Keeping playgrounds safe for everyone to enjoy is a top priority for the Municipality. There is a dedicated Parks team that regularly inspects playgrounds and tests equipment to ensure they meet the rigorous safety standards and regulations set forth by the Canadian Playground Safety Institute (CPSI). All playground designs and upgrades follow CPSI standards and regulations.
If you have safety concerns with a playground or would like to bring something to the attention of the Municipality, please call Pulse at 780-743-7000 or submit a report online at rmwb.ca/pulse.
Playground Accessibility
The Municipality is committed to building an inclusive region. Accessible design for public spaces is a priority for all capital projects, including parks and playgrounds. Many of the recently updated playgrounds in the region include accessible features, such as:
- Ramp access
- Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design (ADA) swing seats
- Brava universal and face-to-face swings
- Sign language and Braille alphabet boards
- Contrasting colors for visual aids
- Wooden borders have been replaced with graded concrete borders to provide a smooth transition into the playgrounds
The following parks have playgrounds with many of these features:
- Syncrude Athletic Park
- Dr. KA Clark
- Lions Park
- Christina Gordon Playground
- Father Beauregard Playground
- Dickinsfield & Sister Mary Shared Playground
The Municipality is always exploring ways to make public spaces more inclusive and welcome any recommendations by the public. If you have suggestions, please call Pulse at 780-743-7000 or submit a report online at rmwb.ca/pulse.
Playground Surfacing
To ensure playgrounds continue to be safe and available, the Municipality has discontinued rubber surfacing and uses Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) for all new playgrounds and rehabilitation projects.
Using EWF enhances the safety of playgrounds and is best practice for playgrounds throughout Alberta, with many Municipalities using the product. EWF is aligned with CPSI safety standards. It is wheelchair accessible, and meets the accessibility requirements set forth by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). It is also much easier and less expensive to maintain than other surfaces, such as rubber tiles or pour-in-place rubber.
The Municipal Parks team performs regular maintenance on EWF and continuously inspects playground surfaces. Drop tests are done with specialized equipment to ensure the ground can absorb most of the impact from a fall at heights to prevent a serious injury.
Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF)
Most playgrounds in the RMWB use Engineered Wood Fiber as surfacing. This material is aligned with Canadian Playground Safety Institute (CPSI) safety standards, and in our region it has consistently received a higher safety rating than rubber on surface tests. It is wheelchair accessible, and meets the accessibility requirements set forth by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
Using EWF enhances the safety of playgrounds and is best practice for playgrounds throughout Alberta, with many Municipalities using the product. It is specifically designed to ensure accessibility, be easy on the feet, not leave splinters, and is sanitary. In addition, it is easier and much less expensive to maintain.
EWF will continue to be used to resurface parks in the region as it is a superior and safer product than rubber.
Rubber Surfacing
Rubber surfacing was initially installed in many of the parks in the region as it was considered a safer alternative to grass, concrete or sand. However, our region’s weather (long cold winters and hot summers), deteriorates the rubber surfacing quickly. This requires frequent and expensive maintenance and replacement of the rubber surfacing to ensure our playgrounds remain safe.
When a playground fails an inspection or safety check, it needs to be fully or partially closed for repairs to ensure it’s safe for everyone.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
| Why was rubber surfacing replaced with Engineered Wood Fiber (wood chips)? |
| EWF is easy to install, easy to replace and can be stockpiled for future maintenance. The safety of rubber surfacing starts to be compromised when it deteriorates, and our region's harsh winters and hot summers cause rubber surfacing to deteriorate quickly. Pour-in-place rubber typically has a shorter lifespan than playground equipment, which poses maintenance challenges. Professional rubber surfacing companies need to be hired from outside the region for even minor repairs, while EWF can be maintained by RMWB staff. Using EWF will allow for easier maintenance of playground surfacing and keep playgrounds in use, instead of under repair. |
| How are playground designs determined? |
| The RMWB conducts stakeholder engagements with schools to determine specific school needs and how the equipment can better accommodate the needs of the children and the school. This information is included in the criteria for playground designs. Playground designs are selected with the guidance of the Parks Master Plan, which was created with extensive public engagement. |
| How can I request a repair or upgrade to a playground? |
| Please call Pulse at 780-743-7000 to request a repair or if you notice something unsafe on the playground structure. Keep an eye out for public engagement opportunities, or through our social media accounts. |
| There are unsafe and inappropriate activities happening at a park, what should I do? |
| We take safety concerns very seriously. Bylaw Services patrols parks and respond to reports of inappropriate activities. Please call Pulse at 780-743-7000. |
| Is there a list of all the playgrounds? |
| Yes! You can find all our playgrounds, parks and recreation spaces on the Parks Map. The map also highlights features at the playgrounds, such as washrooms, picnic areas and more. You can use the search function to find the perfect park for you and your family. |