Creating a new playground is an exciting opportunity to provide children with a safe, fun, and engaging space to explore and play. However, safety should always be the top priority in playground design and installation. A well-planned playground ensures that children of all ages and abilities can play freely while minimising risks. Here are some key safety considerations to keep in mind when planning your next playground project.

1. Adhering to Australian Safety Standards

Every playground in Australia must comply with the AS 4685:2021 Playground Equipment and Surfacing Standards, which set guidelines for equipment safety, spacing, fall heights, and impact-absorbing surfaces. Ensuring compliance with these regulations reduces injury risks and ensures the playground is designed to the highest safety standards.

Key elements of compliance include:
✅ Appropriate fall heights to prevent serious injuries
✅ Adequate impact-absorbing surfacing such as rubber, mulch, or synthetic turf
✅ Safe spacing between equipment to prevent overcrowding and collisions
✅ Proper handrails and guardrails for climbing structures

2. Choosing the Right Location

The location of a playground plays a crucial role in its safety. Consider the following factors when selecting a site:

🏡 Surrounding Environment – Ensure the playground is away from busy roads, water hazards, or potential dangers. Installing fences or barriers can add extra security.

🌞 Sun Exposure & Shade – Play equipment should be strategically placed to minimise heat exposure. Incorporating shade sails, natural trees, or shelters can help protect children from sunburn and overheating.

🚶‍♂️ Accessibility & Visibility – The playground should be easily accessible for parents, carers, and emergency services, with clear sightlines to ensure supervision at all times.

3. Selecting Age-Appropriate Equipment

Playgrounds should be designed with age-appropriate play elements to cater to different skill levels and abilities. Equipment should be clearly designated for specific age groups, ensuring younger children aren’t using structures that are too advanced or risky for them.

👶 Toddlers (0-2 years) – Low-to-the-ground play equipment, sensory panels, and soft play areas
🧒 Preschoolers (2-5 years) – Small slides, low climbing structures, and balance activities
👦 Older Children (5-12 years) – Larger climbing walls, monkey bars, swings, and challenge-based play structures

4. Prioritising Impact-Absorbing Surfacing

A proper playground surface is one of the most critical safety features. Hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt can increase the risk of serious injury, whereas impact-absorbing surfaces help reduce the impact of falls.

Popular safety surfacing options include:
🟢 Rubber Softfall – Durable, slip-resistant, and ideal for high-traffic areas
🌱 Synthetic Grass – A natural look with soft underpadding for safety
🌲 Mulch or Bark Chips – Cost-effective and environmentally friendly, but requires regular maintenance
🏖️ Sand – A soft, natural option that’s fun for play but requires upkeep to remain level

5. Ensuring Inclusivity & Accessibility

A great playground is one that everyone can enjoy, regardless of ability. Incorporating inclusive design elements ensures that children with disabilities can play alongside their peers.

♿ Wheelchair-friendly pathways & ramps for easy access
🖐 Sensory play panels for interactive and engaging experiences
🌈 Ground-level play activities so all children can participate
👨‍👩‍👧 Seating & shaded areas for carers and parents

6. Regular Inspections & Maintenance

Even the best-designed playgrounds require ongoing maintenance and inspections to keep them safe. A regular maintenance schedule helps identify hazards like:

🔧 Loose or broken equipment
🚧 Worn-out surfacing
🛠 Rust or decay on metal and timber structures
⚠️ Trip hazards from uneven ground

Scheduling routine professional safety inspections ensures the playground remains compliant and safe for all users.

7. Encouraging Safe Play & Supervision

A well-designed playground only works if children use it safely. Encouraging active supervision from parents, teachers, and carers helps prevent accidents. Installing clear signage with safety rules, age recommendations, and emergency contact information also helps guide safe play.

Conclusion: Safe, Fun, and Built to Last

Planning a playground is about more than just fun—it’s about creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where children can grow, learn, and explore. By prioritising safety from the start, you ensure that the playground remains a welcoming space for years to come.

At Safe Play Australia, we specialise in designing and installing safe, durable, and high-quality play spaces that meet the highest safety standards. Whether you’re planning a school playground, a community park, or an inclusive play area, we’re here to help every step of the way.

📞 Want expert advice on your next playground project? Contact us today!