Playgrounds provide a number of benefits for children in both physical and mental capacities. Playsets from Rainbow Play Systems in particular have excellent safety features along with green benefits.

Benefits

Physical

Improve motor skills, build strong muscles through healthy activity.

Developmental

Boost neurological development with physical activity.

Social

Build important social skills like peer cooperation through play.

Self-Esteem

Foster self-esteem and confidence with a variety of physical challenges.

Safety

Thoughtful safety features: recessed hardware, safety caps and fastener-free equipment.

Stress

Help your child reduce stress and anxiety through free play on a playset.

Green

Rainbow uses SFI Certified mills that utilize the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, planting 5 trees for every one harvested.

Pro Assembly

Professional installation to make sure your swing set is securely in tact for years of play!

Summer is here and you may have decided to put a new Rainbow Play System in your backyard, or maybe you already have one.  Here are Rainbow’s rules for safe play so you can enjoy that play system!

1. IT IS RECOMMENDED that no more than 10-12 children, not exceeding a combined weight of 1,800 pounds, play on the system at one time. This product is recommended for children 3 to 12 years of age.
2. CLOSE ADULT SUPERVISION is required for children of all ages.
3. WARN CHILDREN TO AVOID playing or walking to close to, in front of, behind, or between moving equipment.
4. WARN CHILDREN NOT TO twist swing chains or ropes, or to loop them over the top support bar since this may reduce the strength of the chain or rope.
5. INSTRUCT CHILDREN NOT TO swing empty seats, trapeze bar, gliders, buoy balls or tire swings.
6. INSTRUCT CHILDREN to always sit, never stand or kneel, in the center of the swing seat with their full weight.
7. INSTRUCT CHILDREN NOT TO use any part of the play system in a manner other than what it is intended.
8. INSTRUCT CHILDREN NOT TO get off equipment while it is in motion.
9. DRESS CHILDREN APPROPRIATELY. CHILDREN SHOULD NOT wear scarves, hats with straps, helmets, jackets with draw strings, hooded jackets, poorly fitting shoes, or any other loose fitting clothing that is potentially hazardous while using equipment.
10. INSTRUCT CHILDREN NOT TO play on the equipment if it is wet. Potentially slippery surfaces may cause a hazard.
11. VERIFY all suspended items such as ropes and chains are secure at both ends.

One of the most important things you can do to reduce the likelihood of serious head injuries is to install shock-absorbing protective surfacing under and around your play equipment. The protective surfacing should be applied to a depth that is suitable for the equipment height in accordance with ASTM F1292. There are different types of surfacing to choose from; whichever product you select, follow these guidelines:

Loose-Fill Materials

• Maintain a minimum depth of 9 inches of loose-fill materials such as wood mulch/chips, engineered wood fiber (EWF), or shredded/recycled rubber mulch for equipment up to 8 feet high; and 9 inches of sand or pea gravel for equipment up to 5 feet high.

Note: An initial fill level of 12 inches will compress to about a 9-inch depth of surfacing over time. The surfacing will also compact, displace, and settle, and should be periodically refilled to maintain at least a 9-inch depth.

• Use a minimum of 6 inches of protective surfacing for play equipment less than 4 feet in height. If maintained properly, this should be adequate. (At depths less than 6 inches, the protective material is too easily displaced or compacted.)
• Use containment, such as digging out around the perimeter and/or lining the perimeter with landscape edging. Don’t forget to account for water drainage.
• Check and maintain the depth of the loose-fill surfacing material. To maintain the right amount of loose-fill materials, mark the correct level on play equipment support posts. That way you can easily see when to replenish and/or redistribute the surfacing.
• Do not install loose fill surfacing over hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.

Poured-In-Place Surfaces or Pre-Manufactured Rubber Tiles

• Installations of these surfaces generally require a professional and are not “do-it-yourself” projects.
• Review surface specifications before purchasing this type of surfacing. Ask the installer/manufacturer for a report showing that the product has been tested to the following standard: ASTM F1292 Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment. This report should show the specific height for which the surface is intended to protect against serious head injury. This height should be equal to or greater than the fall height – vertical distance between a designated play surface (elevated surface for standing, sitting, or climbing) and the protective surfacing below – of your play equipment.
• Check the protective surfacing frequently for wear.

Placement

• Extend surfacing at least 6 feet from the equipment in all directions.
• For to-fro swings, extend protective surfacing in front of and behind the swing to a distance equal to twice the height of the top bar from which the swing is suspended.

It’s April and that means tax return time.  What better time than now to purchase a new Rainbow Play System!

When selecting your play site, always keep the child’s safety in mind. Here are some recommendations that should help you achieve a safe play area.

