IPEMA Q&A Document

A Consumer Product Safety Commission Study from 1990-2000 found a total of 57 deaths on playground equipment at playgrounds. The study also cited approximately 200,000 injuries to children annually, but notes that more than 20 percent of those injuries occurred on play equipment at home, not on commercial playgrounds. Most of these injuries are due to falls. By contrast, more children are injured in motor vehicle accidents (214,000) bicycle accidents (285,600) and accidental poisoning (1,054,000) each year.

Lack of supervision on playgrounds is associated with injuries. Studies have also shown that injuries decrease on playground equipment that has been updated to meet safety standards. (“The effect of safer play equipment on playground injury rates among school children.” CMAJ, May 24, 2005).

1. What is IPEMA ?

The International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) is a non-profit, trade association whose members include playground equipment and surfacing manufacturers. IPEMA works to promote an open market for its members and to increase the quality and quantity of children’s play opportunities and playground environments. IPEMA’s headquarters are in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

2. What is the “Voice of Play?”

The Voice of Play is an IPEMA initiative to raise education and awareness about the importance of children’s play and playgrounds. There is extensive research on why play is critical in a child’s development. Through play, children develop cognitively, physically, emotionally and socially, and learn skills such as risk assessment, negotiation, problem-solving and social etiquette, roles and responsibilities. IPEMA members are united behind the effort to speak out about the importance of play and playgrounds.

3. Is there someone I can talk to for more information on IPEMA or the Voice of Play?

Yes! IPEMA has a deep well of resources for learning more about play. You can click here to fill out our media request form and you will be contacted by someone from IPEMA within five business days.

4. What are the key issues affecting the playground industry today?

The disappearance of playtime for kids is one of the most pressing issues negatively affecting the our children today. It’s alarming because of the overwhelming amount of research which points directly to outdoor free play as a necessary part of a child’s healthy physical and mental development. Also, industry attention is always focused on playground safety and innovation on age-appropriate equipment.

5. Why is play important to kids? Are there any studies about that?

Play is very important in a child’s development. In addition to the physical benefits of play, numerous studies have shown that kids learn and develop in other ways through play, including:

Emotional, social and cognitive skills
Motor development
Negotiation and problem-solving skills
Independent thinking
A greater imagination
Creativity
Valuable knowledge about social norms, risk-taking, and group interactions

Click here to learn more about these benefits.

6. How do kids benefit from free playground play versus free structured play activities?

There are many benefits to both free play and structured activities, and striking a balance is important. Free play encourages kids to use their brains in a different way, to think independently and to create their own fun and activities. This helps kids alleviate boredom and teaches them how to learn and have fun on their own and with others. Free play encourages interaction with the natural environment which is a major source of development.

7. What are the top concerns of Parks & Recreation officials?

Parks and Recreation professionals are wonderful advocates for children’s playgrounds. These dedicated employees work for local governments and with community groups to design playgrounds and parks. They are increasingly concerned with local government budget decreases and/or divergence of funds to security and first responder measures, which leave them with fewer funds to build, maintain and upgrade playgrounds to ensure the best possible safety innovations.

8. What are the top concerns of parents?

Parents take playtime very seriously, as they should! It is a time for children to exercise and socialize – two important issues for parents. Certainly, parents are also concerned about safety, so updated and certified equipment and surfacing are key. Parents are also very interested in learning what the best equipment designs and tools are to help their kids learn critical skills while on the playground.

9. Have the playground safety advocates gone too far?

Safety is always a top priority for everyone in the industry, and safety advocates’ concerns are justified – but should be balanced with the value of play in children’s learning and development.

IPEMA’s members have worked hard to design and manufacture IPEMA-certified equipment and surfacing that will allow children to play with minimal risk of injury. However, kids play freely as a part of their nature. They learn from their mistakes on the playground and it teaches them valuable lessons about risk and consequences. As with most things in life, a proper balance between safety and free play is important.

10. What is the ideal playground environment ?

The ideal playground is one that has the children in mind from the start. It should:

Encourage movement
Include unique features that encourage both social and alone time for play
Have soft, but firm and stable, impact-absorbing surfacing, made of recycled rubber chunks or shred rubber, poured-in-place surfacing or engineered wood fiber.
Offer age-appropriate, accessible equipment to all children
Include elements of nature should be incorporated into the playground, including grass, rocks, trees and water
Make sure that there is always adult supervision

11. How are playgrounds regulated?

Playground regulation varies state to state and depends on the location of the playground. Parents should check with their local municipality to find out what regulations are in affect. In addition, making sure that your playground meets CPSC and ASTM standards is a good way to improve safety. IPEMA’s third-party certification program makes sure that playground equipment and surfacing meets current standards for safety.