface laser scan and high-definition calculation estimated the hole to be 35 metres (115 feet) deep. The playground has been closed to the public since the hole appeared last May and was the second to appear in Sappers Field since 2020.

Charlie Smith
BBC
Work to fill in 35-metre sinkhole on playground to cost £270k
Work to fill in 35-metre sinkhole on playground to cost £270k
Castle playground destroyed by arson fire
SUPPLIED
Castle playground destroyed by arson fire

Chantelle Court Park was completed in 2017 and the council estimates it will cost about $52,300 to replace the playground equipment. The fire started early in the afternoon and police are urging witnesses to come forward.

REDLANDS COAST TODAY
Castle playground destroyed by arson fire
Castle playground destroyed by arson fire
Asbestos contamination in playgrounds is ‘just the tip of the iceberg’ warns NSW Greens
GOOGLE
Asbestos contamination in playgrounds is ‘just the tip of the iceberg’ warns NSW Greens

The recent discovery of contaminated mulch in sites around Sydney has triggered A broader examination of how asbestos and other toxic substances are being moved around NSW without adequate oversight, estimating that 350,000 tonnes of material from the building and demolition industry would be sent to landfill if testings were correctly identifying contaminated soils.

THE GREENS NSW
Asbestos contamination in playgrounds is ‘just the tip of the iceberg’ warns NSW Greens
Asbestos contamination in playgrounds is ‘just the tip of the iceberg’ warns NSW Greens
Australian playground manufacturer KOMPAN found to have used up to 95% recycled materials in playground equipment
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This is how KOMPAN uses up to 95% recycled materials in playground
Industry-leading playground equipment manufacturer KOMPAN has announced that its entire range of playground materials uses up to 95% of recycled materials, meaning customers can create stunning playgrounds of colours and styles while reducing their carbon footprint. This comes after its announcement of an innovative and award-winning green line range in 2022.
AUSSIE LEISURE
This is how KOMPAN uses up to 95% recycled materials in playground
Australian playground manufacturer KOMPAN found to have used up to 95% recycled materials in playground equipment
Common mistake by parents that are harming Aussie kids
GETTY CREATIVE
Common mistake by parents that are harming Aussie kids: ‘ Really big problem”
Aussie parents have become too soft and are “smothering” their kids, according to an education specialist. While she isn’t encouraging extreme behaviour, she encourages that parents should be allowing the child to explore make friends and challenge their own abilities under a watchful eye.
Carly Bass
YAHOO!NEWS
Common mistake by parents that are harming Aussie kids: ‘ Really big problem”
Common mistake by parents that are harming Aussie kids
‘Risky play’ can be good for kids, paediatricians say in new guidance
Nathan Denette
‘Risky play’ can be good for kids, paediatricians say in new guidance

The national organisation issued new recommendations on Thursday that encourages kids to engage in unstructured outdoor play, risky play in particular. While it can be scary for parents to allow risk into their kids lives, the paediatric group say that this sort of play is crucial for children’s mental, social and physical development.

THE CANADIAN PRESS 24
‘Risky play’ can be good for kids, paediatricians say in new guidance
‘Risky play’ can be good for kids, paediatricians say in new guidance
Glow in the dark playground opens in Farmers Branch
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Glow in the dark playground opens in Farmers Branch

The 18,000 square foot playground code joya is equipped with interactive glowing parts that allow kids supply during the day and is designed to come alive at night the playground features a 27 foot futuristic sphere where children can climb inside and enjoy the zip line, spin zone, glow seating, swings, and an obstacle course.

NBCDFW
Glow in the dark playground opens in Farmers Branch
Glow in the dark playground opens in Farmers Branch
Plane-loving kids can now live out their dreams of being a pilot with an aviation themed playground in the UK.jpg
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Plane-loving kids can now live out their dreams of being a pilot with an aviation themed playground in the UK
An aviation themed playground is being praised highly by parents and plane lovers all over. The playground is located beside the RAF Museum Midlands with exhibitions and memorabilia. The official website calls it the family friendly aviation themed playground perfect for youngsters who dream of becoming pilots.  
Kara Godfrey
THE SUN UK
Plane-loving kids can now live out their dreams of being a pilot with an aviation themed playground in the UK
Plane-loving kids can now live out their dreams of being a pilot with an aviation themed playground in the UK.jpg
Parks with the best playgrounds for climbers
GOOGLE
What parks have the best playgrounds for young climbers?
If you’re looking for the best playgrounds and design choices for young climbers, here are some top favourites for older children who love to test their limits. This includes tall climbing structures, exciting play features and plenty of space for adventures.
Jessica Patrick
WRAL NEWS
What parks have the best playgrounds for young climbers?
Parks with the best playgrounds for climbers
Post moody strata forced to remove sign outside playground restricting public access
FACEBOOK
Post moody strata forced to remove sign outside playground restricting public access
A council was forced to remove a sign outside a neighbourhood playground last month, which stated the playground’s use was exclusively for residents of their building. Bylaw enforcements sent a letter to the strata and the sign has since been taken down. The playground is said to be on private property but is intended for use by the public.
Patrick Penner
VANCOUVER SUN
Post moody strata forced to remove sign outside playground restricting public access
Post moody strata forced to remove sign outside playground restricting public access
Immersive 15,000-square-foot ‘playground for adults’ opens in Las Vegas
Immersive 15,000-square-foot ‘playground for adults’ opens in Las Vegas

Adults will now be able to play like a kid again with ‘Play Playground’, an immersive attraction debuting at the Luxor in Las Vegas. In order to enter the space, guests will head down a slide, just as kids do on a playground. It will be open daily for all ages including children, but nights are reserved for people aged 21 and older.

STAR TRIBUNE
Immersive 15,000-square-foot ‘playground for adults’ opens in Las Vegas
Immersive 15,000-square-foot ‘playground for adults’ opens in Las Vegas
Parents and librarians face off online over whether playgrounds belong in libraries or not
Sergio Marcos / Stocksy
Parents and librarians face off online over whether playgrounds belong in libraries or not

During cold and long winter months being stuck inside with kids of any age can feel like a never-ending nightmare for parents. Free indoor play spaces are hard to come by and now there is a debate on whether play spaces should be included in libraries. It’s an idea that recognizes a struggle many parents face, but the discourse took off as librarians weighed in to say why that was not a good idea.

Christina Marfice
YAHOO!LIFESTYLE
Parents and librarians face off online over whether playgrounds belong in libraries or not
Parents and librarians face off online over whether playgrounds belong in libraries or not
Child safe lock finally installed in playground after two drownings, years after multiple safety concerns were ignored
Child safe lock finally installed in playground after two drownings, years after multiple safety concerns were ignored
A pool-style child safe lock has been installed on a Riverside playground next to where two children drowned on New Year’s Eve in Perth. It is unclear if the children had been on the playground before they drowned but their deaths quickly turned the spotlight onto the safety of the area.
Bryce Luff
7NEWS
Child safe lock finally installed in playground after two drownings, years after multiple safety concerns were ignored
Child safe lock finally installed in playground after two drownings, years after multiple safety concerns were ignored
Mum lucky to be alive after tree limb falls on her in freak playground accident
SUPPLIED
Mum lucky to be alive after tree limb falls on her in freak playground accident

A single mom has been left with horrific like injuries after freak accident on a South Australian playground. The mother was at a new playground in mount Barker when the limb of a gum tree ,without warning’ fell 8 metres on to her narrowly missing her daughter. She was left with a badly broken leg and was taken to a royal Adelaide hospital.

Joel Erickson
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Mum lucky to be alive after tree limb falls on her in freak playground accident
Mum lucky to be alive after tree limb falls on her in freak playground accident
Boys and girls club of Long Beach surprised with new eco-friendly playground made from recycled toys
SUPPLIED
Boys and girls club of Long Beach surprised with new eco-friendly playground made from recycled toys
Working alongside Teracycle, an innovative recycling company, as well receiving donations from Spin Master, a multi-category toy company who owns PAW Patrol and Rubix Cubes, this new playground only took only a week to build and is made of many recycled materials including old children’s toys such as Hatchimals, Rubix Cubes and other plastics. 
Amanda Palacios
ABC 7
Boys and girls club of Long Beach surprised with new eco-friendly playground made from recycled toys
Boys and girls club of Long Beach surprised with new eco-friendly playground made from recycled toys
Candy Cane Themed playground receives new playground equipment
City of Heartford
Candy Cane Themed playground receives new playground equipment

The new red and white playground includes a multi slide play feature a tractor rocker, spinner, accessible swing set, new sign, bench, and fresh mulch. The playground was purchased in April but due to manufacturing delays, the city did not receive the equipment until late October.

WASHINGTON DAILY NEWS
Candy Cane Themed playground receives new playground equipment
Candy Cane Themed playground receives new playground equipment
Damages claim over boys fall from monkey bars is dismissed as judge says ‘accidents can and will happen’
Andrew Downes
Damages claim over boys fall from monkey bars is dismissed as judge says ‘accidents can and will happen’
A High Court has dismissed damages claim for injuries a boy sustained when he fell from monkey bars in a playground in 2014. The boy was 9 years old at the time and playing with his siblings when he fell to the ground at about the 4th bar along and was in severe pain due to his fractured arm which required surgery. An inspection of the playground revealed the defendants complied with their obligations of the playground.
Anne O’Loughlin
IRISH INDEPENDENT
Damages claim over boys fall from monkey bars is dismissed as judge says ‘accidents can and will happen’
Damages claim over boys fall from monkey bars is dismissed as judge says ‘accidents can and will happen’
Dismay as zip line playground plagued by vandalism in recent years now completely removed
Shaun Ganner
Dismay as zip line playground plagued by vandalism in recent years now completely removed

There were at least a dozen incidents from graffiti, damage to springs and arson fires that have destroyed the zip line over years. The repair bill has been estimated to have costed over €8000 so far and council has now decided not to repair it and have it removed instead to avoid further repair costs. This decision, however, will be kept under review to consider alternative opportunities to enhance the existing play offer in the future.

Andrew Gardner
THE ARGUE
Dismay as zip line playground plagued by vandalism in recent years now completely removed
Dismay as zip line playground plagued by vandalism in recent years now completely removed
Playground surface at new elementary school up in the air
CORKEEN.COM
Playground surface at new elementary school up in the air

The Conservation Commission voiced reservations about runoff into the nearby Fort River of chemicals from synthetic poured in place rubber (PIP) playground surface. There is a stormwater drain from the playgrounds that empties into riverfront and into bordering land subject to flooding and this type of material is known to have contaminants that aren’t good for people or ecology.

Maura Keene
AMHERST INDY
Playground surface at new elementary school up in the air
Playground surface at new elementary school up in the air
– Inclusive playground committee selling bricks for new playground to raise funds
GOOGLE
Inclusive playground committee selling memorialise/legacy bricks for new playground to raise funds
As it continues raising money for the park the altogether, Alberta Lee inclusive playground committee has started selling bricks that will be installed at the new playground books are $250USD and provides the opportunity to honour or memorialise a family member, your business or family name legacy.
ALBERTA LEA TRIBUNE
Inclusive playground committee selling memorialise/legacy bricks for new playground to raise funds
– Inclusive playground committee selling bricks for new playground to raise funds
belongs-art-playground-sccc-03
SUPPLIED
BELONG art playground: Dragon playground at Singapore Chinese cultural centre rooftop

The dragon themed playground has been inspired by Singapore’s local HDB playgrounds and all around are cut-outs of the Zodiac animals. This is a special installation for the upcoming year of the dragon.

Chun Fong
LITTLE DAY OUT
BELONG art playground: Dragon playground at Singapore Chinese cultural centre rooftop
belongs-art-playground-sccc-03
Playground temporarily closed after cancer-causing asbestos discovered in mulch nearby
Penny Timms
Playground temporarily closed after cancer-causing asbestos discovered in mulch nearby

A new park above the roselle interchange in Sydney’s Southwest has been closed after asbestos was found in some of the mulch near the children’s playground. Traces of the fibres were discovered in samples of garden mulch near the playground, which only opened 3 weeks ago.

Alexander Lewis
ABC NEWS
Playground temporarily closed after cancer-causing asbestos discovered in mulch nearby
Playground temporarily closed after cancer-causing asbestos discovered in mulch nearby
Reinstalled playground aims to bring new life to park with violent history
SUPPLIED
Reinstalled playground aims to bring new life to park with violent history

The City of Stockton is planning to reinstall a playground at a park that was the site of a deadly shooting in 2020. The city’s goal is that the new playground will attract people from all over to bring a different crowd back to Sandman Park.

Tori Apodaca
CBS NEWS 13
Reinstalled playground aims to bring new life to park with violent history
Reinstalled playground aims to bring new life to park with violent history
Teens rip up Tennessee playground forcing city to pay thousands in repairs
SUPPLIED
Teens rip up playground rubber surfacing, forcing city to pay thousands in repairs

A playground was vandalised by a group of teens, and it was all caught on camera. The patch ripped up may seem small, but the city said it may not be possible to replace the section alone instead they would have to replace the turf all around the playground which could cost around $25,000USD.

Marissa Sulek
WSMV4
Teens rip up playground rubber surfacing, forcing city to pay thousands in repairs
Teens rip up Tennessee playground forcing city to pay thousands in repairs
UNGARRIBEE PARK SUPPLIED
BUNGARRIBEE PARK SUPPLIED
Here are some of the best playgrounds in Western Sydney for 2024
With so much sun on offer in the western suburbs, it’s no wonder kids just love getting outside and exploring their world. One of the best ways for kids to explore the world around them is through play, and luckily for them, Western Sydney’s best playgrounds offer exhilarating outdoor play spaces. Here are 30 of Sydney’s best playgrounds in 2024.
Joey Richards
ELLASLIST
Here are some of the best playgrounds in Western Sydney for 2024
UNGARRIBEE PARK SUPPLIED
8 year old boys birthday wish is for a ‘dream’ inclusive playground
SUPPLIED
8-year-old boys birthday wish for a ‘dream’ inclusive playground
A group of parents is teaming up with a non-profit organisation to build an inclusive playground in West St. Louis County. One mother though, whose son has dwarfism, is on a mission to make the replacement of their local playground into a fun and safe space for kids of all abilities.
Sydney Stallworth
KSDK NEWS
8-year-old boys birthday wish for a ‘dream’ inclusive playground
8 year old boys birthday wish is for a ‘dream’ inclusive playground
Popular children's playground reopens after storm wind damage
Worthington Borough Council
Popular children's playground reopens after storm wind damage
The playground in Worthing had been closed after storm Isha winds damaged parts of the area including neighbouring fencing and concrete posts. Council had sealed off the playground after strong winds damaged the fencing and concrete posts, which meant the fence was leaning concerningly close the play area.
Jasmine Carey
YAHOO!NEWS
Popular children's playground reopens after storm wind damage
Popular children's playground reopens after storm wind damage
Aussie toddlers bloodcurdling screams after horrendous playground injury
SUPPLIED
Aussie toddlers bloodcurdling screams after horrendous playground burn injury

A fun day out for one family turned horrific in an instant after hearing the toddler out in pain when she tripped and fell onto a hot metal plate,  causing significant in excruciating burns to most of her little body. The two-year-old tripped on the elevated edge of the metal plate, sending her toppling forward onto it ‘for only two seconds’.

