Playgrounds need challenge, Finnish designer says

A Finnish playground designer says excessive caution can make play boring, while a city safety inspector stresses that equipment must be kept in good repair. Yle spoke to the experts after asking readers about dangerous situations in playgrounds.

Anni Leppätie, a playground safety inspector for the City of Pori, says vandalism and misuse of equipment increase the risk of accidents. Anyone who notices damaged equipment should report it promptly to those responsible for the playground.

During an inspection at the Pajapuisto playground in Pori, Leppätie checked a swing’s bearings and safety chains, as well as the clearance beneath it. She also found a rotted wooden play structure with screws sticking out and removed them. The equipment will need further repairs or may have to be removed.

Yle received around 40 responses to its reader survey. Many described near misses, but respondents also said climbing equipment should not be made too easy and that some manageable risk is part of play.

Marko Pirttijärvi, chief executive of a company that designs play areas for municipalities and cities, said Finland had become too cautious. He argued that making play completely safe could make it dull. Leppätie said safety standards are regularly updated, but equipment that no longer meets current standards does not automatically have to be removed; each case is assessed separately.

Leppätie advises against lifting a child onto equipment they cannot reach by themselves. She also says any play equipment can be dangerous if used incorrectly.