Play is important for cognitive, emotional, and physical development of children. Use the four components experts have identified for safety: supervision, age-appropriate design, fall-surfacing that contains approved materials, and equipment maintenance.

This handbook is what you need to maintain an existing, or to create a new, pleasing, and challenging playground that is safe, but not boring.

Heather M. Olsen, EdD, is executive director of the National Program for Playground Safety.

Susan D. Hudson, PhD, has been an educator, consultant, and practitioner in the field of leisure, youth, and human services for over thirty-nine years.

Donna Thompson, PhD, founded the National Program for Playground Safety.