Carly Bass
YAHOO!NEWS
Aussie toddlers bloodcurdling screams after horrendous playground burn injury
Aussie toddlers bloodcurdling screams after horrendous playground injury
RECYCLING WIND TURBINE BLADES PSIA
SUPPLIED
A Global Waste Solution: See the breathtaking ways designers have recycled wind turbine blades for parks
When a wind turbine reaches the end of its life cycle, roughly 85% of its components including the steel tower, copper wire and gearing, can be recycled. Turbine blades, however, have proven an intractable challenge, though these international companies have discovered ways to reuse these materials to make pedestrian bridges, playgrounds, bike shelters, park benches and more.
Coco Lui / Sanne Wass
BLOOMBERG
A Global Waste Solution: See the breathtaking ways designers have recycled wind turbine blades for parks
RECYCLING WIND TURBINE BLADES PSIA
Two children dead after tragic New Year’s Eve drowning in Swan River near playground
SUPPLIED
Two children dead after tragic New Year’s Eve drowning in Swan River near playground

Two families have ended the year in unimaginable heartbreak after their children drowned in the swan river near Burswood on Saturday. The boy and girl both aged 6 from different families were known to each other and were found unresponsive in the river just after 5:00 PM.

Kasey Gratton & Rachel Fenner
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN
Two children dead after tragic New Year’s Eve drowning in Swan River near playground
Two children dead after tragic New Year’s Eve drowning in Swan River near playground
Man’s warning after ‘disgusting’ find on kids’ playground equipment
SUPPLIED
Man’s warning after ‘disgusting’ find on kids’ playground equipment
The Queensland man was visiting a park along the Cairns esplanade a on Saturday when he noticed a couple of years needles that appeared to have been carelessly dumped on top of the equipment where kids play.
Carly Bass
YAHOO!NEWS
Man’s warning after ‘disgusting’ find on kids’ playground equipment
Man’s warning after ‘disgusting’ find on kids’ playground equipment
Rear view of little boy on a slide at the playground.
SUPPLIED
Calls for government to dramatically increase funding for playgrounds

There are calls for the government to review funding for playgrounds, with some areas left without any public facilities for children. some of these funded projects will include the installation of an accessible mini basketball court.

Elaine Loughlin
IRISH EXAMINER
Calls for government to dramatically increase funding for playgrounds
Rear view of little boy on a slide at the playground.
Shocking pictures of hazardous seesaws missing planks and loose screws revealed the dangers lurking at Melbourne’s public playgrounds
SUPPLIED
Shocking pictures of hazardous seesaws missing planks and loose screws revealed the dangers lurking at Melbourne’s public playgrounds
The herald sun has obtained photos from a review app, which shows a slew of dangerous play equipment reported by residents across the state of Victoria. There have been thousands of complaints made to local councils in the past year.
HERALD SUN
Shocking pictures of hazardous seesaws missing planks and loose screws revealed the dangers lurking at Melbourne’s public playgrounds
Shocking pictures of hazardous seesaws missing planks and loose screws revealed the dangers lurking at Melbourne’s public playgrounds
Vandal’s light fire and rip out plants on new Cambridge playground
SUPPLIED
Vandal’s light fire and rip out plants on new Cambridge playground

Community services manager Brad Ward said a fire was lit in the middle of the swings, rubbish was thrown around, plants were pulled out and stuffed into toilets and hand basins and an attempt was made to burn the water fountain.

Waikato Herald
NZ HERALD
Vandal’s light fire and rip out plants on new Cambridge playground
Vandal’s light fire and rip out plants on new Cambridge playground
New playground arises debate from parents concerned about its safety for young children
SUPPLIED
New playground arises debate from parents concerned about its safety for young children

A brand new nature play playground in the hills of Adelaide has divided parents some saying it’s too dangerous for young children while others saying it’s fantastic.

THE ADVERTISER
New playground arises debate from parents concerned about its safety for young children
New playground arises debate from parents concerned about its safety for young children
Macaulay Heritage Park playground equipment removed due to vandalism
Twitter
Macaulay Heritage Park playground equipment removed due to vandalism

A piece of equipment on the newly installed playground located at Macauley Heritage Park has been temporarily removed. The spring toy play feature was intentionally damaged, and the equipment will be reinstalled when replacement parts are available.

THE COUNTY
Macaulay Heritage Park playground equipment removed due to vandalism
Macaulay Heritage Park playground equipment removed due to vandalism
Massive early morning fire incinerates beloved Port Angeles playground
SUPPLIED
Massive early morning fire incinerates beloved Port Angeles playground

At 3AM on Wednesday morning, officers and firefighters responded to a fire at the Dream Playground at Erickson Park. When they arrived, the playground was fully engulfed, with flames nearing 60 feet high.

Shawn Garrett
KIRO 7
Massive early morning fire incinerates beloved Port Angeles playground
Massive early morning fire incinerates beloved Port Angeles playground
PLAYGROUND TO BE RELOCATED
SUPPLIED
Playground relocation decision due to two prior separate drowning incidents

The council addressed risks associated with the Thompson Water Gardens and Regional Playspace and voted to close and relocate the play space and investigate options for alternative locations. The gardens were the site of two separate drowning incidents in 2021.

Jennifer Pittorino
STAR WEEKLY
Playground relocation decision due to two prior separate drowning incidents
PLAYGROUND TO BE RELOCATED
Shade sails on the way to new popular playground after concerns for lack of shade
Chris Lane
Shade sails on the way to new popular playground after concerns for lack of shade

Parents and grandparents interviewed were overall very positive in their comments. However, there were common concerns about the lack of any form of shade covering to provide protection from the sun on what was a hot day.

Murray Trembath
LEADER
Shade sails on the way to new popular playground after concerns for lack of shade
Shade sails on the way to new popular playground after concerns for lack of shade
Half-finished playground left fenced off in the middle of a newly built Cardiff housing estate.jpg
SUPPLIED
Half-finished playground left fenced off in the middle of a newly built Cardiff housing estate

Residents have been left with the “depressing” sight of an unfinished playground on their doorstep. The developer said it has not been finished yet due to some outstanding technicalities with the groundworks on site.

Ted Peskett
WALES ONLINE
Half-finished playground left fenced off in the middle of a newly built Cardiff housing estate
Half-finished playground left fenced off in the middle of a newly built Cardiff housing estate.jpg
11-year-old boy who suffered multiple dental injuries that left him looking ‘like a shark’ in playground accident awarded €18,850.jpg
SUPPLIED
11-year-old boy who suffered multiple dental injuries that left him looking ‘like a shark’ in playground accident awarded €18,850

The boys brother said in evidence that he ‘looked like a shark with his teeth coming up’ after the windsurfer had struck him in the mouth. The judge found that in this case, the equipment was defective after finding that it had a missing bolt.

Gordon Deegan
THE JOURNAL IE
11-year-old boy who suffered multiple dental injuries that left him looking ‘like a shark’ in playground accident awarded €18,850
11-year-old boy who suffered multiple dental injuries that left him looking ‘like a shark’ in playground accident awarded €18,850.jpg
An elementary student tastes cocaine from vials found on playground, school says
SUPPLIED
An elementary student tastes cocaine from vials found on playground, school says

A student recently found two small vials that contained a white powder at Evergreen heights elementary, the student then tasted the powder which Police later confirmed to be cocaine.

Helena Wegner
THE SACRAMENTO BEE
An elementary student tastes cocaine from vials found on playground, school says
An elementary student tastes cocaine from vials found on playground, school says
Aussie mum’s playground warning after 4-year-old child hospitalised
SUPPLIED
Aussie mum’s playground warning after 4-year-old child hospitalised

A mum says her four-year-old daughter have suffered permanent eye damage or been forced to have her finger amputated after a playground incident she warns could happen to anyone.

Tara Meakins
YAHOO!NEWS
Aussie mum’s playground warning after 4-year-old child hospitalised
Aussie mum’s playground warning after 4-year-old child hospitalised
Safety message for playground users after thumbtacks deliberately scattered around two playgrounds
SUPPLIED
Safety message for playground users after thumbtacks deliberately scattered around two playgrounds

Parents have been warned to be alert after thumbtacks were found scattered around two children’s playgrounds in Somerville. Victoria police said neither incident resulted in injuries and have not been reported to them, so they won’t be investigating further.

MP NEWS GROUP
Safety message for playground users after thumbtacks deliberately scattered around two playgrounds
Safety message for playground users after thumbtacks deliberately scattered around two playgrounds
Seattle cancels plans for privately funded playground near a nude beach after public outcry and petition .jpg
Luke Johnson
Seattle cancels plans for privately funded playground near a nude beach after public outcry and petition

The Proposal to build a new children’s play area at a beach park known as an unofficial nude hangout has been cancelled after facing major backlash from people who viewed the plan as discriminatory and unfair, clashing against the rights of nude beachgoers.

Daniel Beekman
THE SEATTLE TIMES
Seattle cancels plans for privately funded playground near a nude beach after public outcry and petition
Seattle cancels plans for privately funded playground near a nude beach after public outcry and petition .jpg
SINKHOLE
SUPPLIED
Queens residents say they've waited years for NYCHA to fix sinkhole at playground

The playground near homes at Queens bridge S sits in disrepair behind a locked fence, deemed unsafe after mats began sloping into a sinkhole. Parents say they’ve been waiting more than three years for the repair.

Elle McLogan
CBS NEW YORK
Queens residents say they've waited years for NYCHA to fix sinkhole at playground
SINKHOLE
Vandals’ target Cooranbong playground with fire extinguisher
SUPPLIED
Vandals’ target Cooranbong playground with fire extinguisher
Authorities have been forced to clean up after vandals targeted a lake Macquarie Park. It’s being reported that someone stole fire extinguishers off road work equipment, which was parked at the playground, before discharging them all over the park area and equipment.
Newsroom
2HD
Vandals’ target Cooranbong playground with fire extinguisher
Vandals’ target Cooranbong playground with fire extinguisher
None Injured after car veers off road, ends up in elementary school playground
Nine Injured after car veers off road, ends up in elementary school playground

The crash happened just often noon when a car hit a utility pole in the 200 block of monks OD Ave and continued through a chain link fence before ending up on the playground of an elementary school. No one was injured.

Dean Fioresi
CBS LOS ANGELES
Nine Injured after car veers off road, ends up in elementary school playground
None Injured after car veers off road, ends up in elementary school playground
Albany’s sensory playground raises microplastic concerns
Jess Hume-Pantuso
Albany’s sensory playground raises microplastic concerns

Plans are underway to bring a sensory playground to Albany, but some City Council members are concerned with the PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl substance materials proposed in the construction, which contains harmful chemicals used in wide varieties of household products.

Shayla Escudero
ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD
Albany’s sensory playground raises microplastic concerns
Albany’s sensory playground raises microplastic concerns
BANNING CROCS ON THE PLAYGROUND
Abigail Dougherty
Why these New Zealand schools banned Crocs and jibbitz in the playground

Some schools around New Zealand have moved on to ban Crocs and their charms due to several issues including ‘confusion, trading/selling charms and occasional disputes over ownership’.

stuff
9 NEWS
Why these New Zealand schools banned Crocs and jibbitz in the playground
BANNING CROCS ON THE PLAYGROUND
Cozy-Cocoon-installed-at-Fayville-Playground-from-DPW-post-768x576
DWP
Fayville playground has a new structure to help over stimulated children relax

The “Cozy Cocoon” structure is designed for children who need a cosy space to escape too when over stimulated. The spinning motion and interior tactile experiences assist children in relaxing.

Beth Melo
mysouthborough
Fayville playground has a new structure to help over stimulated children relax
Cozy-Cocoon-installed-at-Fayville-Playground-from-DPW-post-768x576
Corporation rejects modern playground proposal in dump yard despite locals agreeing to fund the project
Special Arrangements
Corporation rejects modern playground proposal in dump yard despite locals agreeing to fund the project

The officials of GCC who inspected the site last week rejected the demand of the youths, owing it to the presence of a private trade that collects plastic waste in the area, utilised for the dumping of waste and collection of plastic waste for transportation for the cement industry.

THE HINDU BUREAU
Corporation rejects modern playground proposal in dump yard despite locals agreeing to fund the project
Corporation rejects modern playground proposal in dump yard despite locals agreeing to fund the project
Parents horrified to find nails and screws protruding from child swing seats in a play park
Parents horrified to find nails and screws protruding from child swing seats in a play park

A couple were shocked to find nails and screws protruding from two child swing seats in a play park. Photos were posted online of the vandalised swings, and many believe someone had intended to hurt children.

Darren Boyle
Daily Mail
Parents horrified to find nails and screws protruding from child swing seats in a play park
Parents horrified to find nails and screws protruding from child swing seats in a play park
Locals rage as Aussie council tells kids to ‘consider their noise’ at playground
Facebook
Locals rage as Aussie council tells kids to ‘consider their noise’ at playground

The sound of children’s laughter is hard to avoid at suburban playgrounds, but it seems that the joyous sounds of happiness is no longer allowed at a park in Brisbane. A sign erected in the playground says to consider noise levels and disruption while using the player equipment.

Carly Bass
yahoo!news
Locals rage as Aussie council tells kids to ‘consider their noise’ at playground
Locals rage as Aussie council tells kids to ‘consider their noise’ at playground
PLAYGROUND NEAR NUDE BEACH.jpg
google
Locals pushing back on proposed playground near popular clothing-optional beach
Residents share concerns over children’s safety, as well as protection of the safe space for beach goers as a new playground is set to be built nearby a nude and queer friendly beach.
KING 5 Seattle
Locals pushing back on proposed playground near popular clothing-optional beach
PLAYGROUND NEAR NUDE BEACH.jpg
five-year-old struck by falling tree piece near playground is improving, but still badly injured
Lori Van Buren
Five-year-old struck by falling tree piece near playground is improving, but still badly injured

The pre-K kindergartener was severely injured just after school finished over the weekend, with many students seeing the accident and watching emergency responders worked to save the girl. Similar trees were removed from the school property as a precaution to this incident.

Kathleen Moore
TIMES UNION
Five-year-old struck by falling tree piece near playground is improving, but still badly injured
five-year-old struck by falling tree piece near playground is improving, but still badly injured
50 Year Old ‘Black and chained monkey’ statues finally removed from park
50 Year Old ‘Black and chained monkey’ statues finally removed from park

At first glance, the metal trellis adorning a public bathroom in a playground in Riverside Park may have appeared innocent, besides the monkey statues being predominantly black and shackled by the wrists.

