The Citizen, 2009-05-07, Page 20Yards can add a lot to a home. For
gardeners, a sprawling outdoor
space can act as a weekend getaway
of sorts, allowing homeowners the
chance to go outside in the spring
and summer sun and escape all of
life’s other distractions.
For parents, a yard can be a great
place to let kids play and enjoy
themselves, all within viewing
distance of Mom and Dad’s watchful
eyes.
Though backyard playgrounds
might not be as prevalent as they
once were, that doesn’t mean they’re
still not fun for kids.
Of course, a backyard play area is
only as fun as it is safe, so parents
considering creating one for their
kids should consider the following
tips before beginning such a project.
* Be mindful of drainage.
Building a play area in a spot on the
lawn that doesn’t have proper
drainage is asking for trouble.
During winter, such areas are likely
to have excessive ice, threatening
kids’balance and potentially leading
to injury. Even in warmer months,
poor drainage could result in puddles
after spring or summer rains,
attracting mosquitoes and other
insects and making kids more
susceptible to bug bites.
* If possible, build in a relatively
shaded area. While it might not be
possible to create the play area
entirely in the shade, try to keep as
much as possible out of the sun. This
will protect kids from the sun,
particularly during those hot
summer afternoons when kids love
being outdoors but UV rays are at
their most harmful.
Though you’ll want kids to be
protected from the sun, it’s
important not to build in areas that
are concealed by trees. This will
impede parents’ ability to watch
their kids as they play.
* Build away from patio or
barbecue areas. In addition to
concrete sidewalks that can hurt
children, you won’t want kids
playing anywhere near charcoal,
starter fluid or propane tanks.
* Install a padded surface or sand
around swingsets and jungle gyms.
Instead of building on grass or hard
ground, when building the swing set
or jungle gym be sure to install a
padded surface underneath, or use
sand. Both will help cushion kids in
the almost inevitable circumstance
that they fall. Sand and padded
surfaces will decrease the risk of
head injury and broken bones.
Recycled rubber pellets and even
wood chips can provide more
cushioning than the hard ground
during a fall.
PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2009.Turn a backyard into a safe play area
Playing it safe
When building a backyard play area for kids, it’s important
to consider several safety issues before starting the project.
(MS photo)
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Continued from page 19
• The plug and the handle: Grip
the plug (not the cord) to disconnect
the tool and use the handle to move
it about.
• Damaged Tools: Never use a
tool if the electric cord has been
damaged or if the ground wire is
twisted or cut. Likewise, never use a
damaged extension cord.
• Three-pronged plug: Never cut
or fold the rounded ground prong of
this part of the tool.
• Power cord: When using an
electric saw or drill, keep the
electric cord behind you to be
certain that you do not accidentally
cut into it.
Don’t use
damaged tools