1. The play system should be located on solid level ground free of objects that could cause injury such as, but not limited to, tree stumps, roots, and large rocks. Stationary components such as ladders and slides must be no less than SIX FEET (1.8 meters) from any structure or obstruction such as a fence, garage, house, tree or overhanging branches, electrical wires or clotheslines. Any swinging equipment must be a minimum distance of TWICE the height of the swing beam away from any structures or obstructions as specified above. We also recommend that you do not install your play system near a lake, river, swimming pool or other water hazards.
2. If anchoring your play system, all underground utilities must be located in play zone before starting assembly of play system.
3. Try to locate slide out of direct sunlight to reduce the likelihood of serious burns. A slide that faces north will receive the least direct sunlight.
4. It is recommended not to place a set on sandy soil or loose fill as it may require additional anchoring in that situation.
5. Do not install your play system over concrete, asphalt, packed earth, grass, carpet, or any other hard surface. A fall onto a hard surface can result in serious injury to the play system user.

Keep these recommendations in mind and enjoy your new Rainbow Play System!

To ensure safe enjoyment of your Rainbow Play System for years to come, follow these maintenance tips:

1. At the beginning of each usage season and twice each month, check and tighten as needed (but do not over tighten causing the wood to crack) all nuts and bolts. Acorn nuts should be tightened to 5 foot pounds of torque. Hardware used on swinging elements should be checked at least twice a month to ensure proper fastening.
2. At the beginning of each usage season and twice each month, check all coverings on bolts, sharp edges and corners. Replace when necessary.
3. At the beginning of each usage season and twice each month, rake and check depth of loose fill protective surfacing materials to prevent compaction and to maintain appropriate depth. Replace as necessary.
4. At the beginning of each usage season, check all wood members for deterioration and splinters. Spot sand any areas that are checking or splintering. If parts are deteriorating, replace as needed.
5. At the beginning of each usage season, check entire Structure and Swing Beam to ensure they are level, if not adjust Structure and/or Swing Beam back to level.
6. At the beginning of each usage season, clean tarps with soap and water.
7. At the beginning of each usage season, clean vinyl dipped parts.
8. On a yearly basis, we recommend that you coat your play system with a sealant or preservative. You may also want to spot sand areas before sealing. Be sure that the sealant you select is non-toxic and child safe.
9. Lubricate all metallic moving parts and grease Tire Swivel monthly during the usage period.
10. Check all moving parts including swing seats, ropes, and chains for wear, rust, or other deterioration and replace as needed.
11. Check swing hangers, tire swivel, S-Hooks, eyebolts, and spring clips for wear and replace as needed.
12. Check all metal parts for rust. If needed, sand and repaint using a nonlead-based paint meeting the requirements of Title 16 CFR Part 1303.
13. Check the S-Hooks on the chains to ensure the gap is less than .040 inches. Tighten/close as necessary.
14. Remove plastic swing seats and take indoors or do not use when temperature drops below 32 Fahrenheit. Reinstall swing seats when the cold season is complete.
15. When you are ready to dispose of your play set, make sure all metal, plastic and wood components are disposed of in accordance with local waste ordinances and ensure that no unreasonable hazards exist.

February is here and that means that spring is right around the corner. Kids will be getting outside to play. That means lots of time at your local park on play ground equipment or even in your own backyard on your Rainbow Play System. Each month we will give you new play ground safety tips and guidelines to help keep your kids safe and to prevent any accidents.

This month we have a general parent safety checklist for you to use when you are at your local park using the playground equipment.

Parent Safety Checklist:

Here are some tips to follow to help prevent accidents and keep your kids safe at the playground!

1. Do a Quick Assessment

Do a quick assessment. Before children enter the play area, make sure following are present:

1. A place where adults can supervise the kids at all times
2. The area is free of hazards.  (I.E. trash and broken glass)
3. There is safety surfacing. (Examples are sand, wood chops, rubber bark or pour in place rubber.)
4. The equipment has been maintained (no broken pieces, exposed screws, cracked plastic, etc.
5. There is shade, to prevent play equipment getting too hot, and kids getting sunburned.

2. Is It Age Appropriate?

Make sure the kids are playing on equipment that is designed for their age group. Playgrounds are usually designed with equipment that is broken up into the following age groups: ages 6-23 months, 2 yrs.– 5yrs., and 5 yrs. -12 yrs. (sometimes there will be areas that combine 2 yrs. -12 yrs. as well). The areas for the preschool age kids should have: Smaller steps, low platforms with short ladders or ramps, and shorter slides, (usually less than 4 feet high).

3. Be Vigilant

It is estimated that nearly half of all playground injuries are related to inadequate supervision. Watch your kids at all times! Enjoy your time outside as spring draws near and stay safe!