Playground Safety in Georgia, What Do You Need to Know?
While the national safety standards for playground equipment as established by ASTM and CPSC are still considered as “voluntary standards”, each state may have its own criteria. The Childinjurylawyerblog has a great summary of Georgia daycare center playground rules and regulations.
You can download the Georgia Daycare Center Playground Area Standards here. The outdoor play area requirements begin on page 3.
Here’s a reference to an evaluation of Georgia daycare center playgrounds that likely led to the adoption of these facility standards. Atlanta playground hazards in childcare centers
Georgia does not recognize a national standard for playground equipment, according to the National Program of Playground Safety. They’ve included a list of public playground state regulations here.
In addition, the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board does not license general contractors or specialty contractors such as playground contractors. In order to do business in this state, you will need to contact the local city or county where work is to be performed. Website: http://www.sos.state.ga.us./plb/construct/
Your best solution is to find a reputable vendor, design consultant, and installer that is NPSI certified. The equipment should also be IPEMA certified, and the design and access should all meet ADAAG (accessibility standards). If you are planning a playground in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky or North Carolina and would like assistance, please contact us at .
Don’t forget to reference the Fundraising Resources page on the top right tab, for products and resource to help you with your playground fundraiser.
Playground Design – What you Should Know
Playground Design-What you Should Know
Good playground design involves balancing your children’s needs, volume, age distribution, developmental aspects, and site conditions. Assess your present space by drawing a rough diagram. Include the seasonal aspects of your layout including sunlight, wind direction, snow/ice/rain. Observe the following:
- type and amount of natural materials
- small vs. large space
- topographical features, e.g. steep slopes, trees, rocks
- shared spaces with other age groups
- shaded area–either hard shelter or shade structure
You’ll need assess the following site conditions:
1. Measure your site and scale to your drawing. Triangulate your area be placing flags that will act as your measuring points, e.g. pt A, pt B, pt C. You’ll then be able to take effective measurements as triangles. Once you have all sides to a triangle, e.g. A to B to C, you’ll be able to calculate the area for your playground. The site can be split into rectangles, triangles and circles as you place your flags.
2. Identify all existing elements on the site: paths, trees, shrubs, fencing, buildings, large rocks, drainage, and swales.
3. Identify the plants and trees present and check that are all nontoxic
4. Note any areas affected by the sun, shade, wind, rain, and snow
5. Locate any underground services, such as sewer, water and gas. Any overhead power or phone lines? Any overhanging roof or tree branches?
6. Indicate any natural slopes or valleys
7. Identify any drainage problems
8. Determine if there’s a connection to water for play activities
Operational aspects:
In addition to overall environment, address the folloiwing:
* How will it be financed?
* What are the zoning requirements? What permits are needed?
* Determine the best source for evaluating, and ordering equipment and materials. KorKat can assist with the initial design and specifications for obtaining quotations.
* Consider your installation method–self-install, community build, turn-key installation
* Who will do landscaping and initial site preparation?
The following was adapted from Tracy Theemes’ “Let’s Go Outside! Designing the Early Childhood Playground”
Don’t forget to reference the Fundraising Resources page, for products and resource to help you with your playground fundraiser. If you are planning a playground in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, or North Carolina and would like additional advice as to making the most of an existing budget, please contact us at www.korkat.com
