At AAA State of Play, we believe playgrounds should be buzzing with laughter, not looming with “ouch” moments. Slides should be fast, swings should soar, and every game of tag should end in giggles—not bandages. That’s why we’re here to shine a big, bright spotlight on the most common safety slip-ups that sneak into play spaces.
Think of this as your ultimate “no drama, all fun” guide—loaded with quick fixes, pro tips, and a dash of common sense—so your playground stays a place of fearless adventure. Whether you’re building a shiny new play haven or giving a well-loved one a tune-up, we’ll help you dodge the hidden hazards, skip the costly mistakes, and keep the good times rolling (and bouncing, and swinging) for years to come.
Grass, dirt, or concrete might look picture-perfect under a playground… until reality hits—literally. One tumble off the monkey bars can turn into a major injury, and the stats don’t lie: nearly 80% of playground injuries happen because of falls. Without the right surfacing, you're rolling out a welcome mat for accidents instead.
How to Fix It
Remember—if the ground’s as hard as your driveway, you’re not running a playground… you’re running an obstacle course for the ER.
Letting a three-year-old loose on gear meant for ten-year-olds is like putting a toddler in the driver’s seat of a monster truck—too big, too risky, and impossible to control. Younger kids face higher risks of falls and frustration, while older kids stuck on toddler gear get bored fast and start inventing their risky games.
How to Fix It
The right gear for the right age means fewer tears, fewer ER trips, and way more smiles per square foot.
Playgrounds aren’t “build it and forget it” projects—they’re more like pets: they need regular care, attention, and the occasional check-up. Ignore that wobbly bolt, that splintered railing, or that hairline crack in a slide, and you’re inviting accidents to happen. The numbers have spoken—40% of playground injuries trace back to poor maintenance.
How to Fix It
A well-maintained playground is like a superhero’s costume—it works best when there are no rips, holes, or loose parts dangling in the wind.
Swings are the undisputed rock stars of the playground—kids race to them, parents love the smiles they spark—but they’re also behind a big share of playground injuries. When poorly designed, spaced, or maintained, they can become fast-moving hazards that cause collisions, entanglement, and bruised egos (and elbows).
How to Fix It
A swing should lift spirits, not hospital bills—keep it safe and you’ll keep kids flying high for all the right reasons.
You can design the safest playground in the world, but without someone keeping watch, trouble can sneak in faster than a kid climbing up the slide the wrong way. Loose scarves, hoodie drawstrings, and wild wrestling matches on the jungle gym can turn a good time into a 911 call. Supervision isn’t about hovering—it’s about making sure fun doesn’t take a dangerous detour.
How to Fix It
Think of supervision as the Wi-Fi of the playground—you don’t always notice it’s there, but the second it drops out, everything starts to go wrong.
Dropping playground equipment onto the nearest patch of grass might feel like a shortcut, but it’s more like building a castle on a sand dune—it looks fine until reality (or gravity) takes over. Without proper site prep, you risk hidden hazards, drainage problems, and costly do-overs before the first game of tag even starts.
How to Fix It
A well-planned site is like a good map—you can still have an adventure, but you won’t end up in the danger zone by accident.
Playgrounds are where imagination runs wild, friendships are built, and skills are learned—but they only stay magical when they’re safe. At AAA State of Play, we don’t just deliver high-quality playground equipment—we help you plan, install, and maintain it so kids can explore without unnecessary risks.
When you design with the right surfaces, age-appropriate zones, maintenance schedules, swing safety, attentive supervision, and solid site planning, you create a playground that’s ready for years of safe, joyful play.
Safety isn’t boring—it’s the foundation for fearless fun. Build it right, maintain it well, and you’ll see kids climbing higher, swinging faster, and laughing louder.
At AAA State of Play, we’re here to make that happen—every step, swing, and slide of the way. Contact us today to start building your safest, most exciting playground yet.
Kelly has been a CPSI-certified playground inspector for several years. Her passion for play and attention to detail bring immense value to every playground she brings to life, and with her years of experience, every playground she visits is made better for her having been there. In her leisure time, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family.