Claire Fahy
The New York Times
50 Year Old ‘Black and chained monkey’ statues finally removed from park
50 Year Old ‘Black and chained monkey’ statues finally removed from park
playground goes up in flames for the 6th time
DubFireBrigade
Beloved playground goes up in flames for the 6th time within half a year

Locals are reportedly fed up and demanding CCTV cameras be installed after their playground was set ablaze… again. This is the 6th time this playground has been targeted in just under six months.

Elizabeth Hearst
Q102
Beloved playground goes up in flames for the 6th time within half a year
playground goes up in flames for the 6th time
City council faces decision on protected trees after child injured in a school playground
City council faces decision on chopping down protected trees after child injured in a school playground
A child at an Infant School has been left with a broken bone after an accident caused by hazardous tree that this school isn’t allowed to cut down because it is protected. The school originally planned to cut the hazardous trees in 2022, though the council declined their idea.
Jamie Shapiro
WAVE FM
City council faces decision on chopping down protected trees after child injured in a school playground
City council faces decision on protected trees after child injured in a school playground
Collingwood slammed as residents now say replacement playground ‘looks like a prison yard’ .jpg
Yarra City Council
Collingwood slammed as residents now say replacement playground ‘looks like a prison yard’

Is it an art installation? Some prison yard exercise equipment? Or, perhaps, A multimillion dollar playground upgrade? To some disappointed parents in inner city Melbourne, it appears to be all three.

Mostafa Rachwani
The Guardian
Collingwood slammed as residents now say replacement playground ‘looks like a prison yard’
Collingwood slammed as residents now say replacement playground ‘looks like a prison yard’ .jpg
Emergency services help cut girl out of infant swing
Richard Gray
Emergency services help cut girl out of infant swing

More than 20 emergency service personnel swung by a playground earlier this month to cut a young girl free from the equipment after she became stuck. The 12-year-old became stuck in an infant swing for 45 minutes before she was set free.

The North Central Review
Emergency services help cut girl out of infant swing
Emergency services help cut girl out of infant swing
New Zealand’s next top model (park)?
Stacy Squires
New Zealand’s next top model (park)?

Dunedin City Council group manager, Scott McLean, said his council heard from 1600 people who wanted the city to invest in three parks with the most common request involving water play, fountains and splash pads.

Hamish McNeilly
STUFF
New Zealand’s next top model (park)?
New Zealand’s next top model (park)?
Residents on edge after swings burned at a Queens playground
Residents on edge after swings burned at a Queens playground

police say a set of swings were intentionally set on fire at a playground early Saturday morning. That, in addition to the fact that the vandalism happened on the Sabbath, led to concerns that the incident may have been an act of antisemitism.

Antwan Lewis
FOX 5
Residents on edge after swings burned at a Queens playground
Residents on edge after swings burned at a Queens playground
Remote school students enjoy beach-grade sand in new nature playground after delivery mix-up
Remote school students enjoy beach-grade sand in new nature playground after delivery mix-up

A school Oval in the northern goldfields could be confused for a pristine beach after the wrong delivery of sand was transported. Students at the local school celebrated the installation of a nature playground following weeks of construction.

Carwyn Monck
Kalgoorlie Miner
Remote school students enjoy beach-grade sand in new nature playground after delivery mix-up
Remote school students enjoy beach-grade sand in new nature playground after delivery mix-up
NATURE PLAY LEADS TO A+ GRADES
Study shows that nature play leads to A+ grades in students

Doctor Kathleen Bagot is a Melbourne based environmental psychologist and her research has shown a link between greener and more natural play areas and a stronger academic result among students, when compared to others whose school playgrounds were predominantly concrete and asphalt.

Parks Victoria
Study shows that nature play leads to A+ grades in students
NATURE PLAY LEADS TO A+ GRADES
Dog attacks three kids during recess after crawling under school fence
Dog attacks three kids during recess after crawling under school fence

Investigators say the dog escaped the backyard of a home that was across the street from a school. The dog crawled under a fence before chasing and biting several children. Three children were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and the dog was euthanized.

Mitchell Willetts
THE KANSASCITYSTAR
Dog attacks three kids during recess after crawling under school fence
Dog attacks three kids during recess after crawling under school fence
PERTH PLAYGROUND FIRE
7NEWS
Firefighters contain blaze which engulfed playground in Perth’s east

The major Bush fire broke out in piara waters in the late afternoon in what has been a massive day for bushfires across the Perth and Peel region. The fire prompted residents to flee the area by an issued warning from the department of fire and emergency services.

Hannah Cross
The West Australian
Firefighters contain blaze which engulfed playground in Perth’s east
PERTH PLAYGROUND FIRE
deem the slide unsafe and deteriorated
Iconic Big Blue slide remove from playground after inspections deem the slide unsafe and deteriorated

“The inspection found it had deteriorated to the point it could not be repaired and presented a safety risk to those who might use it.” The council city life director claims.

Pulse Hobart
Iconic Big Blue slide remove from playground after inspections deem the slide unsafe and deteriorated
deem the slide unsafe and deteriorated
PLAYGROUND DESIGN
City reveals public’s preferences for park designs

More than 1000 people including hundreds of children voted on the design proposed for Carrie Blake community park. A Sasquatch, a kaleidoscope and a classic board game were some of the top themes chosen for a potential playground redesign.

Matthew Nash
SEQUIM GAZETTE
City reveals public’s preferences for park designs
PLAYGROUND DESIGN
PLAYGROUND IMAGES
Why some playgrounds are in danger of disappearing within the next 5 years

This organisation, dedicated to creating more opportunities and spaces for children to play, issued a warning after conducting its own survey; that playground boards are ageing and there is a shortage of volunteers. Rising costs, partly due to lack of subsidies is also a concern.

Dave Ensberg
NL TIMES
Why some playgrounds are in danger of disappearing within the next 5 years
PLAYGROUND IMAGES
Vandal’s target and destroy priceless children's playground
WSYX
Vandal’s target and destroy priceless children's playground

A decades old playground meant for kids is now literally chopped into pieces. According to the property owners, the vandalism is out of control in One North Columbus community.

Jackie Orozco
ABC6
Vandal’s target and destroy priceless children's playground
Vandal’s target and destroy priceless children's playground
Unintended student in wheelchair falls off playground while at school
Unintended student in wheelchair falls off playground while at school

A child left unattended has fallen 5 metres from a school playground. The mother of the boy says that what happened was pure negligence and 100% avoidable. She still awaits the districts response to this incident.

WXII 12 News
Unintended student in wheelchair falls off playground while at school
Unintended student in wheelchair falls off playground while at school
Swastika found carved into playground equipment at suburban school
google
Swastika found carved into playground equipment at suburban school

an elementary school district has asked police for extra patrols after a swastika was found carved into a piece of playground equipment. The swastika serves as the most notorious symbol of hate and hate crimes like these are being taken seriously.

BELLEVILLE NEWS-DEMOCRAT
Swastika found carved into playground equipment at suburban school
Swastika found carved into playground equipment at suburban school
A beloved piece of playground equipment, the jungle gym, turns 100 years old
google
A beloved piece of playground equipment, the jungle gym, turns 100 years old

A beloved piece of playground equipment is turning 100 years old. The history of the jungle gym and monkey bars is full of weird and delightful twists, spanning from Japan to suburban Chicago.

Matt Ozug
NPR
A beloved piece of playground equipment, the jungle gym, turns 100 years old
A beloved piece of playground equipment, the jungle gym, turns 100 years old
Hanoi’s playground design based on traditional culture
Hanoi’s playground design based on traditional culture
Inspired by the legend of Thanh Giong, the recently launched playground helps spread Vietnamese patriotic spirit among local children and helps international visitors to Hanoi understand the country's history.
Vietnamnet
Hanoi’s playground design based on traditional culture
Hanoi’s playground design based on traditional culture
Newest playground in Wagga set to feature over 120 artworks from local community groups
Chris Roe
Newest playground in Wagga set to feature over 120 artworks from local community groups
Not only will this new indoor playground reach high into the ceiling, but it will have a regional theme and feature more than 100 local artworks. “We really wanted this to be the community’s playground, not just another run of the mill design,”
Chris Roe
Region Riverina
Newest playground in Wagga set to feature over 120 artworks from local community groups
Newest playground in Wagga set to feature over 120 artworks from local community groups
Driver crashes into fence of children's playground after losing control in Sheffield car park
Driver crashes into fence of children's playground after losing control in Sheffield car park

a witness told how he saw the driver of the Volvo lose control of the vehicle in the car park and ended up smashing into the fence of a children’s playground nearby. No one was injured as the playground was empty when it happened around 7:00 PM.

Michael Hull
yahoo!News
Driver crashes into fence of children's playground after losing control in Sheffield car park
Driver crashes into fence of children's playground after losing control in Sheffield car park
KABOOM breaking down barriers by building playgrounds in low-income areas
KABOOM breaking down barriers by building playgrounds in low-income areas

In Phoenix on Thursday, 100+ volunteers from Morgan Stanley, an investment banking company, teamed up with non-profit KABOOM to put their hearts and muscles to work on a very special project.

Cameron Polom
ABC15 ARIZONA
KABOOM breaking down barriers by building playgrounds in low-income areas
KABOOM breaking down barriers by building playgrounds in low-income areas
boy stuck between playground poles
Bothell Fire Department
‘Nothing a hug can't fix’: firefighters rescue boy stuck between playground poles

According to social media posts, the bottle fire department in Washington state rescued a boy who got stuck between two poles at his elementary school’s playground. Fire crews arrived at the scene in the city and used the jaws of life to extricate the boy from the poles.

Bob D’Angelo
KIRO7
‘Nothing a hug can't fix’: firefighters rescue boy stuck between playground poles
boy stuck between playground poles
Parents worry about slide safety as child falls 15 metres
Lawrence, Nakia
Parents worry about slide safety as child falls 15 metres
A recent social media post questions the safety of the playground and Triumph Park in Waukee over a post made by a woman claiming that her grandchild fell from the walkway to a slide, about 15 metres high off the ground.
CNN Newsource
News 21 Channel
Parents worry about slide safety as child falls 15 metres
Parents worry about slide safety as child falls 15 metres
West van dad voices concern over needles found in school playground
Jane Seyd
Dad voices concern over needles found in school playground

After taking his daughter to a school playground and finding needles scattered amongst the playground area, a debate now rages about the province plan to restrict drug use in more public spaces.

Jane Seyd
North Shore News
Dad voices concern over needles found in school playground
West van dad voices concern over needles found in school playground
New playground gives more reasons to visit popular lake suburb
Why this new playground gives more reasons to visit popular lake suburb

An all-new custom playground an four new picnic shelters have been added an already popular hunting, boating, camping and fishing hotspot. Delivered in time for the school holidays, the playground will provide an extra element of fun and adventure to visitors.

Rebecca Riddle
NEWCASTLE WEEKLY
Why this new playground gives more reasons to visit popular lake suburb
New playground gives more reasons to visit popular lake suburb
Child hurt after car crashes through day-care playground
Persbureau Meter
Child hurt after car crashes through day-care playground

A child was left injured when a car crashed into the playground of a day-care centre on Monday morning. Emergency services rushed the child to nearby hospital, while another also took the driver of the car to the hospital with injuries.

NL TIMES
Child hurt after car crashes through day-care playground
Child hurt after car crashes through day-care playground
Vandal’s target and destroy priceless children's playground
Shin Min Daily News Reader
Termite-infested tree falls near families celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival in Woodland Playground

Admiralty residents celebrating the mid-autumn festival at a playground on Friday night got a shock when a tree fell near them.

Wallace Woon
THE STRAITS TIMES
Termite-infested tree falls near families celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival in Woodland Playground
Vandal’s target and destroy priceless children's playground
Dave Zajac
Playground safety given closer look as Wallingford-owned property scrutinized
Town officials address a report with Town Council members last week that pointed out potential safety hazards at town-owned properties. These issues included parks that have come under scrutiny due to the playground equipment being burned down last year.
Kate Ramnni
my record journal
Playground safety given closer look as Wallingford-owned property scrutinized
Residents lament the loss of popular Venice Beach playground.jpg
Residents lament the loss of popular Venice Beach playground

Families who frequented a popular playground located at 1 Windward Ave near a police substation were distressed recently to find the location taped off by the city of LA department of recreation and parks. The playground is slated for demolition due to deterioration.

SMDP
Residents lament the loss of popular Venice Beach playground
Residents lament the loss of popular Venice Beach playground.jpg
Featuring log playground design that ‘triggers long-lost’ memories
Creative log playground design highly supported by community
Kengo Kuma and Associates collaborated with playground design company Earthscape to design a playground from an array of timber logs assembled to resemble a mountain. Commenters loved the structure, some stating it “triggers long-lost memories”.
Saudatu Bah
DEZEEN
Creative log playground design highly supported by community
Featuring log playground design that ‘triggers long-lost’ memories
NYC's first sustainable playground designed by students opens
NYC's first student-designed sustainable school playground opens

The mayor’s office of climate and environmental justice joined forces with trust for public land to improve green spaces at schools across the city. A student committee helped design the green roof gazebo, permeable pavement and artificial turn that captures storm water.

Alecia Reid
CBS NEW YORK
NYC's first student-designed sustainable school playground opens
NYC's first sustainable playground designed by students opens
The top list of securely fenced playgrounds across Brisbane
The top list of securely fenced playgrounds across Brisbane
There’s plenty of playgrounds across Brisbane for you and your family to enjoy. Many are fully fenced, which is great to help keep your mind at ease when the kids are running amuck. These playgrounds vary in size, location, facilities, age groups and are equipped with everything from swings, sandpits, climbing frames to cubby houses.
BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL
The top list of securely fenced playgrounds across Brisbane
The top list of securely fenced playgrounds across Brisbane
New data tool shows cities where to build their next playground
Jared Piper
New data tool shows cities where to build their next playground

Play space inequity and KABOOM!, a national non-profit, is working to end systemic racism that is denying areas with children of colour to have safe play spaces. To achieve these goals KABOOM! has taken a data informed approach to help drive resources to those communities most in need.

Amanda Loudin
NEXT CITY
New data tool shows cities where to build their next playground
New data tool shows cities where to build their next playground
Clive offers $5000 reward to help solve arson that destroyed the playground at Stonegate park.jpg
City Of Clive
Clive offers $5000 reward to help solve arson that destroyed the playground at Stonegate Park

Police end Urbandale firefighters were dispatched around 1:00 AM to Stonegate park and found one of the playground ‘s largest structures engulfed in flames. The structure which is the playgrounds main feature that includes slides and climbers was severely damaged and can cost approximately $100,000 to replace.

