- Image via Wikipedia
Lawsuits. They could be the end of swings on some playgrounds. The story that’s being told by many newspapers and web sites right now is from Charleston, West Virigina. That’s where they made the decision to remove swings from playgrounds at several elementary schools.
I think it’s sad.
“County schools safety manager Tim Stewart says the swing sets are being removed from 17 schools starting this fall.” Yes, 17!
The reason? Recent lawsuits and the expense of “installing proper safety barriers.” I’m not really sure what he means by safety barriers. My guess is the issue was children falling off the swings.
There were 2 lawsuits filed in the past year. I think I know one of the problems. The area under the swings is wood chips. They don’t make for a cushioned fall and are not recommended. Stewart said that rubber mulch would be better but that it’s not in the budget. So they decided to remove the swings.
I hope this isn’t a trend. What about playground grants?
For the whole story see: http://www.wvva.com/global/story.asp?s=13081358
Related articles
- Playground Safety Tips (rubbermulch.com)
- 13 Super Swing Sets – From Human Swings to Tire Swing T-Rexes (CLUSTER) (trendhunter.com)
- Ohio Playground Gets Grant to Improve Playground Safety (rubberecycle.com)
