Keeping children safe is the number one priority for BYO Recreation, so for Playground Safety Week we want to provide you with a checklist of things to examine on your playground surface, so you can ensure your children are safe while playing.

Let's start with your surface:

If you have a rubber or wooden mulch surface, you want to check its level. Over time, your mulch will become compact from children running and playing, children will pick the mulch up and toss it about, kids will even digs holes in the ground, which buries your mulch under dirt. Making sure that your mulch level is good keeps children safer because it keeps your ground level, it protects kids from tripping on any underground objects and it keeps kids from major injuries or infections that a hard dirt ground can cause.

Rubber tiled surfaces or poured-in-place surfaces are much more durable and lasting than mulch surfaces, but even these should be checked from time to time. Tiled surfaces can be pulled up by determined children or have dangerous objects wedged between the cracks. Over time, the tiles may even shift slightly making gaps that kids can trip on. Poured-in-place surfaces are a little more durable than tiled surfaces, but still have some risks. After years of wear and tear, your surface can become thin. This can cause kids to fall on harder ground or trip from an uneven surface. If you inspect your surfaces once a year for these issues, you can keep your kids safe during playtime.

It's also a good idea to border your play space with BYO Recreation playground borders. Bordering your playground will designate where the children can play and where they may be out of sight from supervisors. This is also a great way to contain your playground mulch.

For more tips on how to inspect your playground for safety, check back here throughout the month of May 2013 and remember to inspect your playground during Playground Safety Week (April 21-27)! If you would like more information about your surface safety, or would like assistance fixing your playground problems, give us a call at 1-800-853-5316 and one of our associates, will be happy to help you determine your playground issue and select the best product to fix your problem.

To learn more about playground safety, please review the Public Playground Safety Handbook, and to obtain a playground safety checklist please refer to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission's Public Playground Safety Checklist.