Ensuring Child Safety in Playgrounds

April 29, 2025

Ensuring Child Safety in Playgrounds

Creating safe playgrounds is a top priority for councils across Australia. Fencing around outdoor play spaces plays a crucial role in preventing children from running into hazards such as busy roads, waterways, or encountering animals. While public playgrounds are not mandated to be fenced, councils must conduct thorough risk assessments to determine the necessity of fencing. Many councils opt for high-quality gate hardware to enhance safety, ensuring that playgrounds remain secure environments for children to enjoy and peace of mind for parents.

Government Compliance Rules for Playgrounds
In NSW, playgrounds must adhere to the Australian Standards for playground equipment and surfacing, specifically AS 4685. While these standards focus on the development, installation, inspection, maintenance, and operation of playground equipment, they do not currently include specific requirements for perimeter fencing. However, it would be beneficial for councils and standards bodies to consider incorporating guidelines for boundary fences around playgrounds. Including features such as self-closing hinges and latches that snap shut would enhance safety by ensuring gates remain securely closed, preventing children from wandering out of the play area.

Key points perimeter boundaries should include:

1.    Height and Structure: Fences around playgrounds must be of a sufficient height to prevent children from climbing over. Typically, this means a minimum height of 1.2 meters.

2.    Material and Design: The materials used for fencing must be durable and free from sharp edges or protrusions that could cause injury. The design should also prevent children from getting stuck or trapped.

3.    Gates and Access Points: Gates must be self-closing and self-latching to ensure they remain closed when not in use.

The Role of D&D Gate Hardware

D&D Technologies is renowned for its innovative gate hardware solutions designed to enhance safety and security. Two of their standout products, MagnaLatch® and TruClose® self-closing hinges, are widely used in playgrounds for their reliability and effectiveness.

  1. MagnaLatch: These magnetic latches are designed to provide secure closure for gates, preventing unauthorised access and ensuring that gates remain closed. The Series 3 Top Pull and smaller Side Pull are often used as well as the MagnaLatch ALERT model that includes an integrated alarm system that notifies caregivers if the gate is left open This feature is particularly beneficial in playgrounds, where constant supervision is essential.
  2. TruClose Self-Closing Hinges: These hinges ensure that gates automatically close after being opened, reducing the risk of gates being left ajar. Made from industrial-grade polymers and stainless-steel components, TruClose hinges are resistant to rust, binding, and sagging, making them ideal for outdoor use

Some examples of recent installations in NSW

Reid Park, Mosman Bay
A notable example of these safety measures in action is the recent upgrade at Reid Park, Mosman Bay. Mosman Council completed a significant refurbishment of the playground in April 2025, the first since 2005.

The new playground features an interactive nature play area, inclusive play equipment, rubber soft-fall surfacing, and a shade sail.

As part of the upgrade, MagnaLatches and TruClose self-closing hinges were installed on the playground gates to ensure maximum safety for children. This installation reflects Mosman Council's commitment to providing a secure and enjoyable environment for young residents and their families. The landscaping work was expertly carried out by GJ's Landscape and Civil, known for their high standards and attention to detail

Robert Pymble Park, Pymble
Robert Pymble playground has been themed around the area’s former use as a fruit farm by its namesake Robert Pymble. Playground equipment designed for all ages and abilities includes a tractor, a farm-inspired climbing frame and fruit shaped rockers.

Growth Civil Landscapes was the landscaping company that worked on Robert Pymble Park. They received a Silver Award for their work in the Commercial and Civil Construction category at the 2024 NSW Landscape Association Excellence Awards.

The goal of the upgrade to Robert Pymble Park was to create an attractive, engaging and inclusive community place for everyone in the local community to enjoy. Features of the upgraded park include:

  • A playground catering for a range of age groups and abilities.
  • A circuit track for younger children to ride bicycles and scooters.
  • Installation of park furniture, bin, bubbler and seating options.
  • Improved accessibility for users of all age groups and abilities.
  • Increased planted areas and nature play elements.
  • A fully fenced play area to increase safety.
  • A mix of rubber soft fall and mulch surfacing.
  • A range of passive, imaginative and active play activities.

The boundary fence includes a 1200mm gate that opens inwards towards the play area, away from the road, a large stop sign on the gate when exiting, a MagnaLatch® Top Pull and Truclose®  Heavy Duty self-closing hinges.

Benefits of Using MagnaLatches and TruClose Hinges

  • Enhanced Safety: The combination of self-closing hinges and secure latches ensures that playground gates remain closed, reducing the risk of children wandering out of the play area.
  • Durability: Both MagnaLatch and TruClose hinges are designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, ensuring long-term reliability.
  • Ease of Use: These products are easy to install and adjust, making them a practical choice for councils looking to upgrade playground safety features.

By choosing high-quality gate hardware like MagnaLatch and TruClose self-closing hinges, councils in NSW are taking significant steps to ensure the safety of children in playgrounds. These measures not only provide peace of mind for parents and caregivers but also contribute to creating a secure and enjoyable environment for children to play and explore.

For more information on playground safety standards and D&D gate hardware, you can visit the Standards Australia website and D&D Technologies.