Most experts agree that children should spend up to 3 hours a day playing outside. While getting this outside was a no-brainer in the past, modern children have a number of digital options when it comes to occupying their time. The last thing any parent wants is for their child to sit in front of the television or a tablet for hours on end.

If you are the owner of a daycare or a school administrator, providing the children in your care with a fun and safe playground should be your top concern. Luckily, there are tons of options on the commercial playground market that allow you to completely customize the experience the children in your care have.

Are you looking for a way to make your commercial playground safer? If so, check out the helpful tips below.

Investing in Shade Structures is Crucial

There is nothing kids enjoy more than being able to play on a well-appointed playground on a bright sunny day. While a sunny day creates the perfect atmosphere for playing on slides or jungle gyms, the heat from the sun can also cause problems. Allowing children to be exposed to UVA and UVB rays for too long can be downright dangerous.

If the equipment on your playground is made of metal, direct sunlight can make this equipment unbearably hot. The best way to remove the danger caused by the sun is by installing high-quality shade structures. With these structures, you can make playing outside for hours much easier and less physically taxing on children.

Choosing the Right Playground Surface

Rushing through the playground planning and construction process will lead to lots of mistakes being made. Instead of hurrying through this important development stage, slow down and make sure all of the right elements are in place. One of the most important decisions you will make during the playground planning process is in regards to the surfacing options you will use.

If you are looking for a playground surface that is both cost effective and safe for children, engineered wood chips are a great option. The only thing you have to do to keep this surfacing option in pristine shape is to top dress it once every 3 years or so. If you have enough money in your budget, you may want to consider a synthetic turf or bonded rubber surface. These surfaces are more expensive than engineered wood chips, but they require less maintenance.

Take Time to Inspect the Playground Equipment

Making outside play fun for the kids in your care will take a lot of hard work. As time goes by, the equipment on your playground will have to be inspected and maintained to stay safe and functional. Making a habit of inspecting every nut and bolt on your playground is imperative. If you come across a problem you don’t know how to fix, consult with professionals to ensure these issues is addressed properly.

Looking For New Playground Equipment?

If you are in the market for playground equipment, shade structures or high-quality playground surfaces, the team at Florida Playgrounds can help you. Contact us now to find out more about the products we carry.