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This study was designed to examine the issue of the safety of children's formal play environments. Safety was defined in terms of morbidity and mortality data. Protection and safety education were considered the prime factors in accident prevention while the goal of a safety program was considered to be the minimizing of injuries. Several data gathering techniques were used: in-depth personal interviews with persons planning and providing playgrounds; telephone interviews with similar personnel in other agency settings and in the federal government; letters requesting the assistance of recreation researchers and personnel; examination of accident records; review of literature on safety; and review of literature on legal responsibility. Accidents attributable to playground equipment were found to account for less than 2 per cent of all children's accidents and to account for very few deaths. Many accidents listed as playground accidents were found to be unrelated to playgrounds per se. Few accidents were attributable to equipment problems, although certain types of swinging equipment were associated with a significant increase in accidents. Surface materials were the most serious causal factors in playground accidents. It is strongly suggested that performance standards for playground equipment be adopted. Recommendations regarding liability and suggestions for further research are given. (Author/DB)