Noelle Alviz-Gransee
DES MOINES REGISTER
Clive offers $5000 reward to help solve arson that destroyed the playground at Stonegate Park
Clive offers $5000 reward to help solve arson that destroyed the playground at Stonegate park.jpg
McPherson child shot with arrow on school playground
google
7-year-old shot with stray arrow on school playground during recess
Police say the man they arrested allegedly shot a bow and arrow in the area, resulting in the child getting hit. The school district said the man was doing target practise at a neighbouring property and took responsibility for the incident.
Laura McMillan, Derek Lytle
KSN
7-year-old shot with stray arrow on school playground during recess
McPherson child shot with arrow on school playground
Council steps in over parent’s playground gripe to explain ‘odd’ design
FACEBOOK
Council steps in over parent’s playground gripe to explain ‘odd’ design
When one parent criticised the new disability playground at a Sydney Park, his comments kicked up a storm of heated discussion. While some thought the feature was ‘odd’ for safety reasons the majority were overwhelmingly in favour of the sandpit.
Nicole Illagoueva
YAHOO!NEWS
Council steps in over parent’s playground gripe to explain ‘odd’ design
Council steps in over parent’s playground gripe to explain ‘odd’ design
How playground zones have transformed school break times
google
How playground zones have transformed school break times
Some children can find lunchtimes trickier especially if they struggle with speech and language, social communication, or the lack of structure that playtime spring. Having a play space split into different areas is very beneficial to children of all needs.
Layla Gambell
TES MAGAZINE
How playground zones have transformed school break times
How playground zones have transformed school break times
school opens inclusive playground to students
‘Everybody has somewhere they can go’: Elementary school opens inclusive playground to students
While every kid loves a brand-new playground, the one installed at Eggert elementary school serves an added purpose to be more accessible giving every kid a chance and place to play.
Derek Heid
WKBW
‘Everybody has somewhere they can go’: Elementary school opens inclusive playground to students
school opens inclusive playground to students
Tuncurry water playground to make an official splash
Tuncurry water playground to make an official splash

Since its soft launch in September, the water playground has received rave reviews from both local children and parents for its inclusive features, making accessible to fun loving locals and visitors of all abilities.

MIDCOAST
Tuncurry water playground to make an official splash
Tuncurry water playground to make an official splash
Geelong popular playground to undergo significant repairs
Geelong popular playground to undergo significant repairs
Geelong’s much loved poppy kettle playground with sues soon close temporarily to undergo significant repair works the works will include the installation of a new slide which forces the whole place space to close for a period of time from November this year.
Nathan Rivalland
GEELONG TIMES
Geelong popular playground to undergo significant repairs
Geelong popular playground to undergo significant repairs
10 unique “unconventional” playgrounds designed for exploration 2
Red Dunes Playtopia
10 unique “unconventional” playgrounds designed for exploration

Searches for playgrounds have been climbing steadily on Pinterest over the last year. Designers and studios in this roundup have aimed to create unique spaces for children that encourage them to explore and discover. We round up 10 unconventional playgrounds from our Pinterest.

Saudatu Bah
DEZEEN
10 unique “unconventional” playgrounds designed for exploration
10 unique “unconventional” playgrounds designed for exploration 2
Park’s popular lost ‘little playground’ would never pass modern health and safety rules.jpg
Park’s popular lost ‘little playground’ would never pass modern health and safety rules
Back in the 80’s one of the best playgrounds in the city was the “small playground” in east park. Here there were all sorts of rides that were just as likely to maim as to thrill. These days playgrounds are much safer though, perhaps a little less exciting.
Paul Johnson
HULL LIVE
Park’s popular lost ‘little playground’ would never pass modern health and safety rules
Park’s popular lost ‘little playground’ would never pass modern health and safety rules.jpg
Design plans for large district playground in Canberra released for comment
Design plans for large district playground in Canberra released for comment

Open green space next to cameras technology park will soon be transformed into a large district-level playground. Construction is slated to start next year, with draught design plans released to receive community feedback.

Claire Fenwicke, Travis Radford
RIOTACT
Design plans for large district playground in Canberra released for comment
Design plans for large district playground in Canberra released for comment
Photo-by-WKAR-Arjun-Thakkar
Accessible 3-million-dollar barrier-free all abilities playground opens

A new $3 million accessible playground is now open near downtown Lansing. The new playground is adjacent to the riverfront park, and it is designed to be accessible for people with physical, sensory and developmental disabilities. The structure is barrier-free and includes ramps so that all kids can access every level of the playground.

Arjun Thakkar
WKAR
Accessible 3-million-dollar barrier-free all abilities playground opens
Photo-by-WKAR-Arjun-Thakkar
PLlaygrounds with coffee.jpg
Take 5: Perth playgrounds with coffee

This massive multi-level playground in King spark has equipment for kids of all ages. There is plenty of space to spread out a picnic rug, or you can head to the Koorak Cafe (formally known as sticky beaks), which has lovely outdoor tables that look out over the play equipment.

Belle Taylor
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN
Take 5: Perth playgrounds with coffee
PLlaygrounds with coffee.jpg
2 toddler drownings near playground could have been prevented if the 11 public complaints were taken seriously.
2 toddler drownings near playground could have been prevented if the 11 public complaints were taken seriously
Maribyrnong council ignores 11 playground fence complaints before two toddler drownings. There were almost a dozen complaints about broken locks and playground fencing before two preventable toddler drownings in Victoria.
HERALD SUN
2 toddler drownings near playground could have been prevented if the 11 public complaints were taken seriously
2 toddler drownings near playground could have been prevented if the 11 public complaints were taken seriously.
Sail away! Praise as shade sails are installed over local playground AUSTRALIA
Sail away! Praise as shade sails are installed over local NSW playground

The shade sails are an addition to trees being planted around old playgrounds in the local government area as part of council strategy to increase shade for all local playgrounds.

COUNCIL NEWS WAGGA
Sail away! Praise as shade sails are installed over local NSW playground
Sail away! Praise as shade sails are installed over local playground AUSTRALIA
old playground at purple heart park fails inspection, will be removed
Old popular playground fails inspection, will be removed despite requests to keep it.
The playground is over 30 years old and the parts that need to be replaced are not made anymore. Though a long time coming, the neighbourhood association had asked the council to keep this much-loved playground as long as possible, but a certified playground safety inspector says that the playground is just too unsafe.
13NEWS
Old popular playground fails inspection, will be removed despite requests to keep it.
old playground at purple heart park fails inspection, will be removed
Police investigate vandalism and ‘hooning’ at playground and parkland
Police investigate vandalism and ‘hooning’ at playground and parkland
Media posts indicate that a white 4-wheel-drive was hooning on the grass surface when it fully rolled over and landed back on its wheels, leaving tire marks and holes in the grass.
Simon McGuire
THE ADVOCATE
Police investigate vandalism and ‘hooning’ at playground and parkland
Police investigate vandalism and ‘hooning’ at playground and parkland
Thieves cost council close to $10,000 after targeting playground fences in ‘well-orchestrated operation’
Thieves cost council close to $10,000 after targeting playground fences in ‘well-orchestrated operation’
Noosa council is facing an unnecessary bill of nearly $10,000 to replace stolen fence panels and two gates from the Hinton adventure playground in Cooroy. The 27 powder coated fence panels were removed from their posts on Sunday night.
Francis Witsenhuysen
SUNSHINE COAST NEWS
Thieves cost council close to $10,000 after targeting playground fences in ‘well-orchestrated operation’
Thieves cost council close to $10,000 after targeting playground fences in ‘well-orchestrated operation’
Miner backs hospital rehab playground
Miner backs hospital playground that will support rehabilitation for sick children
Chief corporate affairs office at Bendigo health said the new playground would support the sick and injured children of the region. The play area will be for children undergoing rehabilitation treatments at the new clinical services campus.
Sophie Founé
TIMES NEWS GROUP
Miner backs hospital playground that will support rehabilitation for sick children
Miner backs hospital rehab playground
Long-awaited multimillion dollar playground damaged after firefighters rescue stuck child
Long-awaited multimillion dollar playground damaged after firefighters rescue stuck child
Only two weeks after its much-anticipated opening, a child got their elbow stuck in the play equipment designed for 2–5-year-old toddlers, whereas this child was aged 7. Fire responders said they used a tool like the jaws of life to release the child.
Brisa Colón
KSBW
Long-awaited multimillion dollar playground damaged after firefighters rescue stuck child
Long-awaited multimillion dollar playground damaged after firefighters rescue stuck child
playground in flames australia
Teens accused of setting fire to playground with ‘bomb’
Firefighters raced to this early morning inferno in Thornlands following frantic calls from residents who woke to the sound of explosions around 3:00 AM. One local approached five teenagers at the scene, but they fled quickly. Police are investigating whether any homemade explosives may have been used.
9NEWS
Teens accused of setting fire to playground with ‘bomb’
playground in flames australia
Brisbane city council accused of letting playground equipment fall into disrepair
7NEWS
Brisbane city council accused of letting playground equipment fall into disrepair
Brisbane city council is coming under fire for letting the playground slide into disrepair, with accusations some pieces of equipment haven’t been lying broken for months 7 news has been given the maintenance list and the suburbs affected.
7 NEWS AUSTRALIA
Brisbane city council accused of letting playground equipment fall into disrepair
Brisbane city council accused of letting playground equipment fall into disrepair
JILLIANA RICHY - DEATH
yahoo
Serious playground injuries: what to check before your children play
Jilliana Richey was nine years old when she ran underneath an old metal slide that was estimated to weigh over 200lbs. The slide came down on top of her when she swung on it, ultimately causing her death later in hospital. Her father has now made it part of his life purpose to make sure that playgrounds are safe for other children.
YAHOO!NEWS
Serious playground injuries: what to check before your children play
JILLIANA RICHY - DEATH
Parents campaign to improve ‘depressing’ oxford playground facilities
Parents campaign to improve ‘depressing’ oxford playground facilities

The Oxford Road Park parents have launched a campaign for investment from their council to improve the 3.9-acre park. Oxford road park currently includes a playground, basketball court and sports field. Parents say the Equipment, seating and the facilities sports equipment is falling apart.

Olivia Christie
Oxford Mail
Parents campaign to improve ‘depressing’ oxford playground facilities
Parents campaign to improve ‘depressing’ oxford playground facilities
27 essential pieces of playground equipment for schools DRAWING
27 essential pieces of playground equipment for schools

Looking for new ways to spruce up your playground equipment? You’ve come to the right place! Below, we look at 27 pieces of play equipment that are essential for various grade levels of children.

Lauren Du Plessis
Teaching Expertise
27 essential pieces of playground equipment for schools
27 essential pieces of playground equipment for schools DRAWING
Leeds residents describe scenes of shock as unfinished playground goes up in flames in Hyde Park
Residents describe scenes of shock as unfinished playground goes up in flames in Hyde Park

A piece of apparatus on a park that is currently being developed by royal park Rd in the hired park area of the city was set on fire this afternoon as well as the tarmac around the wheel like contraption.

Charles Gray
YORKSHIRE EVENING POST
Residents describe scenes of shock as unfinished playground goes up in flames in Hyde Park
Leeds residents describe scenes of shock as unfinished playground goes up in flames in Hyde Park
Adult ’Lazy bench’ design encourages parents to battle muscle
3 new Adult ’Lazy bench’ designs encourage parents to battle muscle loss and light exercise on playground visits

When we turn 30, we start to lose muscles. That’s exactly the age when most people become parents and stop exercising, instead they watch their children have fun while simply sitting on a bench. Helan, Health Insurance and Famous Grey have introduced an adult friendly feature to children’s playgrounds, a series of unique benches that require users to engage in light strength exercises.

LITTLE BLACK BOOK
3 new Adult ’Lazy bench’ designs encourage parents to battle muscle loss and light exercise on playground visits
Adult ’Lazy bench’ design encourages parents to battle muscle
KIDS WORLD 30 YEAR OLD WOODEN PLAYGROUND MAINTENENCE
How a 30-year-old all-wood playground holds its maintenance to ensure it holds up year after year.

Kids world was initially constructed in 1993 by hundreds of community volunteers in just one week. The 8000 square foot wooden playground is popular, well-loved and was built by the community, so keeping it in good condition is very important to the locals. The unique all wood structure requires a special maintenance regimen to ensure it can hold up against the elements year after year.

City Of Santa Barbara
INDEPENDANT
How a 30-year-old all-wood playground holds its maintenance to ensure it holds up year after year.
KIDS WORLD 30 YEAR OLD WOODEN PLAYGROUND MAINTENENCE
EXPOSED BOLT CAUSES DEEP GASH AND SCARRING INJURY
Family pushing ahead lawsuit against farm playground as child ends up with sizeable L shaped scar.

She was 11 at the time and remembers stepping off onto the platform, her tights snagging onto an exposed bolt as it ripped her leg open. After a moderately successful scar reduction surgery, the family sued Washington farms for failing to maintain the playground equipment.

Dana Fowle
FOX5 Atlanta
Family pushing ahead lawsuit against farm playground as child ends up with sizeable L shaped scar.
EXPOSED BOLT CAUSES DEEP GASH AND SCARRING INJURY
Guide to Playground safety: preventing common injuries and ensuring children's wellbeing.

Playground time is supposed to be fun, but it sometimes leads to injury. Many of those injuries that occur on playgrounds can be avoided with precautionary measures. Lack of supervision, investigating, misjudgement, coordination, and risky choices are among the many ways common playground injuries occur.

Hackensack Meridian Health
Guide to Playground safety: preventing common injuries and ensuring children's wellbeing.
PUBLIC TOILETS NEAR PLAYGROUND
GOOGLE
Playground being 'used as toilet' concerns parents

The slide/climbing tower at a new sports hub is being used as a public toilet, it has been claimed. A woman living in the town says that people are defecating and urinating on the tower and slide and had seen urine and faeces on the equipment when she brought her two children to the playground.

tipperarylive
Playground being 'used as toilet' concerns parents
PUBLIC TOILETS NEAR PLAYGROUND
Winning hackathon teams
Sydney and Perth schools tackle playground waste and cleanup with first prize in ANSTO’s hackathon

Despite being 4,000 kilometres apart, tackling playground waste was the main drawcard for senior division winners, Heathcote Sydney, and junior division winners, Kent Street Perth, with both schools designing a mountable payload that could identify and collect rubbish through artificial learning and specially designed robotic arms.

ANSTO
Sydney and Perth schools tackle playground waste and cleanup with first prize in ANSTO’s hackathon
Winning hackathon teams
CHILDS TOE RIPPED OFF FROM MERRY GO ROUND
7News
5-year-old Geraldton boy loses toe after freak accident on merry go round.

Western Australian five year was playing on a merry go round at a park in Geraldton when his pinkie toe on his right foot was caught in the gap before the equipment rotated, ultimately causing his ligaments to stretch out before his toe was brutally pulled from his foot. 

Joel Erickson
Kidspot
5-year-old Geraldton boy loses toe after freak accident on merry go round.
CHILDS TOE RIPPED OFF FROM MERRY GO ROUND
PLAYGROUND FIRE DESTRUCTION
WORLDWIDE
Playground destroyed by fire in spring as officials investigate the possible arson.

