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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

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
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 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 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
rashid-sadykov-nok5W-AqNk8-unsplash
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