Playgrounds Near Roads

Playground Fencing: Balancing Safety and Accessibility

Playground safety is a crucial concern for communities across New Zealand, particularly when it comes to protecting children from nearby vehicular traffic. While there is no national standard prescribing a specific safe distance between play equipment and roads, some local governments have developed their own guidelines based on experience and risk assessment but unfortunately this is not consistent throughout.

Fencing Guidelines

Based on two decades of experience working with councils throughout New Zealand, a common threshold for fencing play areas near roadways has emerged:

A distance of approximately 20 meters or more is generally considered safe for playgrounds near roads/vehicle ways without fencing. When the distance is less than 20 meters, fencing is often recommended to enhance child safety.
Some councils previously used a 10-meter guideline

When fencing is deemed necessary, the following specifications are typically recommended:

Pool-style fencing at least 1200mm high.
Self-closing gate with a closing speed of 4-8 seconds from a 90-degree open position.
Gate positioned away from the road-facing side for added safety.
A compliant fence design to NZS5828 (entrapment compliance)

The gate's closing speed is particularly important, as it ensures that young children remain within the enclosed area and cannot easily exit due to a slow-closing mechanism.

Swing-Specific Considerations

Swings require additional safety measures due to their movement. According to NZS5828 and EN1176 Annex A, the following recommendations apply when fencing swing areas:

Entrances should be located in corners near the playground centre to discourage children from waiting or moving around swings.
Entry points should be designed to restrict entry speed.
Fences should be positioned at least 1.5 meters from the side edge of swing seats.
Subject to risk assessment, fences should be 1.5 meters from the edge of the impact area in the direction of the swinging motion.

It's worth noting that fences are not always the ideal solution for segregating swings. The decision to use fencing should be based on individual risk assessments, considering factors such as the environment, swing type, and seat design.

Balancing Safety and Accessibility

While fencing is an important safety measure, it's crucial to strike a balance between protection and accessibility. Overly restrictive barriers can limit children's freedom to explore and engage with their environment. When designing playground spaces, consider:

Natural barriers: Using landscaping elements like shrubs or small hills to create separation
Visibility: Ensuring clear sightlines for supervisors while maintaining a safe distance from roads
Inclusive design: Creating spaces that are accessible to children of all abilities

By thoughtfully implementing these guidelines and considering the unique needs of each playground, communities can create safe, engaging spaces that promote both protection and play.