A playground turned into a raging inferno in spring. The county fires office is investigating I and believe someone may have set fire to the grass and equipment. The fire apartment responded quickly to the scene, but the playground was at a total loss.

Maria Aguilera
KHOU
Playground destroyed by fire in spring as officials investigate the possible arson.
PLAYGROUND FIRE DESTRUCTION
DUMPING GROUND TRANSFORMED INTO PLAYGROUND
Md Jahidul
Dumping ground made into playground in less than a month

The sole playground for children was an abandoned land used as a garbage dump. Rain would form pools amid garbage creating an unhygienic setting beyond its unsuitability for play, the land posed substantial health risks, however a non-governmental development organisation has converted the place into a child friendly playground.

Md Jahidul
TBS NEWS
Dumping ground made into playground in less than a month
DUMPING GROUND TRANSFORMED INTO PLAYGROUND
PLAYGROUND IN LESS WEALTHY AREAS
Dale Mezzacappa
Families rejoice at school’s new playground amid fears for children's safety in violence plagued areas.

Built over the summer with donated funds, the playground gives children more room to play at a time where policies like the city curfew, restrictions on unaccompanied minors and gun violence are at an all time high. Advocates have made the case that quality playtime is vital to children’s physical and emotional health and the lack of playgrounds in less wealthy areas has become part of a bigger debate about the need for fair educational equity.

Dale Mezzacappa
Chalkbeat
Families rejoice at school’s new playground amid fears for children's safety in violence plagued areas.
PLAYGROUND IN LESS WEALTHY AREAS
SIMPLISTIC DESIGNED PLAYGROUND
Remember when: A celebrated artist created one of the most creative playgrounds.

The playground is striking for its simplicity and use of colour. Built in 1976, the one acre modernist playground designed by a prominent sculptor and landscape architect Is still one of Atlanta’s most widely used and creative works of public art.

Thomas Wheatley
AXIOS Atlanta
Remember when: A celebrated artist created one of the most creative playgrounds.
SIMPLISTIC DESIGNED PLAYGROUND
FIRE ARSON DESTROYS PLAYGROUND
City Of Clive
Police suspect arson after suspicious fire destroys local playground.

police and firefighters were dispatched around 1:51 AM to a park and found one of the playgrounds ‘s largest structures engulfed in flames. The playgrounds main feature that included slides and climbers was severely damaged and could cost more than $150,000 to replace.

F Amanda Tugade
Des Moines Register
Police suspect arson after suspicious fire destroys local playground.
FIRE ARSON DESTROYS PLAYGROUND
EXPENSIVE PLAYGROUND BUT NO PARKING
Natasha Hill
Love the $10.8 million playground, but where are the parking spaces?

An expensive playground has left some users questioning the limited parking spaces available. Featuring a 12.8-metre-high play tower two flying fox is row play equipment a wave and pump track and additional basketball half court, it is the tallest playground tower in New Zealand. However, sometimes it takes over half an hour to find parking.

Natasha Hill
Newshub
Love the $10.8 million playground, but where are the parking spaces?
EXPENSIVE PLAYGROUND BUT NO PARKING
SPRAY PAINT VANDALISM
Spray paint vandalism trail left on playground and bike path.

Spray paint was found on the bike trail and on the play equipment at a nearby park. Police have inquired to the public for help identifying the culprits. 

Kullyn Meffert
Keloland
Spray paint vandalism trail left on playground and bike path.
SPRAY PAINT VANDALISM
THREE LEVEL SOCCER BALL STRUCTURE 2
The city of port Adelaide have announced the grant opening of new playground in Reserve.

The highlight of the Polonia Reserve is its playground which boasts of five-way swing, accessible spinner, trampoline, rockers, and a custom play Dome, providing A diverse range of play experiences for children of all abilities. Nature play elements and a learn to ride track encourages youngsters to connect with nature and embrace outdoor activities.

Ben Francis
GLAM ADELAIDE
The city of port Adelaide have announced the grant opening of new playground in Reserve.
THREE LEVEL SOCCER BALL STRUCTURE 2
GLOW IN THE DARK SPHERE USA
FOX7
27 foot tall, all inclusive glowing sphere set to open in early November.

The only glow-in-the-dark playground in Texas is now under construction and is scheduled to be open in November Deputy city manager who is helping to make the Parker reality explains where the idea came from.

KDFW
yahoo!news
27 foot tall, all inclusive glowing sphere set to open in early November.
GLOW IN THE DARK SPHERE USA
COP GOES DOWN SLIDE INJURY
Police officer injured after chaotically hurtling down children's slide.

A video has gone viral of a American cop trying out a children’s slide before skidding face down across the playgrounds turf. it is not the first time an adult has experienced a rough descent of the side; in November a city councillor member lost his shoe while coming down and similarly ended up face down.

Neirin Gray Desai
DAILYMAIL
Police officer injured after chaotically hurtling down children's slide.
COP GOES DOWN SLIDE INJURY
RATS TAKE OVER PLAYGROUND SANITARY
Playground to be sanitised after large numbers of rats spotted in the area.

Dublin city parks has been monitoring the issue and is reassuring regular users of the park that the playground will be sorted soon. This comes after several people complained about the rats since the start of the summer.

Amy Donohoe
Independent.ie
Playground to be sanitised after large numbers of rats spotted in the area.
RATS TAKE OVER PLAYGROUND SANITARY
SPIKES
7NEWS
Toddler hurt by hidden spikes left deliberately on playground.

Safety concerns have been raised after a small child was hurt by a spiked object while at a playground. The toddler was stabbed by the spiked object hidden in the sand at the Sindone Family Park in Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast.

NCA NEWS
Toddler hurt by hidden spikes left deliberately on playground.
SPIKES
700K PLAYGROUND
Queensland’s second largest school builds $700k playground despite nearly all students learning from home

Education Queensland has admitted to destroying trees planted in memory of deceased teachers to build a $16,000 retractable umbrella, as part of an infrastructure blitz at a school that rarely has more than 50 students on campus.

Rory Callinan, Jemima Burt
ABC NEWS
Queensland’s second largest school builds $700k playground despite nearly all students learning from home
700K PLAYGROUND
GLOW IN THE DARK PLAYGROUND
City Of Farmers Branch
Country's first glow-in-the-dark playground under construction in Texas

A Dallas suburb broke ground Monday on the country’s first glow-in-the-dark playground. Construction started Monday on the 18,000 square foot nplayground, including a 27-foot climbing sphere, slides, swings, an obstacle course and zip lines, a toddler playground, and signature LED lights throughout.

Isabelle Butera
USA TODAY
Country's first glow-in-the-dark playground under construction in Texas
GLOW IN THE DARK PLAYGROUND
Neglected playground
Playground Lies Neglected as Residents’ Complaints Fall On ‘Deaf Ears'
Residents left ignored and unfulfilled after numerous complaints to their council about horrendous and dangerous playground. Complaints reported were that of a tree propped up using temporary reinforcements after previously collapsing, playground surfacing being ripped up and the football area lacking proper fencing.
Mario Borg
Lovin Malta
Playground Lies Neglected as Residents’ Complaints Fall On ‘Deaf Ears'
Neglected playground
WHITE POWDER ON PLAYGROUND
CBS NEWS
Police test white powder found in playground

Boston police are investigating after baggies of white powder, a needle, and a glove were discovered at a South Boston playground. According to a WBZ news report, a woman caring for a 15-month-old child spotted the suspicious items on the ground which was labelled “Vitamin C ascorbic acid powder.”

Morgan Rousseau
Boston.com
Police test white powder found in playground
WHITE POWDER ON PLAYGROUND
CHUTES AND LADDERS PLAYGROUND
Hundreds welcome ‘Chutes and Ladders’ playground to Harrisburg

The new Chutes and Ladders playground is based on the popular boardgame. A walking path weaves through the hillside with plenty of chances for kids to climb up ladders and slide down slides.

Marshall Keely
FOX 43
Hundreds welcome ‘Chutes and Ladders’ playground to Harrisburg
CHUTES AND LADDERS PLAYGROUND
playground in rough shape
Tom Rivers
Medina village officials say deserted playground is in rough shape

Village Board members acknowledged at a recent board meeting that the equipment is old and the village’s insurance carrier expressed concerns about the equipment’s condition. They will determine if some of the playground equipment will be relocated at Gulf Street Park, or perhaps another park. The village may also declare some of the equipment surplus if it is deemed in too rough of shape.

Tom Rivers
ORLEANS HUB
Medina village officials say deserted playground is in rough shape
playground in rough shape
inclusive playground 2
Wiriya Sati
Accessible playground at Port Macquarie school designed for all abilities

Michele Hazel cried “happy tears” as she watched her six-year-old daughter Ella, who has a rare chromosomal disorder, use a slippery slide at her local school for the first time by herself. It was made possible by a new interactive and accessible playground at Port Macquarie Public School.

Wiriya Sati
ABC NEWS
Accessible playground at Port Macquarie school designed for all abilities
inclusive playground 2
PRICEY PLAYGROUNDS
Brendan Lynch
3.8-million-dollar playground finally approved by council vote 4-3

The playground will include state-of-the art features, including rubber and turf surfacing, a pavilion, a sand area, zip lines, music and art elements, and ADA accessibility.

Sam Allard
AXIOUS
3.8-million-dollar playground finally approved by council vote 4-3
PRICEY PLAYGROUNDS
LOCKED PLAYGROUND
New fence around public playground causes huge debate in neighbourhood.

A fence was installed around a public playground and some neighbours claim they have lost access to a community asset, whilst parents of school children who use the playground during school times say the fence is for their children’s protection.

Renata Di Gregorio
First Coast News
New fence around public playground causes huge debate in neighbourhood.
LOCKED PLAYGROUND
recycled playground sent to africa
Retired playground headed overseas to Africa and Europe

The city is partnering with Project Playground, a Houston-based business that takes playground equipment that’s being retired or demolished and refurbishes it before relocating it to new homes overseas.

NBCDFW 5
Retired playground headed overseas to Africa and Europe
recycled playground sent to africa
ACID ON PLAYGROUND SLIDE.png
town of Longmeadow
2 children burned by stolen pool acid that was poured on slides.

Police and firefighters are investigating after two children suffered burn-like injuries on playground as it is discovered muriatic acid, a pool chemical, was poured on the slides.

Susannah Sudborough
Boston.com
2 children burned by stolen pool acid that was poured on slides.
ACID ON PLAYGROUND SLIDE.png
graffiti on playground 3
Town Of Rotterdam
‘I-Heart-Drugs’ and ‘Grave’ Graffiti signage left on playground.

The Town of Rotterdam has released images of vandalism at a local park/playground. Thanks to the town’s Park and Recreation Crew, the vandalism has been cleaned up.

Michael Mahar
NEWS 10
‘I-Heart-Drugs’ and ‘Grave’ Graffiti signage left on playground.
graffiti on playground 3
VANDALISM ON PLAYGROUND 1
City Of Pearl
Cameras installed at construction site after vandals attack construction site and playground

City leaders said the Pearl Park is an active construction site with signs that say, “Do not enter.” They said people are not abiding by the warnings, and crews have seen significant vandalism to the playground, therefore the city has installed cameras to monitor the park.

Malaysia McCoy
2 NEWS WJTV
Cameras installed at construction site after vandals attack construction site and playground
VANDALISM ON PLAYGROUND 1
POPULAR
Popular playground closed due to structural issues

Wisbech Adventure Playground will be shut for several weeks for “damaged play equipment to be repaired”, said Cambridgeshire County Council, which owns. The damage was of the wear-and-tear variety and was not being attributed to vandalism.

BBC NEWS
Popular playground closed due to structural issues
POPULAR
BURNS FROM SLIDES SIGN
USA Fire department reminds parents of playground burns in the summertime

The department is urging parents to stay cautious and aware of the equipment that their children are playing on. Newsline 9 went out to measure the temperature of playground equipment, and some clocked in around 140 degrees. The Wausau Fire Department says that 140 degrees can cause second or third-degree burns within minutes.

Sam Walters
WSAU
USA Fire department reminds parents of playground burns in the summertime
BURNS FROM SLIDES SIGN
PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENTS
Playground replacement at F.H. Leslie Park to be expedited after ‘major’ safety concerns leads to closure of play structure

Upon further investigation, it was determined that the slide structure had become obsolete and unreplaceable, and that the safety surface heaving was also largely unrepairable due to significant penetration of roots both under the safety surface and intertwined into the foundations.

Ray Spiteri
TORONTO STAR
Playground replacement at F.H. Leslie Park to be expedited after ‘major’ safety concerns leads to closure of play structure
PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENTS
zahorianivka
Two children hospitalized due to explosion at playground in Kherson Oblast

In Zahorianivka, two children were injured by an explosion of an unknown object. A 13-year-old child has shrapnel wounds to his limbs. The younger one, a 10-year-old, sustained an abdominal wound. The tragedy happened on a playground where the boys were playing.

The New Voice Of Ukraine
Yahoo!News
Two children hospitalized due to explosion at playground in Kherson Oblast
zahorianivka
Branching shade for playgrounds
How we can start Branching out the shade in local playgrounds

Advanced tree planting is currently underway at 100 playgrounds across Wagga Wagga and its surrounding villages to help increase the amount of shade available in the future.

City Of Wagga Wagga
How we can start Branching out the shade in local playgrounds
Branching shade for playgrounds
PLAYGROUND TO BE RELOCATED
School District asks to relocate playground rather than demolish it

Locals question why playground was set to be demolished and replaced rather than donated to a neighbourhood with over 100 children who have nothing. Volunteers are now requesting help to relocate the playground.

KSHB 41
School District asks to relocate playground rather than demolish it
PLAYGROUND TO BE RELOCATED
ARSON PLAYGROUND
FOX 11
Playground reopens after arson

Melted slides, twisted metal poles and charred awnings. This was what was left of a toddler’s playground after an arson last year in July, until it’s reopening a year later.

FOX 11
Playground reopens after arson
ARSON PLAYGROUND
BLACK HISTORY PLAYGROUND
Douglass CC Playground Puts Focus on Black History, Contributions

The formal dedication of the new Douglass Community Centerplayground Wednesday celebrated a community gathering point that will serve as a reminder for the struggles and accomplishments of Black Americans through history.

Norman K. Styler
Loudoun Now
Douglass CC Playground Puts Focus on Black History, Contributions
BLACK HISTORY PLAYGROUND
WOODEN PLAYGROUND.JPG
Current Argus
City reviews safety and condition of 20 year old Playground

In many ways, this playground is a community success story. Many of the children involved in the original design and construction phase, more than 20 years ago, are now themselves parents with children. Since then, there have been several major renewal efforts to the Playground on the Pecos, but its upkeep remains an ongoing challenge.

Dale Janway
Carlsbad Current Argus
City reviews safety and condition of 20 year old Playground
WOODEN PLAYGROUND.JPG
FIRE AT PLAYGROUND
Darren Stone
Arson destroys children's playground in Duncan

The Duncan Fire Department and North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP responded to the fire at 2:40 a.m. Friday to find a play structure at Centennial Park on First Street completely engulfed in flames.

