Rauma playground adds safeguards while preserving climbing challenges

Rauma is modifying equipment at the new Central Park playground to reduce dangerous situations while keeping enough challenge to prevent play from becoming boring, Yle reports.

The safety of the playground equipment has come under scrutiny after the city received reports last weekend of dangerous situations at the playground. Users have been reminded to follow the instructions and not lift a child onto equipment the child cannot reach independently.

The city has restricted use of a multi-purpose climbing structure following the incidents. A railing and additional handholds will be installed so children can get a secure grip in the upper part of the structure.

Martti Mäyry, chief executive of playground equipment manufacturer Leikkiset, said equipment should be designed so that challenges are predictable and children can assess hidden dangers themselves.

Some parts of the Central Park structure are deliberately difficult to reach. A child can access a slide in the upper section via a suspension bridge, but a small child cannot climb that high without the necessary skills. Similarly, some climbing nets may intentionally begin higher up so that young children cannot reach them on their own.

Playground equipment is designed according to European standards, taking into account structural strength, moving parts, fall risks and possible entrapment or crushing hazards. Mäyry said safety does not mean eliminating all risk, because removing every challenge would also remove the excitement and developmental benefits of play.

Social media challenges can also create dangers on playgrounds. In one example at the park, a carousel was used correctly by children but was also given extra speed with the help of a scooter.