The NYCHA Journal

The NYCHA Journal has informed and inspired residents since 1970, covering the news, contributions, and uplifting stories of the NYCHA community while providing the latest information on Authority initiatives.

Kids at playground
Health & Safety Top Story 

It’s National Playground Safety Week

Michael

Playing in playgrounds is great for a child’s physical, social, and cognitive development. To ensure a safe and enriching experience for children at the playground, NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department would like to provide the following guidance.

Playground swings
Play it wise - supervise

Playground safety involves supervising children and ensuring the equipment is safe:

  • Look for a playground with a fence around it. This will help stop young children from running out to nearby streets. It also makes it much easier if you’re supervising several children at once.
  • Look for a safe ground surface in your playground – the equipment should be set in a thick layer of material like organic mulch or soft rubber flooring, which will cushion falls. Also make sure that the equipment is well maintained.
  • Buckle your child into swings if buckles are available (your child will be less likely to fall out).
  • Check the temperature of playground equipment like metal slides, poles, barriers, and surfaces. Materials like metal, rubber, and artificial turf can heat up in the sun and become hot enough to burn.
  • Gradually introduce children to activities on monkey bars, climbing frames, swings, and slides, so they can build skills and confidence.
NYCHA playground

When supervising children in the playground, there are hazards that should be checked before children play:

  • Overcrowded play areas: The area under and around play equipment should be a minimum of 6 feet in all directions. Structures more than 30 inches high should be at least 9 feet apart.
  • Unprotected elevated areas: Platforms higher than 30 inches should have guardrails or barriers.
  • Head entrapment spaces: Openings between rails, bars, or rungs should be less than 3 ½ inches or more than 9 inches.
  • Sharp points and edges: Playground equipment should be free of protruding bolt ends, S hooks, and other points and edges.
  • Swings: Make sure there is adequate cleared distance in front of and behind a swing; walls or fences should be at least 6 feet away from a swing. Swing seats should be made of soft materials.

How can a resident report any issues at a NYCHA playground?

NYCHA residents should report any defective playground equipment to their property management office or to the Customer Contact Center (CCC) at 718-707-7771.

If you have questions about this or any environmental health and safety matter, please email ehs@nycha.nyc.gov. Residents, employees, and any member of the public can submit environmental health and safety concerns at on.nyc.gov/submit-concern.

For more information about playground safety, visit: