Playground equipment is recreational indoor and outdoor equipment designed to help children develop physical coordination, strength and flexibility while playing. Playgrounds provide an environment that encourages a child to develop both physically and mentally. Playground equipment is typically constructed from wood, metal or plastic. The use of plastic is becoming increasing popular because it is a softer material, is easier to install, and is available in a wide variety of colors to captivate a child's visual sense.
There are five categories of playground equipment: sliding, spinning, balancing, hanging and climbing. Some of the elements included in these categories are swingsets, stairs, bridges, slides, climbing walls, see-saws, spring riders, and trapeze bars.
Originally there were some safety concerns about playground equipment due to the alarming number of emergency room visits resulting from playground accidents. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) created standards for playground equipment design, installation and maintenance practices. These regulations have led to a reduction in playground accidents and improved safety.