Though efforts to improve playground safety are consistent and ongoing, there has been no significant reduction in the rate of serious injuries. The article lists factors to consider when designing a safe playground, emphasizing the risk-taking inherent in children's play. (SM)

Suggestions for the planning and design of playgrounds to meet the needs of children between 6 to 14 years of age living in medium- and high-density residential areas are offered in this document. The first and second chapters briefly focus on the child's right to play and present an overview of the developmental characteristics of children at…

The paper presents information pertaining to both equipment and human factors associated with playground safety for the handicapped. Research is reviewed on injuries related to public playground equipment, the equipment/user interface, and accommodation of equipment for all children. Noted among findings are that 72% of all reported injuries were…

Four major issues are explored in this study of child development research and its implications for children's playgrounds: (1) theories and philosophies of play; (2) the historical evolution of playgrounds; (3) research on child development, play, and playgrounds; and (4) creating playgrounds that meet children's developmental needs. Discussion…

The purpose of this book is to help designers and teachers think about the quality of outside school environments as learning places. The first chapter defines the players' roles as: (1) the designer, a maker of school form; (2) the teacher, the maintainer of the environment; and (3) the child, who is a major force in the use of the space. These…

Abstracts of 40 selected books and articles on the topic of interactions between children and their environments are provided in this document. Works abstracted were selected from a pool of over 1200 items. The abstracts are organized into five categories: (1) theories of child care and play; (2) child-environment research; (3) descriptions of…