Darron Kloster
TIMES COLONIST
Arson destroys children's playground in Duncan
FIRE AT PLAYGROUND
waterloos first accessible playground
CTV NEWS
Waterloo’s first accessible playground now open
Its rubberized surface, as opposed to sand or wood chips, allows kids using a wheelchair or mobility device to access the playground elements. The play structure is also equipped with a ramp and a new accessible spinner.
Ricardo Veneza
CTV NEWS
Waterloo’s first accessible playground now open
waterloos first accessible playground
the best designed playgrounds
Google
What makes a playground memorable? Solving the Greenfield Playground Puzzle

As we know, building large, high-quality and attractive parks and playgrounds is a key strategy to bring families to your development and create a community feel that adds real value. But there’s another aspect to a tailor-made playground that takes it to a whole new level that you may be missing.

The Urban Developer
What makes a playground memorable? Solving the Greenfield Playground Puzzle
the best designed playgrounds
history of sandpits
Amsterdam City Archives
How mid-century Amsterdam built 700 doorstep playgrounds.

The mid-20th century was a period of intense activity around play provision in western and northern Europe. Aldo van Eyck put children and play at the centre of his humanist approach to modernism.

Ben Highmore
THE CONVERSATION
How mid-century Amsterdam built 700 doorstep playgrounds.
history of sandpits
playground ribbon cutting
WYPR
Ribbon cut replacement of playground that previously left children ‘grappling with splinters and rusty nails’.

The 50 year-old wooden structure has been replaced by modern, poly-vinyl slides and swings. It features a racehorse theme, in a nod to the nearby Pimlico Race Course. Mayor Brandon Scott did more than cut the ribbon on one new playground in Pikesville. It was the start to his promised parks and recreation revitalization

Emily Hofstaedter
WYPR
Ribbon cut replacement of playground that previously left children ‘grappling with splinters and rusty nails’.
playground ribbon cutting
car drives through school
Supplied
Temporary lockdown at primary school as car drives through playground.

The Vale Elementary School in Cashmere was temporarily on lockdown after someone drove through the school playground Friday afternoon. At 2:22 p.m., a blue Volkswagen Jetta drove through two sets of gates, crashing into the play area and exiting onto Pioneer street at high speeds.

Terra Sokol
560KPQ
Temporary lockdown at primary school as car drives through playground.
car drives through school
playground swings
Antisocial behaviour-hit playground won’t be replaced anymore.

Swings once again targeted at Millennium Park, on Acorn Way in Grimethorpe. This playground was identified as one of the worst-hit areas in Barnsley and had almost £30,000 lavished on it five years ago when yobs set fire to its equipment.

Jack Tolson
BARNSLEY CHRONICLE
Antisocial behaviour-hit playground won’t be replaced anymore.
playground swings
damaged sharp equipment.jpg
Parents concern over removed equipment's sharp remnants.

Mayor Lee Namey memorial park in Wilkes-Barre has been the cause of concern for parents as sharp edges of previously removed equipment are exposed where children could injure themselves. Stumps of previously removed equipment remain with sharp edges exposed. Some Parents in the area say that is a danger to local children and pets that visit the park daily.

Alyshia
Hercules
Parents concern over removed equipment's sharp remnants.
damaged sharp equipment.jpg
nails glued upside down to playground
WaipaDistrictCouncil
New Zealand Playground vandalised by nails glued upside down on equipment.

A recently opened playground was vandalised over the weekend, with the additional features posing a horrific danger to children. Tyre marks were branded onto the grass and upside down nails were glued onto the play equipment in two different areas at Waikato Parks on New Zealand’s north island, with one unsuspecting local catching sight of the mess during a walk.

Sophie Coghill
yahoo!news
New Zealand Playground vandalised by nails glued upside down on equipment.
nails glued upside down to playground
accessible playground disappointment
ABC News
‘I was shocked that they made it worse instead of better’. Response to upgraded accessible playground disappointment.
Brennan Park on Bribie Island, north of Brisbane, had recently undergone an $835,128 makeover to replace its equipment and improve accessibility and landscape. Zach, who uses a wheelchair, said bark and wood chips were added beneath the playground equipment, which has stopped him from playing there.
Sarah Richards
ABC News
‘I was shocked that they made it worse instead of better’. Response to upgraded accessible playground disappointment.
accessible playground disappointment
SYRINGES IN. PLAYGROUNDS
Supplied
Discarded syringes found near sandpit in playground.

The man, who wished to remain anonymous, said he also saw a handful of needle caps around the park. “It is totally unacceptable that Joondalup, a city renowned for the speed and efficiency of meter maids, cannot ensure basic public safety.”

Christopher Tan
PerthNow
Discarded syringes found near sandpit in playground.
SYRINGES IN. PLAYGROUNDS
Mongrel Mob Gang Sign in playground
NZME
Council defends ‘Mongrel Mob’ gangs fence insignia near playground.

The 16-year local councillor took to Facebook after a story appeared about a newly painted Mongrel Mob addition to the fence of a Maraenui property that borders Fitzgerald Place. “I’m confident the newly-painted fence will not stop regular users from coming to the park, or intimidate anyone away from the area. It is a safe place for local children to play,” she said.

Joseph Los'e
NZHERALD
Council defends ‘Mongrel Mob’ gangs fence insignia near playground.
Mongrel Mob Gang Sign in playground
SENSORY BOARD
FOX13 NEWS
the first of many sensory-therapeutic playgrounds opens at 1 school

Lunchtime is usually a highlight during the day for students, and a new sensory playground at Paul B. Stephens ESE Center helps meet the needs of students. The new playground at the center in Pinellas County allows all students to be independent while using touch, sound and movement. It’s Pinellas County Schools’ first sensory-therapeutic, wheelchair-accessible playground.

Kailey Tracy
FOX13 NEWS
the first of many sensory-therapeutic playgrounds opens at 1 school
SENSORY BOARD
hippos at playground.jpg
Pablo Escobar’s ‘cocaine hippos’ continuously cause problems in Columbian playgrounds.

Recently, one of the so-called “cocaine-hippos” burst into a school yard in which both pupils and parents present. “The mothers get scared when they see an animal of that size,” teacher Dunia Arango told AFP. This time, the uninvited guest chomped at some fruit trees before moving off into the adjacent fields. But a bloat of hippos set up a home in a lake just 20 yards from the school.

CBS NEWS
Pablo Escobar’s ‘cocaine hippos’ continuously cause problems in Columbian playgrounds.
hippos at playground.jpg
cats-head
Getty Images
Cats severed head found deliberately dumped in playground.

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) inspectors who were called to the scene believed that the cats head was placed in that location on purpose, but because the body had not yet been found, it was unclear if the cat had been deliberately killed.

Jess Thomson
Newsweek
Cats severed head found deliberately dumped in playground.
cats-head
pokestop
yahoo
Pokemon Go players horrified as ‘pokestop’ feature lures players to local playground.
A Pokemon Go player spotted two highly sought characters lurking near a playground, now trainers familiar with the app are fearing for the safety of young parkgoers.
Zackerie Fairfax
DEXERTO
Pokemon Go players horrified as ‘pokestop’ feature lures players to local playground.
pokestop
accessible playgrounds
Making Strides for Inclusion: How one Student Worked to Get More Accessible Playgrounds

For Madelyn Diluigi, a senior at Independence High School, helping people with special needs is something she is passionate about. So when she learned last year about a school playground in another county that had a wheelchair accessible swing she wanted to learn more and find out if Loudoun schools had anything like it.

Alexis Gustin
Loudoun Now
Making Strides for Inclusion: How one Student Worked to Get More Accessible Playgrounds
accessible playgrounds
RATTLESNAKE ON PLAYGROUND
CBS8
Rattlesnake caught at local children’s playground

A rattlesnake wanted to come out and play at a playground in East County. Rattlesnake wranglers said with the rain gone, more snakes are slithering out looking for food.

Abbie Black
CBS8
Rattlesnake caught at local children’s playground
RATTLESNAKE ON PLAYGROUND
PERTH ZOO PLAYGROUND
New 3.8-million-dollar playground coming as part of Perth Zoo transformation

Construction has commenced on a $3.8 million all-ages, nature-based playground in a milestone for Perth Zoo’s Master Plan 2040. The project is designed to be accessible to children of all abilities, with expected completion by Spring this year.

Perth Zoo
New 3.8-million-dollar playground coming as part of Perth Zoo transformation
PERTH ZOO PLAYGROUND
children protest playground
Chris Bishop
Children protest over fenced-off playground on new estate

Four years after moving into their home, parents say youngsters are still unable to use the equipment they were promised to play on. Some families who moved into the area claim that the new playground was part of the reason they moved, but four years on, their children are now too old.

Chris Bishop
Eastern Daily Press
Children protest over fenced-off playground on new estate
children protest playground
playground fails
Google
America’s funniest home videos features the best playground fails

Everyone likes to play on the playground, whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart! Watch and laugh at these design fails, people missing monkey bars, big kids riding spring animals and getting a little too adventurous in the playground!

AFV
Yahoo
America’s funniest home videos features the best playground fails
playground fails
sensory playground for hospital children
Children’s hospital at Westmead unveils new sensory playground

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said the brand-new sensory playground encourages children and young people who are staying or receiving treatments to explore their imagination in fun and engaging ways while providing an inviting space for the whole family to seek respite outdoors.

Minister for Health
NSW Government
Children’s hospital at Westmead unveils new sensory playground
sensory playground for hospital children
rocket playground
Declan Bowring
Iconic rocket ship playgrounds inspired by Cold War 'propaganda exercise'
Rocket play equipment started to be brought to Sydney in the mid-1950s, according to Ms Jackson-Stepowski. “Society was just mesmerised by anything to do with space,” she says.
Declan Bowring
ABC Radio Sydney
Iconic rocket ship playgrounds inspired by Cold War 'propaganda exercise'
rocket playground
NEW PLAYGROUND INJURY
Facebook
Mother warns parents after daughter injured at new Tasmania Anzac playground

A mother has shared gruesome pictures of the injury her four-year-old daughter suffered after she went down a slide at newly built ANZAC playground. She explained that the slide appeared to have a very sharp underside and urged parents to watch their kids while playing at the park.

Madeleine Achenza
news.com.au
Mother warns parents after daughter injured at new Tasmania Anzac playground
NEW PLAYGROUND INJURY
CAR CRASH PLAYGROUND
ABC News
Alleged drunk driver arrested after car crashes into Adelaide school playground

A 25-year-old man will appear in court after allegedly crashing into a school in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs, coming to a stop in the playground.

ABC News
Alleged drunk driver arrested after car crashes into Adelaide school playground
CAR CRASH PLAYGROUND
used nails found on playground
Google
More than a dozen used construction nails found in a Kensington neighbourhood playground

Police on Thursday responded to a hazard call in the area of College and Lippincott Streets. There officers found 15 used construction nails throughout the playground at Kensington Community School.

Mahdis Habibinia
Toronto Star
More than a dozen used construction nails found in a Kensington neighbourhood playground
used nails found on playground
27 NEW PLAYGROUNDS
John Veage
Shire plans to create 27 new kids’ playgrounds, upgrade four, relocate 10 and consolidate 20

Twenty-seven new children’s playgrounds will be created, four upgraded, 10 relocated and 20 consolidated under sweeping changes being considered by Sutherland Shire Council.

Murray Trembath
The Leader
Shire plans to create 27 new kids’ playgrounds, upgrade four, relocate 10 and consolidate 20
27 NEW PLAYGROUNDS
playground for 1-2 year olds
David Slone
Daycare finally opens playground for 1-2 year-olds

In May 2022, Little Steps and the Chamber had a ribbon-cutting for the new playground for 1- and 2-year-olds that the state grant Build Learn Grow helped fund. Tami Beery, Little Steps director, said the equipment for the 3- to 5-year-olds was ordered at the same time as the 1- to 2-year-olds equipment but it arrived about nine months late.

David Slone
Times Union
Daycare finally opens playground for 1-2 year-olds
playground for 1-2 year olds
The Lost Garden at Blenheim Palace has been constructed by Kingerlee.jpg.gallery
Miranda Norris
UK’s newly opened 3.6-million-dollar adventure playground with racing zip lines

A huge family adventure playground that cost £3.6million to build has now opened to the public. ‘The Lost Garden’ adventure play area at the iconic Blenheim Palace features unique wooden structures, interactive water features, play trails and winding walkways.

Milo Boyd
Mirror
UK’s newly opened 3.6-million-dollar adventure playground with racing zip lines
The Lost Garden at Blenheim Palace has been constructed by Kingerlee.jpg.gallery
USA PLAYGROUNDS .webp
Courtesy Landscape Structure
U.S. Playgrounds are boringly safe... New designs will add a whiff of danger

Playgrounds today are becoming more varied, more accessible, and more customized, according to playground experts. Some, surprisingly, may even be getting slightly more dangerous, at least within the limits of U.S. safety standards, giving American children more opportunity to take risks and push limits.

Nate Berg
FAST COMPANY
U.S. Playgrounds are boringly safe... New designs will add a whiff of danger
USA PLAYGROUNDS .webp
lyme disease on playground
Bethany Harris / SWNS
Mother issues warning as toddler gets Lyme disease after tick bite at playground

When the family returned to their home in Exmoor, Devon, Bethany spotted a tick on his neck under his ear and another in his hair. Bethany realised the playground was next to open fields ‘’which would be rife with deer ticks, which carry Lyme disease.”

Athena Stavrou
INDEPENDENT
Mother issues warning as toddler gets Lyme disease after tick bite at playground
lyme disease on playground
BORER FOUND IN PLAYGROUND
Tania Whyte
Borer found at Whangārei’s new Pohe Island Aventure Playground

Pohe Island Aventure Playground opened in December last year, and just months prior to opening, borer was found in some of the timber. Whangārei District Council project engineer for the playground, Fiona Pratt, said “as soon as the borer was identified, the worst-affected areas were immediately replaced and all poles were sand-blasted to remove paint, before being fumigated and repainted.”

Brodie Stone
The Northern Advocate
Borer found at Whangārei’s new Pohe Island Aventure Playground
BORER FOUND IN PLAYGROUND
swings set on fire
Durham County Council
Shock as swings at playground set on fire by group of youths

Swings at a playground in County Durham were set on fire by a group of youths at the weekend. Dalton-le-Dale Park, near Seaham, has become a breeding ground for anti-social behaviour.

Aja Dodd
yahoo!sport
Shock as swings at playground set on fire by group of youths
swings set on fire
racist graffiti on playground
Mr Hansra
Offensive racist graffiti horrifies local town

Racial slurs were graffitied on a playground and sign in Beveridge, Melbourne last week. Police are now investigating the graffiti on a playground in Burnett Drive Reserve and the Mandalay estate sale sign.

