playground evaluation

Gabriel’s Garden

Created by Cassie Hallmark

& Jill Landreth

Information based on the Handbook for Public Playground SafetyPublished by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

About

• Founder: Darlene Walden• Supporters: Fishman's Fund, the City of Jackson,

West Tennessee Healthcare, and the Jackson Civitan Club

• Public playground with the intent to be a desired place to visit for family outings and field trips

The playground

is huge!

The playground

is very clean and nice for all children to play on.

Aerial View of Gabriel’s Garden

Check ListSurfacing

• The surface of the playground is made of rubber tiles.

• It is 58 yards x 22 yards.• It is about ½ inch thick. • The tables have concrete

under them on about 1/6 of the playground.

• The surface is complete with no holes and no debris.

General Hazards

• We found about 5 trip hazards in the surfacing.

Check ListDeterioration of the

Equipment• Chain stair is rusting.

Security of Hardware

• There was one broken screw on the bottom of a pole. It did not seem serious but should be fixed.

Check List

Drainage• There is no drainage. We

are assuming the surface absorbs water.

Leaded Paint• There is no chipped or

cracked paint. • There are scuff marks from

shoes and wheels on the paint but that is all.

Check ListGeneral Upkeep of

Playground• Trash cans were present

and empty. • There were 2 bottles, a

cup, 2 water bottle caps, and a wrapper on the playground.

Accessibility to the Disable• This playground is

specifically made for children with disabilities.

• There are ramps to everything and the whole thing is connected.

• Swings, a see-saw, and even a “Sway Fun” were made for disabled students.

These aspects of the playground help students learn

sign language, matching, temperature, and seasons.

Interpret your findings• Strengths:

– Not only can children play on this playground, they also can learn.

– This is a playground for ages 2-12, whether they have a disability or not. All of the areas are accessible and appear very safe.

• Weaknesses: – No water fountains available– No storage area for personal

belongings

Suggestions for Improvement

• Additional swings for more children to play on (there are only 2 on site)

• More shaded areas for hot days• Lockers/space for personal items to be locked up while

playing• First aid kits available • Ramp leading up to slides for easier access for disabled

children• Water fountains • Pay phone/emergency phone (there is a walking track, etc.

beside it and even though most people have cell phones, it might be smart to have one in case of an emergency or if there are suspicious people around)

Visit the web at http://www.gabrielsgarden.net

to find out more about Gabriel’s Garden and what you can do to help support

the playground and its upkeep.