Promoting healthy minds and bodies through safer playgrounds: A comprehensive approach using MAP-IT

Background: According to the National Program for Playground Safety, approximately 218,000 children are treated in emergency rooms yearly for playground-related injuries. Children from families of low socioeconomic status demonstrate significantly higher rates of playground injury due to playing on unsafe or ill-repaired equipment. Purpose: To describe a collaborative effort for promoting playground safety and injury prevention in low-income minority communities using MAP-IT, a community planning framework promoted by USDHHS. Methods: Researchers collaborated with a community action agency and three Head Start centers in low-income communities. An assessment of community needs and resources was conducted prior to developing a plan for promoting playground safety. Community members were educated on the importance of playground safety, learned to identify playground hazards through participation in assessments of Head Start playgrounds, and were provided with skills and resources to advocate for safer community play areas. The project was delivered in both English and Spanish languages. Results: Playground safety hazards and related standards from The Americans with Disabilities Act were identified at the Head Start playgrounds. Researchers provided the agency with recommendations for repairs and methods to continue playground safety education in the community. Additionally, community members committed to assess the safety of a public playground in their community within the following six months. Conclusion: MAP-IT provided a useful framework for promoting playground safety and injury prevention in low-income communities. This project demonstrates an example of a collaborative community effort to provide safe environments for children to play and develop healthy minds and bodies.