Misconceptions about Heat and Playground Equipment at Evansville Parks

December 14, 2023

Many families are soaking up the last of their summer days at local Evansville parks. Families flock to parks such as Gavin Park and Bayard Park for free entertainment for young children every summer.

Although playgrounds provide free fun and lasting memories for kids, they can also cause injuries. Most parents know to watch their children on playground equipment and make sure they don’t engage in any dangerous behavior. However, there’s one danger on a playground that’s not easy to spot from the sidelines: heat.

During the summer, playground equipment that has been baking in the sun all day can turn as dangerous as a hot stove. Although the heat shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the park with your family, you should be aware of common misconceptions many parents hold regarding playground safety during the summer months.

Misconception #1: Playground Equipment Is Safe Because It’s Made for Children

Just because playgrounds are made for children doesn’t mean they’re completely safe. For example, swing sets are common in most playgrounds, but parents still need to check that the chains are secure and able to hold their child’s weight and that their child is old enough not to get entangled in the chains. Because these dangers are well known, parents can take appropriate measures to ensure safety, and most children can use the swing set without incident.

However, heat can transform even the safest playground equipment into something dangerous. Rest your hand on playground equipment on warm summer days before letting your child play. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your child.

Misconception #2: Playground Equipment Can’t Get Hot Enough to Cause Injury

Many parents wrongfully believe that if the temperature is not unbearably hot, the playground can’t be, either. However, the sun may be shining directly on this equipment for hours, and this can make it significantly warmer than the outside temperature.

In July, a reporter from Eyewitness News took a temperature reader to a local Evansville playground. She found that the black swings were 109 degrees Fahrenheit. Even worse, the black rubber tiles underneath the swings registered at 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

Misconception #3: Only Metal Playground Equipment Is Dangerous

While metal equipment heats up much more quickly than plastic equipment, the plastic equipment can still heat up to dangerous degrees. It is important that you check the equipment before you allow your child to play on it regardless of the material it is made from.

Help from an Evansville Personal Injury Attorney

No child should have to experience the pain of a severe burn, especially when they were simply playing at a park. A park should be a safe place for parents to take children, and it is the city’s responsibility to ensure this safety through warnings and signs. If your child was severely burned when playing at a local playground, you could be entitled to compensation for the emotional and financial costs experienced. Call Hensley Legal Group today for a free consultation or contact us online.