Playground Assessment

Background

The Ashfield Playground is located in Belding Memorial Park bordering Buckland Road. The playground is approximately 30 years old and built by Leathers Associates. Made of treated lumber and tires, the playground is a relic of an era when playgrounds were not compliant to current guidelines intended to promote accessibility and safety. Due to the equipment’s deteriorating condition, Oasis Playscapes was asked to review the condition of the playground at the request of the Ashfield Police Department to help determine how to address making improvements. 

Observations

The playground stands apart from many of today’s look-alike structures. It has the appearance of a fort with two towering sides adjoined by a clatter bridge. A network of interlinking passages and platforms - typical of Leather’s playgrounds, create a sense of intrigue and discovery. The structure definitely has draw-power as demonstrated by the presence of numerous children  during the time of the inspection. 

Time, however, has taken its toll on the equipment. For the most part, the structure is solid with minimal, apparent evidence of rot on vertical posts and deck frames. On the other hand, safety hazards abound and vary in potential injury from splinters to lacerations. The wood surface has not been maintained, so rubbing up against any part of the structure risks contact with splinters which is minor compared with potential contact to exposed radial wire from tires that surround the structure. Other immediate hazards include broken deck boards and a barrier on an upper-deck which has come loose.

Adherence to current safety guidelines (CPSC, publication 325) is lacking as well as attention to accessibility for children with disabilities (ADA). Head entrapments are the most apparent problem found throughout the structure where openings of between 3.5” and 9” are present. Gaps between tires, railings, and deteriorated barriers allow for a child’s body to pass but are not wide enough to fit a child’s head. Similar to noncompliance to safety guidelines, application of ADA rules are not followed which would otherwise allow a child with disabilities to participate in similar play activities. 

Design flaws exist that impede parental supervision of children. High challenge events are found in the back of the structure that are not readily observable. Application of enclosed barriers also prevent supervision from seeing into the structure. Although visual access is not a basic tenet of official safety guidelines, studies have demonstrated that most accidents occur when supervision is impeded.

Scattered near the main, play structure numerous play features such as metal climbers, chin-up bars, bouncers and swings are without any form of resilient surfacing. The swings are also overcrowded with seats which are normally distanced at least 30” apart.

Recommendations

At least three generations of children have a history with the Ashfield playground which merits consideration for preserving the structure. A more extensive inspection needs to be conducted to ascertain its structural integrity such as digging out the footings, but it appears that with numerous alterations the playground can have a vibrant future. Although alterations can be significant, total replacement would at least double the cost for a comparable structure. The projected expense is between $80,000 and $120,000 to perform these alterations following the development of a design which would include but is not limited to the following changes:

• Replacement of all decking and railings. 

• Replacement of the clatter bridge with a net bridge.

• Removal of all radial tires with a new arrangement of perimeter tractor tires and climbing logs.

• Alter and or replace challenge events to locations that improve access and visibility.

• Sand and resurface all wood with a quality stain.

• Repair and preserve roof coverings.

• Remove picnic tables from the play area.

• Install wood-fiber surfacing with drainage and a perimeter barrier.

• Replace swings with a three bay structure which would include belt swings, toddler swings, and a tire swing.

• Incorporate and consolidate perimeter play events (bouncers, monkey bars, chin-up bars) into the main structure and play area.

• Incorporate benches into perimeter barrier.