What to consider when planning a playground?

(1) Surface Materials

Amusement parks should use anti-slip, soft surface materials such as rubber surfacing or turf to reduce the risk of injury from falls.

The thickness of EPDM should comply with relevant safety standards (such as ASTM F1292), generally requiring a thickness between 2 to 3 inches to provide adequate protection.

(2) Fencing Design:

Fences should be installed around amusement equipment and certain areas, with a minimum height of 1.1 meters. Additionally, the spacing between fences should comply with relevant safety regulations, and there should be no gaps between the fences and the ground that could cause injuries. The materials used should be sturdy and durable, such as stainless steel or PVC, which are rust-resistant and capable of withstanding certain impacts.

(3) Equipment Materials:

Amusement facilities should be made from environmentally friendly, non-toxic materials.

(4) Equipment Safety Certification:

Amusement facilities must meet national safety standards. The design of all equipment should comply with the relevant standards of the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) and EN1176 (European Union CE certification), and regular inspections and maintenance should be conducted to ensure there is no wear or damage.

(5) No Sharp Edges and Small Parts:

The facilities should use smooth materials and angles to ensure there are no sharp edges or detachable small parts.

(6) Site Safety:

Clear signs and warning notices should be placed within the park to remind parents and children to be aware of safety. The park should avoid having deep water areas or steep slopes to prevent children from drowning or falling accidents.

(7) Lighting Design:

The lighting facilities within the park should be sufficient and reasonably distributed to ensure the safety of nighttime play. The lighting should reflect sustainable and environmentally friendly concepts, and solar energy should be used as much as possible to avoid reliance on traditional energy sources.

The planning of children's activity areas should be based on research in child behavior psychology. Different age groups require different play styles, and a variety of facilities should be provided. For example, a toddler area could include small slides, rocking horses, and seesaws. Older children might use taller, more complex slides, climbing frames, and adventure equipment. Designing activity areas by age can reasonably meet the play needs of children of different age groups.

(2) Theme-based Zoning:

To enhance the appeal of the amusement park, a diversified themed park can be created. For instance, an "Ocean Theme Park" could integrate ocean elements into slides, educational panels, and sculptures to create an immersive experience. A "Jungle Adventure Park" might feature treehouse adventures and maze challenges to stimulate children's imagination and desire to explore. By setting different themes, children are given a new play experience, allowing them to gain knowledge and inspiration while being entertained, making the entire amusement area more diverse, interesting, and lively.

(3) Interactive Facilities:

When designing interactive facilities for children, the principles of promoting social interaction, cooperation, and creativity should be followed. For example, designing sandpits of different depths and shapes can stimulate children's desire to explore. A water-sand combination area: designing a water flow area on one side of the sandpit allows children to introduce water into the sand, observe the interaction between sand and water, and increase creative play.

(4) Signage Design:

The park should have a comprehensive signage system, including ground markings, directional signs, wayfinding signs, building exterior signs, and signs for featured amusement attractions. The signage should be clear and easy to understand, with shapes and styles that match the overall theme of the park. The design should be simple and straightforward, avoiding overly complex or abstract patterns. Font design should be cute and exaggerated to match children's aesthetic preferences.

(5) Accessibility Design:

Considering the needs of children with different abilities, the municipal park should include: accessible pathways, accessible parking spaces, accessible restrooms, accessible amusement facilities, and provide assistive devices. The design of accessible pathways should comply with national safety standards, ensuring that the width, gradient, and other parameters meet the requirements.

Plant a variety of plants and flowers, and equip them with educational signs that introduce the names, characteristics, and ecological functions of the plants. This allows children to learn about the appearance, scent, medicinal value, and other aspects of different plants, enhancing their understanding of natural flora.

(2) Pet Education:

If a small farm is set up, raise small animals such as rabbits, peacocks, parrots, and swans, etc., allowing children to observe the physical characteristics, scent, calls, living habits, and dietary habits of the animals up close. Matching educational signs should be provided to enhance children's understanding of animals.

(3) Safety and Health Education Popularization:

Set up health knowledge bulletin boards within the park to disseminate safety knowledge and the importance of healthy eating and exercise.

(4) Art and Cultural Exhibition:

Set up art installations or cultural display areas within the park to showcase local cultural characteristics and artistic works, stimulating children's creativity and aesthetic abilities.

The park should have ample seating and shaded areas for parents and children to rest, including nursing rooms and dedicated parking spaces for babies.

(2) Restrooms and Handwashing Facilities:

Ensure there are sufficient restrooms within the park, equipped with hand basins and children's urinals designed at a height suitable for children. The design should consider the size and height from a child's perspective. The floors should have anti-slip surfaces, and the overall color and style of the restrooms should be warm and comfortable, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Handwashing and foot-washing stations should be designed within the park, allowing children to clean their hands and feet conveniently after playing.

(3) Drinking Fountains and Snack Areas:

Install drinking fountains or vending machines to make it easy for visitors to hydrate at any time. There should be clear drinking prompts and hygiene slogans to guide visitors to drink water healthily. Set up food carts, markets, etc., to provide healthy snack options and maintain children's energy levels.