Pam Kiriakidis
The North Central Review
Offensive racist graffiti horrifies local town
racist graffiti on playground
AI BASED PLAYGROUNDS.jpg
Google
New AI based indoor playground to come out in the fall of 2023

Rainbow R Technology, a start-up company that specializes in software for indoor playgrounds, has announced a new AI-based indoor playground Rainbow R Adventures. A single-mom tech entrepreneur, said, “The AI can recognize specific situations, such as crying, cussing, fighting, and coughing, and alert staff to take appropriate action immediately, ensuring the safety of children and preventing potential incidents from escalating. 

Newsfile Corp
yahoo!finance
New AI based indoor playground to come out in the fall of 2023
AI BASED PLAYGROUNDS.jpg
Children's hanging swings with a red web seat in a blue hoop on a sandy background view from above.
Those Responsible for playgrounds are being urged to conduct risk assessments following 6-year-old’s serious head injury on birds nest

A six-year-old girl sustained serious head injuries when she fell from a bird’s nest-style swing at a playground in February. While the circumstances and findings of this incident are not finalised, this alert serves as a prompt to those responsible for playgrounds to ensure adequate risk assessments are conducted.

Safe Work SA
Those Responsible for playgrounds are being urged to conduct risk assessments following 6-year-old’s serious head injury on birds nest
Children's hanging swings with a red web seat in a blue hoop on a sandy background view from above.
Hope for change for 'London's saddest park'

Families living near a burnt-out playground named the saddest in London have called on the local council to fix it. The adventure play area at Leyton Square Park in Peckham has been sealed off behind metal fencing since a fire in the summer of last year. Families have called for the playground to be fixed after children were sneaking through the fence to use the slide.

Robert Firth
My London News
Hope for change for 'London's saddest park'
monkey bar
Monkey Bar Injury Settled for €50,000

Child and mother sue public limited company as a result of his fall off monkey bars on a playground, causing a fractured elbow which now leaves a 6-inch medical scar. It was claimed there was an alleged failure to provide an adequate and safe ground surface at the playground.

Ann O'Loughlin
Irish Examiner
Monkey Bar Injury Settled for €50,000
monkey bar
technology light playground
Virgin Media
The Worlds first 'connected playground'

Inspired by research into parents’ views on how children play and the role of technology in children’s development, The Connected Playground combines traditional play with elements with lights, sound and interactive equipment powered entirely by its gigabit broadband and 5G mobile networks.

Natalie Clarkson
Virgin
The Worlds first 'connected playground'
technology light playground
Pricey replacement for 25 year old playground

The Friends of Glenbow Education Society has a lofty goal of raising half a million dollars by 2025. So, what could be so expensive? It seems that is what it will cost to replace Glenbow School’s 25-year-old playground.

Candace Davies
Cochrane Now
Pricey replacement for 25 year old playground
playground fire mar 2023
Fire damages will not delay playground expansion

Fire investigators say it appears the fire was set by homeless people for warmth and got out of control. Such fires have become common in recent years, though a spokesman says there have been fewer of them this year.

Ed Pearce
Kolo TV
Fire damages will not delay playground expansion
playground fire mar 2023
no smoking
Concerns for playground missing prohibited smoking signage

Smoking and vaping is prohibited in Hamilton City Council owned parks, but there are no “no smoking” signs to be seen at this large playground.

Rachel Moore
Stuff
Concerns for playground missing prohibited smoking signage
no smoking
Glow in the dark playgrounds
City of Farmers Branch
Glow in the dark playground

The new playground called Joya – meaning jewel in Spanish – will be the “crown jewel” of playgrounds in the suburb. Joya will be an inclusive glow playground that, while fun in the daytime, will come alive at night with interactive features that glow, allowing for day and evening play,” the city said in the release.

Noor Adatia
The Dallas Morning News
Glow in the dark playground
Glow in the dark playgrounds
Disability swing stolen from playground

A popular playground with the disabled community disability swing has been stolen along with a number of native trees. Christchurch’s mayor has stepped in to replace the swing for the community.

Erin Modaro
City Hub Sydney
Disability swing stolen from playground
North Sydney’s revamped playground for older children

“While we have many treasured playgrounds, we don’t have many of this size and scale that cater for older children. With so many schools nearby, I’m sure this playground will be well used and much-loved for years to come.”

Mosman Collective
North Sydney’s revamped playground for older children
stolen birds nest swing sign
Playground sign left as basket swing stolen

Youngsters from across the region were left disappointed last week after the basket swing was stolen from the Harcourt Play Space in Stanley Park North. The council has ordered a new basket swing and aims to install the new swing as soon as possible.

Castlemaine Mail
Playground sign left as basket swing stolen
stolen birds nest swing sign
1992 'hand in hand' playground to be rebuilt

Built in 1992, the nature play structure has brought joy and entertainment to many children, but is showing very obvious wear and tear and needs to be brought up to current national safety standards.

Lindsey Kennett
WSLS10
1992 'hand in hand' playground to be rebuilt
The history behind monkey bars
George Rinhart / Getty Images
The scientific roots behind monkey bars

The invention of our beloved and popular monkey bars isn’t just play equipment for children, many developmental psychologists have recently confirmed that the equipment is essential for children’s growth and development in risk taking, regulating their fears and responding effectively to real life danger.

Luke D. Fannin
Smithsonian Magazine
The scientific roots behind monkey bars
The history behind monkey bars
sun safety concerns on playground
Permanent shade structure added to school playground after melanoma concerns

A primary school In Alabama has become the first of many to apply a full sunshade to their playground after students parent diagnosed with melanoma questioned their sun safety efforts

Audrey Johnson
Yahoo News
Permanent shade structure added to school playground after melanoma concerns
sun safety concerns on playground
Anzac themed all abilities playground
Waratah Wynyard Council
Anzac themed all abilities playground to be opened April 2023

Somerset Park is soon to open its disability inclusive anzac themed playground, a 2.55-million-dollar project which has been in construction since 2018

Stephanie Dalton
The Advocate
Anzac themed all abilities playground to be opened April 2023
Anzac themed all abilities playground
led-contamination closes playground
Ruth Morton
Lead contamination closes playground
Playground in a Rec Centre used by school children is found to have lead levels of 470 parts per million in the runoff water used to clean the playground which is high above the USA federally allowed minimum of 400 parts per million. 
Nathan Baca
WUSA9
Lead contamination closes playground
led-contamination closes playground
slide removal causes massive disappointment
Fully renovated playground causes massive disappointment over removal of slide

Popular adventure playground in Belfast confirms they will replace the original slide taken from the playground after families were left unhappy with the decision to remove it rather than replace it.

Conor McParland
Belfastmedia.com
Fully renovated playground causes massive disappointment over removal of slide
slide removal causes massive disappointment
full replacement for multimillion dollar playground
Multimillion dollar nature playground expects full replacement after inspection

Community seeks fundraising efforts for the full replacement of their Wizard of Oz themed playground built in April 2000. A further report conducted in July 2021 concluded that the playground needed a 55K update or 360K complete replacement of the out of date wooded-material structure.

Cynthia Schee
Washington County News
Multimillion dollar nature playground expects full replacement after inspection
full replacement for multimillion dollar playground
dangerous design playground
Mike Hewson
Controversial 'dangerous' playground opens in Melbourne

Mixed opinions from the public on new playscape littered with huge boulders, perched slides on wheeled dollies and steal ladders and hard surfacing. The playground is the latest creation of Mike Hewson, an artist-engineer from New Zealand who is renowned for designing extremely perilous-looking play spaces for kids.

Mimi Kirk
Bloomberg
Controversial 'dangerous' playground opens in Melbourne
dangerous design playground
rainbow design removed for LGBTQ symbolism
Facebook
Rainbow tower removed from playground after parents claim it promotes Pro-LGBTQ symbolism

Uganda parents declare new playground ‘rainbow’ design represents and reflects certain acts that go against the norms of their people and have since had it removed. Mayor of Entebbe claims the climbing frame had been painted as part of a bid to refurbish the children’s park.

Will Neal
METRO UK
Rainbow tower removed from playground after parents claim it promotes Pro-LGBTQ symbolism
rainbow design removed for LGBTQ symbolism
tree falls on perth playground
Reddit
Tree falls in Perth playground close to parents and children

Large eucalyptus tree snaps over playground in Subiaco at 9am on Saturday morning. No one is believed to be injured and Subiaco council has not commented on the incident

Peter Devlin
Perth Now
Tree falls in Perth playground close to parents and children
tree falls on perth playground
children cut ribbon at all access playground
Mike Salorio
Upgrades for all access playground for all children

Children help cut red ribbon to officially open an all-access playground at the imperial valley centre for exceptional children. Swings designed for children with limited accessibility, stand up swing chairs and appropriate rubber surfacing were some of the many new upgrades made to the old playground.

Mike Salorio
Holtville Tribune
Upgrades for all access playground for all children
children cut ribbon at all access playground
rubber surfacing safety concerns for beach
Johanna Marie
Playground rubber surface criticised for effects on health and environment

Work to remove the soft fall surface material at a popular playground in Bargara has renewed concerns about the safety of the recycled rubber material used nationwide. Although using recycled landfill tires for sustainability, environmental groups say the plan has backfired spectacularly.

Pat Heagney and David Dowsett
ABC Wide Bay
Playground rubber surface criticised for effects on health and environment
rubber surfacing safety concerns for beach
playground becoming environmentally friendly
Trust for Public Land/courtesy Nexus Media News
How playgrounds are becoming a secret weapon in the fight against climate change

Architects and designers around the world are looking to make cities spongier using nature-based solutions to better absorb water. In dense cities like New York, where open space is scarce, officials are rethinking a neighbourhood mainstay; the school playground.

Marianne Dhenin—NEXUS MEDIA NEWS
FAST COMPANY
How playgrounds are becoming a secret weapon in the fight against climate change
playground becoming environmentally friendly
burned down playground by arson
Playground burned down by vandals

The slide was completely melted, and the metal steps and benches appear to also have been torched. Most if not all of the playground and structures will have to be replaced due to the damage.

Diamond Hubbard
KSWO
Playground burned down by vandals
burned down playground by arson
playground with no toilets
Ian Bushnell
Parents say 7 million dollar play space without toilets is 'an embarrassment'

The new $7 million Ruth Park Play Space in Coombs is a hit with the kids, but one Canberra mother won’t likely return until there are toilets and a dedicated car park.

Ian Bushnell
Rio Tact
Parents say 7 million dollar play space without toilets is 'an embarrassment'
playground with no toilets
access complaint for public playground
Playground car park upgrade after access complaint

The Mukanthi Nature Play Space opened in 2017 and rapidly attracted big crowds, putting pressure on the 35-space car park, causing visitors to park on neighbouring streets. With the new triple capacity lot, families are now finding it much easier to access the park.

Environment SA News
Playground car park upgrade after access complaint
access complaint for public playground
bugs life themed playground
Volodomyr Vivitskyi
What makes this 'bugs life' themed playground such a hit?

All-inclusive and toddler friendly, this playground provides music play, splash pads, wheelchair accessibility and is themed to the popular children’s movie ‘a bugs life’.

Beth Price-Williams
ONLY IN YOUR STATE
What makes this 'bugs life' themed playground such a hit?
bugs life themed playground
warning sign on playgrpund in Albany
Upgraded Albany playground now comes with 'WARNING' sign

The new playground at Albany’s Henderson Park is more elaborate than the one it replaced. It also comes with a warning that falling from the equipment on hard ground could result in death.

Hasso Hering
Upgraded Albany playground now comes with 'WARNING' sign
warning sign on playgrpund in Albany
2020 playground arsonist attack
Multiple playground fires have police and fire asking for the public’s help

Melted metal plates, flags and poles are all that remains of a plastic pirate ship at a park which was renovated only a few years ago. Police believe some sort of accelerant was used to start the fire.

Amy Hybels
FOX23 News
Multiple playground fires have police and fire asking for the public’s help
2020 playground arsonist attack
stashed narcotic needles at childcare playground
Children exposed to narcotic needles at childcare playground

Parents were left horrified and demanding answers after children at a childcare facility were exposed to a stash of ‘narcotic paraphernalia’ needles that had been hidden on one of the gated and locked playgrounds behind the building.

Jennifer Smith
VERNON MORNING STAR
Children exposed to narcotic needles at childcare playground
stashed narcotic needles at childcare playground
car crash onto playground
Theresa Monjaras
Car crashes through fence onto school playground

School playground near intersection is ploughed by speeding car, children were not present at the time. Principal tells how this is not the first time a car has caused an incident in the school playground.

Brianna Wilson
KOB 4
Car crashes through fence onto school playground
car crash onto playground
inclusive playground
Jefferee Woo
Playground opens for 'every single body'

Praise from the community for new playground that opens the opportunity for children with physical, cognitive, sensory and neurodiverse disabilities to play.  Most equipment is wheelchair accessible and has blind children in mind, designing artwork with carved grooves at wheelchair height.

Charlie Frago
Tampa Bay Times
Playground opens for 'every single body'
inclusive playground
stolen playground swings
Thieves steal swings from community playground

“Who’d want to steal swings from kids and the community?” It is a question Robin Grieve doesn’t really expect to be answered, but he’s hoping community help will see swings stolen from the playground returned.

The Northern Advocate
Thieves steal swings from community playground
stolen playground swings
Sexism in the playground: why making space for girls matters

Some experts say the design of many playgrounds is sexist, as much more space is devoted to boys, who tend to play sports more than girls, at the expense of space for children who may prefer climbing, socialising and imaginative play.

Cara Waters
The Age
Sexism in the playground: why making space for girls matters
syringes
Playground signs warning adults to stay out of playgrounds unless accompanied by minors

In attempt to discourage bad behaviour such as crime and drug use from happening in these spaces.

Jasmine Arenas
CBS News
Playground signs warning adults to stay out of playgrounds unless accompanied by minors
syringes
10-month old survives accidental Fentanyl overdose at local park

10-month old survives fentanyl overdose after accidental ingestion at a popular park in San Francisco

Luz Pena
ABC 7 News
10-month old survives accidental Fentanyl overdose at local park
NCC 12m playground
City of Newcastle
City of Newcastle announces construction of new $12m playground

Plans to build the city’s largest playground at Foreshore Park are in full swing where people of all ages and abilities can come together, have some fun and enjoy everything Newcastle has to offer.

City of Newcastle Latest News
City of Newcastle announces construction of new $12m playground
NCC 12m playground
weeds
Town of Bassendean to continue using glyphosate near children's playgrounds

The herbicide glyphosate will continue to be used to control weeds in the Town of Bassendean after the council was told alternative strategies would be too expensive and ineffective.

Michael Palmer & Victoria Rifici
Perth Now
Town of Bassendean to continue using glyphosate near children's playgrounds
weeds
More than 20 people hurt after a pair of dogs got onto a school playground and attacked students and teachers

More than 20 students and teachers were hurt after a pair of dogs got onto an unfenced school playground, injuries obtained from bites, scratches and chaos that followed.

