Exploring Safety: Examining Play Spaces

Observation

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ACTIVITY ID: 18166

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Watch the Outdoor Environments video below. As you watch the video, identify the features of the environment that help keep children safe. Then explain how the feature helps keep children safe. For example, the 'feature' fence, keeps children safe by providing a boundary for children to play, and it keeps intruders and animals out. Next, observe your program’s outdoor space and identify the features that helps keep children safe and note any improvements that may be needed. When you are finished discuss your observations with a trainer, coach or administrator.

Outdoor Environments

Watch this video about outside playground safety.

Feature	How it keeps children safe
Fence	Provides a boundary for children to play; keeps intruders and animals out.
Large covered play space (shade)	Protects children from the sun and heat.
Resilient surface around the play surface	Provides a safe fall zone around the play structure.
Edible plants	Edible flowers and plants are not only beautiful, but also safe if ingested because they will be harmless.
Clearly marked signage on fence	Having a clearly marked playground will help keep trespassers out of the space. It can also help prevent private playgrounds from being used by the public at night.
Padding around basketball posts	Protects children from serious injury if they collide with the post.
Variety of play spaces (asphalt, play structure, grass)	Offering a variety of spaces helps children find safe activities and promotes active supervision in the different spaces.

My Program's Spaces

My Program's Feature	How it keeps children safe

How could this space be made safer?