So, let’s say you’ve implemented an effective check-in program to keep track of the children in your care. You have performed background checks on employees and volunteers working with children. You have thought of everything, inside your walls, to keep the children in your congregation safe and security. But, don’t forget about outside your walls. Is your playground as safe as it can be?

National Playground Safety Week is April 21-25. Sponsored by the National Program for Playground Safety, www.playgroundsafety.org, this week serves as a time to focus on children's outdoor play environments. Here are some of their suggestions:

* Design and distribute surveys to discover favorite and least favorite equipment, as well as recurring playground problems and injuries.

* Create and hang posters outlining S.A.F.E. playground practices.

* Complete playground equipment safety checks and evaluations.

* Challenge your church to an injury-free week on the playground.

* Host a guest speaker to discuss safety on the playground.

* With children, make a maximum of five playground rules that they can remember and follow.

Based on playground injury statistics and other research, the National Program for Playground Safety advocates, to maximize safety and minimize injuries, that adults should:

* Actively supervise the children in the play environment.

* Choose appropriate developmental equipment for the play environment.

* Provide safe surfacing for playground equipment.

* Ensure that all equipment and surfacing is maintained on a regular basis.

Are you doing everything possible to keep the playground at your worship facility safe? I’m always interested in hearing from you. You can reach me at jill@rpnmag.com.

God Bless,

Jill Pinheiro
Managing Editor