| Where to place the swing set in your backyard? How | | | | Next, make sure the space is not close to your home, |
| much room do you have in your backyard for a swing | | | | brick, garages, buildings so children do not swing into |
| set? Before you purchase a swing set here are some | | | | these hard surfaces. Look up, make sure there are no |
| important things to take into consideration. You will | | | | wires or potential dangers above the swing set. Swing |
| need to figure out the placement of the swing set. | | | | Sets should never be installed on asphalt and concrete |
| Determine how much room is available in the | | | | and is completely unacceptable. |
| backyard. One way to accomplish this is decide on the | | | | Since adult supervision is required, take into |
| placement and then measure out the space. When | | | | consideration the visibility of the children when they are |
| looking at swing sets, the product dimensions are listed | | | | outside playing. Make sure you can see them and they |
| on the specifications sheet, this way you won't have | | | | are in clear view. |
| any surprises and rest assured that your new swing | | | | Protective Surfacing |
| set will fit in the allotted space. | | | | Since almost 60% of all injuries are caused by falls to |
| Now, you must make sure there is enough room | | | | the ground, protective surfacing under and around all |
| around the swing set, this is referred to as a safe play | | | | playground equipment is the most critical safety factor |
| zone. It is dangerous to install a swing set on ground | | | | on playgrounds. Certain manufactured synthetic |
| that is not level, so make sure to install on a level | | | | surfaces also are acceptable; however, test data on |
| location, free from obstructions or potential hazards. | | | | shock absorbing performance should be requested |
| The recommendation from most manufacturers is a | | | | from the manufacturer. Asphalt and concrete are |
| Six foot clearance around the entire swing set. Making | | | | unacceptable. They do not have any shock absorbing |
| sure there is enough clearance around the swing set | | | | properties. Similarly, grass and turf should not be used. |
| for children to play safe without injuries. Make sure the | | | | Their ability to absorb shock during a fall can be |
| space you have picked in free from trees, branches | | | | reduced considerably through wear and environmental |
| and roots so children do not crash into or trip and fall. | | | | conditions. |