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Ask Dr. Sue - Tree Climbing and Care of Sand Play Areas

by Susan S. Aronson, MD
March/April 1993
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Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/ask-dr.-sue-tree-climbing-and-care-of-sand-play-areas/5009079/

How Safe is Tree Climbing?

Many adults have happy memories of climbing trees as one of the joys of childhood. Unfortunately, the fantasy is tempered by the reality that children are often injured when they fall from trees.

As professional tree surgeons know, trees are not uniform, are not safety tested, and are usually surrounded by unforgiving surfaces. Maximum climbing heights are difficult to control if the tree is big enough to support the weight of a child.

Caregivers are unlikely to be able to control or reduce the risk of tree climbing. Children are likely to want to climb higher and higher, without realizing how hard it will be to come down again.

If trees that could be climbed are in the play area, remove the branches up to a level that children cannot reach, even with the help of another child or piece of equipment. Restrict climbing to equipment sized appropriately for the child. Be sure that any equipment that can be climbed has an impact absorbing surface in a fall zone at least four feet out from the base of the climber.

How Safe is Sand in Outdoor Play Areas?

Sand is a common play ...

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