A trendy playground in Brooklyn became a little less so this week when three stylish stainless-steel domes were replaced by traditional climbing equipment. Installed in March, the domes quickly became a hazard as the weather got warmer and children began burning their hands on the hot metal.
Temperatures are rising and can spike much higher on playground equipment and surfaces—sometimes up to 140 degrees or more. At that heat, a child can get badly hurt in just a few seconds, suffering second and third degree burns. While parents are naturally on alert when their children are climbing, sliding or swinging, they may not think to take the temperature of the playground. Even when the air is 80 degrees, equipment can reach much higher temperatures due to prolonged sun exposure. Not only does the metal equipment heat up but the safety mats as well, many of which are made of ground rubber tires.
In Brooklyn, an outcry on parenting blogs got the domes removed. And elsewhere in New York, state Senator Micah Kellner proposed legislation that would require all playground equipment to be temperature tested. The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises parents to check for hot surfaces on metal playground equipment including solid steel decks, slides, or steps in direct sunlight. To that we'll add safety mats and surfaces.
One good way to take the temperature of playground equipment is to touch it with the back of your hand. If it's too hot for you, it's definitely too hot for the little ones. Make sure your child wears shoes on the playground and opt for shaded equipment whenever possible.
—Jason Harary
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