It is the middle of summer and hot. And you’re finally decided to invest in some playground equipment and/or games for the back yard. What do you need to know before you purchase new or say yes to someone’s offer of their kids’ old jungle gym?

Omaha.com recently looked beyond the ways in which many parents improvise by purchasing home pools or playgrounds to build in their own backyard”

Rhianna Miller, a home and landscaping design expert at RubberMulch, recommends that parents ask themselves five important questions before making a playground set purchase (or even backyard games):

1. Will it fit your space? Take measurements before buying equipment and allow some room to change or expand things as your children grow. Allow for a cleared area that extends six feet from all sides of your playground or game area.

2. Is it age-appropriate? Playground equipment and games usually fall under three age groups: toddlers (6 months to 2 years old), preschool (2 to 5 years old), and school age (5 to 12 years old). Consult manufacturers’ guides for the correct age group.

3. Has it passed safety standards? You should look carefully a the manufacturer’s background. Check if any of their products have been recalled or deemed substandard by product safety experts such the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which has a safety education page on their official website that gives alerts, guidance, information and the latest news on playground safety.

4. How should I protect my kids from injuries? Aside from the equipment, you will need to invest in proper surfacing material that acts as a cushion for potential falls and spills. Rubber mulch is a good option because it offers the best shock absorbency, as well as the least maintenance among all playground surfacing materials.

5. How much maintenance is involved? Will you need some re-coating, re-varnishing and sealant to protect your playground's wooden parts as seasons roll by? Commit to regular inspection. Check for rotting wood, rusting metal, loose parts, peeling paint, and other hazards. Test surfaces constantly to see if they are too hot or too cold for your kids to use.

Now, for that backyard theme park… Ready, kids?

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