Fundamentals for thermal comfort and safety: designing climate-ready playgrounds
This report and supporting documents outline the risks posed to children due to unsuitable conditions of playgrounds during summer. The resources allow for a self-assessment of a playground's level of thermal comfort and safety, as well as guidance on how to improve these factors. Such measures are important as extreme heat can turn playgrounds into micro heat islands, posing substantial risk to the safety and comfort of children during warm seasons. The guidance and tools have been developed by Dr. Heather Olsen at the National Program For Play Area Safety, with support from the Standards Council of Canada and Health Canada.
The following design strategies are given:
- Shade
- Landscaping and vegetation
- Air circulation and wind breaks
- Water
- Ground and play surface
- Smart materials and products conducive to safety year-round
- Placement of surfaces and equipment
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Hazards
Heatwave and Extreme Heat
Country and region
Canada
Number of pages
31 p.
Publication year
2025