Playground Safety Course Launched

A comprehensive professional course on understanding the new Canadian Standards for Children's Playspaces and Equipment is being held in Halifax on Nov. 4-5.

The one and a half day course, offered by Canadian Parks/Recreation Association in conjunction with Recreation Nova Scotia, includes topics such as: playspace design and layout; identification of hazards including entrapment, entanglement and pinch points; test methods; protective surfacing; and risk management. All participants will receive a copy of the 1998 CSA Playspace Standards as well as the easy-to-use playground safety manual used during the course.

Recreation Nova Scotia is funded by the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission.

"Although the commission strives to provide fair access to sport and recreation activities for all Nova Scotians, it is equally important to make accessible playgrounds safe," said Robbie Harrison, Minister responsible for Sport and Recreation.

On average, at least one child has died on Canadian playgrounds every year since 1982 and more than 10,000 others are injured. Most playground injuries are preventable and can be reduced by using education strategies as well as proper design and maintenance standards. The Canadian Playground Safety Institute teaches the importance of meeting safety standards and provides information and training needed to develop, maintain, and provide safe, quality play environments for children.