The New Zealand Playground Safety Manual: A Report on Its Development, Implementation, and Success.

"The New Zealand Playground Safety Manual" was designed for early childhood services, primary and intermediate schools, and park administrators. The manual was developed with the input of practitioners who attended seminars held throughout New Zealand and who reviewed all segments of the manual. Part 1 of the manual presents five steps for playground evaluation and ongoing inspection and maintenance: (1) introduction to the evaluation tool kit; (2) a checklist to describe the general playground environment; (3) safety evaluation for specific playground equipment; (4) actions for playground upgrading after safety evaluation is completed; and (5) weekly playground safety inspections. Part 2 deals with the roles of early childhood, school, and park personnel as integral components of the playground safety support system. The manual was sent to all Early Childhood Services, Primary and Intermediate Schools, and Public Park Administrations in early 1995 with recommendations to maximize implementation and to increase the visibility of the government sponsoring agency, the Accident Rehabilitation and Compensation Insurance Corporation (ACC), in working with the organizations. Recommendations included having the local ACC branch offices provide materials and assist with playground upgrading as needed and having the ACC update the manual as standards change. Informal feedback indicates that the Manual had a strong, positive reception and is currently being implemented across the three user areas throughout New Zealand. (KDFB)