Should you add swings to your playground?

Adding a swing beam to your commercial playground provides extra fun for your play space. However, you may notice that many new playgrounds are phasing out swings entirely, leaving you questioning whether or not a swing beam is a good idea on your commercial playground equipment.

Why are swings disappearing? Simply put, swings are deemed too dangerous because of pinch points in the chains, the chance for collisions, and children jumping off the swings. Yes, those things can happen, but the push is to protect the entity from being sued if one of those items occurs.

First and foremost, are swings dangerous? As a dad of three kids, I would argue that the risk a swing brings is negligible, and the rewards are critical. Our children are growing up in a world where their physical bodies are used less and less, and it is repeatedly shown that children need to experience in-body challenges to help them develop and grow.

Challenges like pumping a swing, learning to avoid getting hit by a friend on a swing, and learning to jump off safely may look like risky play, but they are helping your child grow into a capable adult who can accurately assess risk.

Now, all that might be wasted breath if your insurance specifically states you cannot have a swing beam. If that is the case, then you must abide by it.

But if you are free to choose whether your playground will have swings, let’s explore the pros and cons to help you make the right decision for your space, community, and budget.

One note before we begin: When we talk about swings and a swing beam, I am referring to a safely placed stand-alone swing beam. ASTM regulations do not allow a swing beam to be attached to the playground.

Pros of a Swing Beam

This image shows several children swinging on a King Swings Commercial swings.

Classic Fun for All Ages

I spent many hours pushing my son on the swings at our local park. My oldest child was curious and always on the move, chasing experiences and thrills. And sometimes, we had to just get him out of the house to keep him happy. We would waddle down to the local park and spend time laughing and swinging in the bucket swing, his need for excitement and thrills satisfied.

The swings at our local park helped us manage our son’s energy during a stage of life when he couldn’t easily rip around on the actual playground. And now, now that is 10, he still loves to try to get the swings going as high as he possibly can.

Swinging on a swing is great fun for children of all ages. Little ones laugh and giggle in the infant swings, while older kids enjoy maximizing their speed and height!

Exercise and Coordination

Have you used a swing lately, like since you were a child? Pumping your legs, leaning back, and swinging for all your worth is a great workout! It uses your muscles uniquely, which can be challenging to learn but so fun when mastered.

As more of our children’s time is spent on activities that don’t require physical coordination, the importance of the swing beam and the local playground increases. Our bodies do not magically pick up movements that we do not practice, but the swing beam and local playground give space for our children’s bodies to bend, twist, pump, and kick and learn how to move safely in space.

Inclusive Play

While the cost of an inclusive playground can be prohibitive, a swing beam is much easier to install and ensures everyone can enjoy the play!

Now that wheelchair swings, Jennswings, and adaptive swings are easily accessible, swing beams create an easy, affordable way for small towns, daycares, or parks with limited budgets to provide inclusive play in their playgrounds.

Cons of a Swing Beam

Space Requirements

Swing beams require a lot of space. To ensure safe play, a generous buffer zone is needed around them. If you have a small space and are trying to keep the swing beam and playground as close together as the standards allow, this can quickly eat up your designated area.

That being said, since our commercial swing beams are free-standing, you can place the playground and swing beams separately. This allows you to work around trees, pavilions, parking, or other obstacles near your playground.

Liability

While we touched on how “dangerous” a swing beam is already so we won’t linger here. It is a fair critique if you are in a low risk tolerance section of the country. In my little farming community, risk tolerance is high so swing beams are not even blinked at. The community you serve may think differently.

Even if your insurance allows for a swing beam, thoroughly weigh out and discuss the risks with your team. A swing beam may not be suitable for your location and population.

Conclusion

Swing beams add value, inclusive play, and an excellent place for kids to exercise and build coordination. While not every community or space is a perfect fit for a swing beam, if you have the freedom to choose, a swing beam and swings make an excellent addition to your playground.

King Swings Commercial can partner with you to choose the right playground, swing beam, and playground surfacing for your community. We will discuss your various options and site challenges to help you find the perfect layout that fits your space, maximizes safety, and is a blast to use.

Dad to three kids, Justin knows how important it is for children to get lots of physical exercise. His time as a school teacher reinforced that idea. He is passionate about creating fun, enjoyable playgrounds that are safe but full of learning opportunities.