8/3/01

Following is a story lead and the University of Northern Iowa sources who can best address this topic. Feel free to contact the sources directly.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently released statistics noting that annually approximately 47,000 children receive emergency room care for injuries that occurred on home playground equipment. Falls to surfaces contributed to 79 percent of all injuries. On home equipment, 81 percent of injuries were associated with falls. This means over 75percent of the injuries that require emergency treatment occur on public playground areas located at childcare centers, schools and parks.

The National Program for Playground Safety is based at the University of Northern Iowa, and is continuing its Safety School through Sat, Aug. 4, instructing individuals responsible for playgrounds how to keep them safe. Donna Thompson, NPPS director, believes proper planning can prevent many injuries on playgrounds, and recommends a comprehensive program that includes supervision, age-appropriate equipment, proper fall surfaces, and well-maintained equipment. Another Safety School will take place Aug. 6 to 9 at UNI.

Contact:

Donna Thompson, director, National Program for Playground Safety, (319) 273-2416

Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761

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