Park and recreation agencies are leaders in providing recreation opportunities in their community. Ninety-five percent of all park and recreation agencies list playgrounds as one of the assets in their portfolio. Ensuring these opportunities are safe and inclusive should be of highest priority. Six in seven U.S. adults believe it is important for their local government to make investments that ensure children have access to safe and inclusive playgrounds. Investments include regular safety inspections, maintenance and purchasing new or replacing old equipment.

The National Recreation and Park Association offers the industry-leading certification program in playground safety, the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification program. The CPSI certification program provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date training on playground safety issues, including hazard identification, equipment specifications, surfacing requirements and risk management methods. There are currently nearly 6,000 CPSI professionals nationwide.

Key Findings:

• Eighty-six percent of U.S. adults believe it is important for their local government to make investments that ensure children have access to safe and inclusive playgrounds.
• Two-thirds of U.S. adults say it is very or extremely important for their local government to make investments that ensure children have access to safe and inclusive playgrounds.
• Seventy-nine percent of Millennials and 76% of parents believe it is very or extremely important for their local government to make the necessary investments to ensure children have access to safe and inclusive playgrounds.

Links: 

Certified Playground Safety Inspector, NRPA Agency Performance Review