Playground Safety Tips
Playground-Related Injuries: Stats, Safety Tips & Resources
Playgrounds are a vital part of childhood—places for creativity, movement, and connection.
But with all the fun comes the need for safety. At West Palm Beach Parks, we’re committed to keeping play safe and joyful for every child in our community.
Fast Facts on Playground Injuries
According to data from the Children’s Safety Network:
- Over 200,000 children are treated in emergency departments for playground-related injuries each year.
- The most common cause is falls, accounting for nearly 44% of injuries.
- Monkey bars, swings, and slides are the equipment most often involved.
- Children aged 5–9 years experience the highest rate of injury.
- Serious injuries can include fractures, concussions, and internal injuries.
These numbers remind us that proper supervision and safe design are essential.
✅ Playground Safety Tips for Parents & Caregivers
Whether at a local park or school playground, these practices help reduce injury risk:
- Always supervise play – Stay within reach, especially for younger children.
- Check the surface – Safer playgrounds use rubber, mulch, or sand, not concrete.
- Use age-appropriate equipment – Most parks designate areas for younger vs. older children.
- Dress smart – Avoid clothing with drawstrings or loose scarves that can get caught.
- Teach safe play rules – No pushing, shoving, or crowding on equipment.
Our city parks are inspected regularly and maintained to the highest safety standards. If you see something broken or unsafe, please report it to Parks & Recreation Dept. immediately.
Best Practices for Communities
- Design matters – Parks with shaded areas, proper spacing, and ADA-compliant equipment promote inclusive and injury-free play.
- Routine maintenance – Loose bolts, worn-out surfaces, and poor drainage can lead to accidents.
- Community involvement – Neighborhoods that advocate for park improvements help create safer spaces.