Lauren Silver, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
WokV News
More than 20 people hurt after a pair of dogs got onto a school playground and attacked students and teachers
Tamworth playground upgrade in a bid to reduce maintenance

$330K project to remove organic wood chips from the city’s CBD playground and replace with wetpour in a bid to reduce maintenance [SUBSCRIPTION READ ONLY].

Tess Kelly
Northern Daily Leader
Tamworth playground upgrade in a bid to reduce maintenance
NWT Gov’t walks back on its demand to stop using playgrounds in winter

In a public service announcement Thursday afternoon, the territory said the order it sent to child-care operators last week was actually just a recommendation, despite originally telling operators it was a requirement.

April Husdon
CBC News
NWT Gov’t walks back on its demand to stop using playgrounds in winter
winter playground
Sarah Pruys/Cabin Radio
NWT daycares told not to use playground equipment in Winter

A letter from the director of early learning and child care, told operators to “refrain from using playground equipment for the duration of the winter season.” “The evidence is overwhelming that the ability to play and take risks is essential for a child’s development. For ECE, the licensing body, to not take that into account is disconcerting.

Ollie Williams
Cabin Radio
NWT daycares told not to use playground equipment in Winter
winter playground
Teen documentary exploring how playgrounds could be made by kids for kids

Trio of teens noticed that younger kids around them were not spending much time in the city’s playgrounds. After speaking to play experts, they explored the possibilities of creative play, and conducted a social experiment by building a playground designed for kids, by kids.

Yanni Chow
SCMP Young Post Discover
Teen documentary exploring how playgrounds could be made by kids for kids
kidspot news
Reddit
Locals confused and unsure of play equipment purpose

Some suggest the play element is where bodies are buried, others suggested random things like this are there for creative play.

Stacey Hicks
Kidspot News
Locals confused and unsure of play equipment purpose
kidspot news
Aussie parents warned of hot playground surfaces

First aid group CPR kids issued the fresh warning over hot surfaces and playground equipment which can burn young feet as the change of season approaches. “…I really wish councils would invest in shade cloth over parks,” one mum said.

Rhiannon Lewin
7 News
Aussie parents warned of hot playground surfaces
com board
City of Bayswater
One of the first to install a communications board at a playground

One of the first WA metropolitan councils to install a communications board at one of its playgrounds for children with communication difficulties.

Victoria Rifici
Perth Now
One of the first to install a communications board at a playground
com board
3 bombs discovered on school playground

Spotted by morning walkers early in the day, the discovery triggered panic among local residents as children play there regularly

Snehamoy Chakraborty
The Telegraph Online India
3 bombs discovered on school playground
scarymummy
Virginia Trioli (Twiiter)
Risky playgrounds: enriching or dangerous?

Despite its intimidating appearance, the playground is replete with safety features, including soft-fall foam flooring that only looks like Melbourne’s classic bluestone. Is it worth giving kids a robust play space if it comes with increased risk, no matter how relatively small that risk may be?

Maggie Clancy
Scary Mommy
Risky playgrounds: enriching or dangerous?
scarymummy
rashid-sadykov-nok5W-AqNk8-unsplash
Two women who lost High Court actions claiming damages after exiting a birds nest swing

Both women sued over ankle injuries sustained, on different occasions, as they got out of a bird’s nest basket swing in the Newcastle community playground which had been built after members of the local community raised funds.

High Court Reporters
Breaking News Ireland
Two women who lost High Court actions claiming damages after exiting a birds nest swing
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dogs
Liverpool’s playground ban and dogs to be on leads at all times

Liverpool City Council has agreed to adopt a public space protection order (PSPO) tightening rules over dog fouling and inappropriate behaviour.

The three-year order will ban dogs from 70+ playgrounds, sports pitches and cemeteries.

BBC News UK
Liverpool’s playground ban and dogs to be on leads at all times
dogs
joshua-j-cotten-QxW15BmJxOQ-unsplash
Rats taking over popular playground

Rats have taken over a popular Dublin playground, placing the health and safety of children in the area at risk. Dublin City Council have been dealing with the issue for months by removing overgrowth, surveying the drains, filling a number of holes identified in planters, clearing patio and inside units in the area.

Amy Donohoe
Dublin News
Rats taking over popular playground
joshua-j-cotten-QxW15BmJxOQ-unsplash
reddit tech park
Reddit
Aussie parents in fierce debate over new playground feature

The panel appears to be part of an augmented reality (AR) game, which allows players to view a virtual world on their device as they walk through the park. It’s billed as a way to “get the kids off the couch and active outside” but some parents are not at all impressed by the concept.

James Clark
Yahoo News Australia
Aussie parents in fierce debate over new playground feature
reddit tech park
communication boards on playgrounds
Communication board makes playground more inviting for non-verbal and semi-verbal children

Communication board designed and installed a earlier this year to make playground more inclusive space for non-verbal and semi-verbal kids. To use the board, kids point to pictures to express their thoughts and feelings.

Christy Edwards
The City of Asheville
Communication board makes playground more inviting for non-verbal and semi-verbal children
communication boards on playgrounds
playground swing perth
Dear Perth playground designers, more swings please

Go visit any successful gym franchise on the planet. Notice how there are always five rows of treadmills? That’s because people use them. The same logic should apply to swings. You could ask any parent at their local playground – it’s easy to find their children, they’ll be at the swings – and the feedback would be the same… This is a missed opportunity.

Josh Zimmerman
The West Australian
Dear Perth playground designers, more swings please
playground swing perth
spike in injuries at one playground
Playground equipment under scrutiny after spate of injuries

Standards Australia, which develops but does not enforce or regulate safety requirements, will hold a forum in November to examine standards associated with playground equipment.

Andrew Taylor
The Sydney Morning Herald
Playground equipment under scrutiny after spate of injuries
spike in injuries at one playground
basketball court removal
Andrew Ritchie
Council to remove basketball courts after local complaints

basketball being played at Park has affected the quality of life and wellbeing of some residents and will be permanently removed as they could not be modified to bring it within acceptable noise levels.

Victoria Rifici
PerthNow
Council to remove basketball courts after local complaints
basketball court removal
indigenous playground design
How one of Tasmania's most interesting playgrounds was designed

After interviewing Indigenous elders and people from the community, playground designed around an inclusive path, which branches out into nine separate areas representing local animals.

Patrick Wright
ABC Everyday
How one of Tasmania's most interesting playgrounds was designed
indigenous playground design
school playground
4 reasons why schools need to have a playground

Schools provide many ways for kids to learn and develop their cognitive skills, including the playground. Here are the reasons schools should have a playground.

Milwaukee Courier Online
4 reasons why schools need to have a playground
school playground
dog stuck in equipment
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department
Dogs paw stuck in playground equipment

Fire fighter rescue crew, a spray can of cheese and 30 minutes later freed from entrapment.

Fairfax County Times
Dogs paw stuck in playground equipment
dog stuck in equipment
musical playgrounds
Percussion Play
Homeowners blast explicit music to protest school playground noise

After complaining to the school board about the musical instruments installed at a playground near their home in Orland Park, Illinois, some homeowners took matters into their own hands and blasted explicit music while children were playing.

Fox 32 Chicago
Homeowners blast explicit music to protest school playground noise
musical playgrounds
communication board in playground
City of Greater Geraldton
Playground communication boards for people with speech difficulties

In a bid to create an inclusive environment, communication boards have been installed at two local playgrounds, colourfully helping individuals with speech difficulties express their feelings.

Jessica Moroney
The West Australian
Playground communication boards for people with speech difficulties
communication board in playground
solar reflective paint on playground
Associated Press
School cools down playground by using solar reflective paint

A group of school kids decided to conduct an experiment by measuring the surface temperature of the school’s blacktop parking lot then compared the temperature of a lot coated with an innovative reflective paint, resulting in courts being repainted and encouraged kids to get out and play.

Twisted Sifter
School cools down playground by using solar reflective paint
solar reflective paint on playground
vandals target playground
New playground equipment targeted and destroyed by arsonists

Opened for 7 months, arsonists destroy playground block climbing unit and surrounding play equipment.

West Leeds Dispatch
New playground equipment targeted and destroyed by arsonists
vandals target playground
goodbye fast food playgrounds
Youtube
The rise and fall of fast food playgrounds

Most millennials have fond memories of those playgrounds attached to many a McDonalds or Burger King. Well, hold on to that nostalgia because they’re slowly disappearing. As fun as these play areas were, their hidden dangers are causing their downfall.

Cheddar
The rise and fall of fast food playgrounds
goodbye fast food playgrounds
adelaide super playground
Adelaide's New Super Playground

Featuring four large bird like structures this playground also offers opportunity for conservation and sustainability with passive irrigation, biodiverse planting and low volume water play elements incorporated into the design.

Rebecca Wilson
Glam Adelaide
Adelaide's New Super Playground
adelaide super playground
'caution taped' playground gets cleaned
BOSTLEONRIVERA/Twitter
Locals put up caution tape for playground after needles found

Concerned neighbours wrap caution tape around playground with worries it was not sanitary for kids due to the playgrounds proximity to the homeless encampments.

Tiffany Chan
CBS Boston
Locals put up caution tape for playground after needles found
'caution taped' playground gets cleaned
protest for fountains and shade in playground
Genaro Molina
Parents protest for shaded playgrounds and cool water

As the region (Los Angeles) faces the worst heat wave of the year, parents and environmental advocates are renewing their plea for shade and cool water fountains with a sense of urgency.

 

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde
Los Angeles Times
Parents protest for shaded playgrounds and cool water
protest for fountains and shade in playground
A parent’s guide to keeping your kids safe on the playground

Keeping track of kids on the playground can be a difficult task, so use this parents checklist as a tool to keep your children protected.

Ashley Bush
University of Kentucky News
A parent’s guide to keeping your kids safe on the playground
Making children feel included on and off the playground

University of Alberta researcher, Jennifer Leo is working to ensure kids of all abilities have access to meaningful, quality physical activity experiences on and off and the playground.

Kim Smith
Global News
Making children feel included on and off the playground
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WWLP 22News
When the Playground Slide Reaches 122 Degrees

Unlike 20 percent of the schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District, this playground actually has trees to offer some relief — just not enough. A new plan in place establishes a districtwide minimum of 30 percent green space on each campus.

Alissa Walker
Curbed
When the Playground Slide Reaches 122 Degrees
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Why you should buy only Australian-made playground equipment

Choosing to purchase Australian goods can promote the Australian economy and workers and has other benefits such as high quality items, cheaper and faster delivery, environmentally friendly and more.

URBAN MATTER
Why you should buy only Australian-made playground equipment
swing feature is dangerous or safe?
Reddit
Parents question swing 'safety feature' design

Frustrated parents have taken aim at a set of swings in a Melbourne playground because of one questionable feature. The swing back support chain “makes it so hard” to get their child in and out of the swing that they use when all the baby swings are taken.

Carly Bass
Yahoo News Australia
Parents question swing 'safety feature' design
swing feature is dangerous or safe?
child mistakes balloon for condom in park
TikTok
Mother in tears after child's 'nightmare' find in playground

A daughter playing in a pre-school area next to a school captured on video mistaking a condom for a balloon.

Yahoo News Staff
Yahoo News
Mother in tears after child's 'nightmare' find in playground
child mistakes balloon for condom in park
FCC_deerbushpark-opening_jun_21
Fairfield City Council
West Sydney First All-Abilities Playground

Deerbush Park recently opened by Fairfield City Council to the public as the first all abilities playground in West Sydney.

Fairfield City Council
West Sydney First All-Abilities Playground
FCC_deerbushpark-opening_jun_21
supernova
Pinterest
Supernova Playground Equipment Death

Coroner has reported supernova playground equipment incident (New Zealand 2020) accidental.

Alice Peacock and The Sun
news.com.au
Supernova Playground Equipment Death
supernova

End of articles.

All article titles and descriptions belong to listed authors and publishers. PSIA have linked the following articles to encourage a pro-active playground safety community.

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Twelve playgrounds in Athens to close over safety concerns
SUPPLIED
Twelve playgrounds in Athens to close over safety concerns

The playgrounds will close for safety reasons as they lack an updated operating permit, following a decision of the City Council. Most of the playgrounds had been operating without their licence renewed, with the responsibility and knowledge of the previous municipal administration. The playgrounds will receive extensive renovation before they reopen.

Newsroom
EKATHIMERINI.COM
Twelve playgrounds in Athens to close over safety concerns
Twelve playgrounds in Athens to close over safety concerns
Another playground being removed from park due to neck and head entrapment safety concerns
Another playground being removed from park due to neck and head entrapment safety concerns

Two play structures at another one of Lake Michigan’s parks are being removed because of safety concerns. The playgrounds must be removed due to potential head and neck entrapments, the same risks as two other play structures removed in 2022. New equipment will be installed this spring.

Lynn Moore
M LIVE
Another playground being removed from park due to neck and head entrapment safety concerns
Another playground being removed from park due to neck and head entrapment safety concerns
Playgrounds are getting a new look
SUPPLIED
'Playgrounds are getting a new look'

Council is renovating 22 new playgrounds across the borough, making them more enjoyable for children to use and get active. The renovations, worth over £2 million, will improve the quality of the play areas with features including new equipment, balance trails, surfacing works and drainage.

AROUND EALING
'Playgrounds are getting a new look'
Playgrounds are getting a new look
Horrified families find syringes and medical waste washed up on NSW beach directly across from playground
SUPPLIED
Horrified families find syringes and medical waste washed up on NSW beach directly across from playground
Residents of Lake Illawarra have been left in shock after dozens of needles, sharp containers and medical waste found washed up on beach directly across from Kanahooka playground.
Nadine Morton
ILLIWARRA MERCURY
Horrified families find syringes and medical waste washed up on NSW beach directly across from playground
Horrified families find syringes and medical waste washed up on NSW beach directly across from playground
Child suffers life-altering injuries after dog attack on gated playground
Child suffers life-altering injuries after dog attack on gated playground

A nine-year-old child suffered serious life altering injuries after being bitten and dragged by a dog in a waterfront playground. The dog was off -leash and charged towards the child through an open gate, in which it then bit and dragged them to the ground. Police are still investigating.

Bryann Aguilar
CP24
Child suffers life-altering injuries after dog attack on gated playground
Child suffers life-altering injuries after dog attack on gated playground
Vandal’s torch playground and cause £25,000 worth of damages and decimated equipment
SUPPLIED
Vandal’s torch playground and cause £25,000 worth of damages and decimated equipment

A mini climbing frame in the shape of a train was left unrecognisable after being set ablaze in broad daylight. The park was refurbished in 2021 for £50,000, and damage costs estimate to be £25,000.

SKY NEWS
YAHOO!NEWS
Vandal’s torch playground and cause £25,000 worth of damages and decimated equipment
Vandal’s torch playground and cause £25,000 worth of damages and decimated equipment

End of articles.

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