Safe playgrounds: An analysis in the context of regulations and selected design principles

Playgrounds are intended to provide children with safe and welcoming spaces for recreation. In many countries, including Poland, safety requirements are governed by specific standards and regulations. Unfortunately, these regulations are not always observed, which undermines the function of playgrounds as secure environments for play. This study, conducted in Wrocław on a residential estate dating from the 1970s–1980s, aimed to assess whether the design and infrastructure of playgrounds comply with legal safety requirements and incorporate appropriately planned greenery. The analysis considered, among other factors, the distance of playgrounds from streets, parking lots, and waste collection points; the presence of fencing; certified equipment with designated safety zones; the type of shock-absorbing surfaces; access to sunlight and shade; as well as biologically active areas and plant species composition. The findings reveal that the examined playgrounds largely fail to meet applicable standards and regulations: 100% of sites were equipped with unsuitable loose surfaces, 80% displayed inadequately designated safety zones around equipment, and play areas consistently lacked shade. The results highlight the gap between current knowledge, legal requirements, and the actual safety and comfort of playground use. They also provide practical insights for managers and designers seeking to improve the quality and safety of playground environments.