We are all familiar with the typical playground hazards found on American playgrounds. Third world countries usually have more hazards, in part, because more funds are available in America for providing safer playgrounds and, in part, because those in charge of American playgrounds have more training in playground safety and risk management. On a recent visit to India, we visited a number of rural and urban playgrounds and saw a number of risks. One of the best, and most amusing, playgrounds we saw was one in Cochin (Kochi), India.

Indian playgrounds resembled playgrounds in America 50 years ago. The standard equipment is slides, seesaws, swings, merry-go-rounds, and climbers. The Cochin Playground had all of these and was the best-maintained facility that we saw.

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Photo 1 shows much of the playground, including some cows relaxing in the foreground. Of course, in India, cows tend to rest wherever they choose, including the middle of busy streets – cars just go around them.

Cows create a hazard seldom seen on American playgrounds.  Be careful, watch where you step! (Photo 2)

Merry Go Rounds

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Merry-go-rounds were very popular with the children and this playground had two different types. The first was a small one that had bars around it to reduce the likelihood of children falling off. It also had a floor so children could not fall between the spokes to the ground. (Photo 3)  The other merry-go-round was larger and not quite so safe. It was designed for bigger kids than the little tourist pictured in Photo 4.

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You can see that it has a hand bar to grip and a footrest. However, if a kid lost his or her grip and fell toward the center, an injury would be likely.

Swings & Seesaws

Swings are very popular. The swings on this playground were unusual for India  in that they had a soft seat. (Photo 5) Seesaws are also found on most playgrounds. In photo 6 we see two boys on a typical seesaw. This seesaw had a handgrip for the participants – something that one does not always find in India.

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Slides

Slides can be the standard slide, but they are often more creative. Photo 7 shows a very nice traditional slide. It has handgrips for the climber and was not overly high. Nevertheless, like all slides, they are subject to the imagination of kids as can be seen by the boys sliding together. (Photo 8 ) Giraffe slides are not uncommon in India. (Photo 9) This one usually had several kids playing on it. It is higher and offers more challenge and excitement for the bigger kids.

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However, some smaller youngsters also enjoyed it as can be seen in  Photo 10  where a father is supervising his young daughter. For many kids, the fun was shunning the steps in favor of climbing up the side of the giraffe. (Photo 11)

Climbers

Climbers The climber on this playground had an unusual design that we had not seen before. Some kids climbed up and played around the outside of the ball. (Photo 12) Others chose to perch for a while within the ball. (Photo 13)

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On Indian playground, however, there are often visitors that surprise you. (Photo 14)