Topic Sheet No.7
April 2009
LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND
PLAYING FIELDS ASSOCIATION
PLAYGROUND FENCING AND GATES
Is a playground fence a legal requirement?
Whilst there is no LEGAL OBLIGATION to enclose a children’s playground with a metal, wire or wooden perimeter
fence there may be compelling reasons for doing so. First, and foremost, a risk assessment of the playground and
surrounding area identifying any hazards should be carried out.
Unfortunately playground fencing is mistakenly seen as an essential element of a children’s playground irrespective
of the location of the playground. This means money spent on the fence (whether needed or not) will mean less is
spent on play equipment. If there are hazards, such as nearby roads, water or electrical sub-stations, it makes sense to
enclose the playground and protect the children from such hazards. If dogs are a genuine nuisance, rather than a
perceived problem, it makes sense to install gates and fencing but all too frequently gates and fencing are installed
without even considering if there are any possible hazards, if there is an actual need or considering any alternatives.
Children’s playgrounds located in a large open space like a park or playing field may not need additional fencing to
deter dogs if the perimeter fencing of the park or playing field is already “dog-proof”. It may be that a public car park
is near to the playground in a playing field. In which case is it essential to fence the whole playground or just the side
nearest the car park? More attractive ways of creating boundaries to a children’s playground can be employed if
mounds and hollows are used or even clever planting schemes. Grass banks and hollows are far more attractive and
less “threatening” in appearance. A growing number of children’s playgrounds feature willow-fencing which can be
very attractive and just as effective although in the early days additional wire mesh fencing may be needed as the
fence “grows”.
There will be some locations where it may not be possible to enclose a playground with a fence. Playgrounds on
Common land, for example, must remain open-access as most common land is protected with bye-laws preventing
any enclosure or fencing. But, as a general rule, the decision to fence a children’s playground should be a considered
one and not a knee-jerk reaction based on the lines of “Keeping dogs out and children in”. Sadly, and all too
frequently, within a year the gates no longer work – so dogs can enter at will - and the fences are damaged or removed
- so children can leave whenever they like – and no-one, least of all the playground managers, seems to mind.
Erect the best fence you can afford and don’t opt for the cheapest.
All too often the money runs out long before any consideration is given to providing good quality, effective
playground fencing. This leads to the cheapest possible fencing being erected, by the company offering the lowest
possible quotation and, almost without exception; it costs far more in the long run, to go for the cheapest fence option.
A playground fence is an integral play element of any playground. To a child the fence surrounding the swings, the
see-saw, the slide and the roundabout is yet another piece of play equipment. It is there to be climbed, jumped upon
or off, to sit upon, to push and shove friends into (and over, occasionally) but it is there to be used, as part of Play.
Older children seem incapable of walking by a fence without making contact either by kicking a ball against it,
running a stick along it, or trying to jump it or fall against it. Usually bikes are thrown against a fence by their ownersseldom are they stood carefully against the fence rails.
Most playground fences suffer from abuse and misuse and it really is short-sighted of any playground manager
skimping on good quality fencing by saying that whatever money is available is best spent on play equipment rather
than necessary extras.
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Increasingly we are seeing more and more money being spent by playground managers on providing a “safer”
surface for the whole playground, than is actually spent on providing an exciting, challenging and stimulating range of
play equipment. It is almost as if we have forgotten that there should be an element of risk and consequence to be
found in a children’s playground. We are in danger of becoming over-protective to growing, developing, eager-tolearn-youngsters, who want to test out their new skills, physical strength, agility and co-ordination. Managing the
risks and ensuring the consequences are acceptable are essential parts of the playground manager’s responsibility.
Providing a good quality perimeter fence, where needed, with safe effective gates is another.
What type of fencing is best?
Not surprisingly there is no single answer to providing the best fence possible as a number of factors can affect your
decision. However some forms of fencing are obviously unsuitable and yet they can be found, every so often, on
children’s playgrounds!
Barbed wire, rusting, single wire barriers, any kind of animal or stock fencing employing barbs or spikes should not
be used. Neither should ranch-style (post and rail) fencing be used. Horizontal bars offer a climbing platform or
unofficial access into the playground. If ranch fencing is used make sure children cannot climb OUT OF THE
PLAYGROUND by putting up a wire or plastic-mesh screen on the side of the fence FACING INTO the playground.
This should prevent small feet from gaining a purchase on the bottom rail.
Perhaps the most convenient and most durable fence for a children’s playground is the type seen in municipal parks
and around public buildings. Galvanised mild steel bow-topped railings are easy to install, are very strong, easy to
maintain and they can be painted or not. Usually bolted onto matching uprights securely fixed (concrete) into the
ground such fencing comes in a range of widths and heights. The ideal height for a fence around a children’s
playground should be between 1 – 1.2 metres. Galvanised railings come in a variety of styles, some flat-topped, others
with a hoop or half-round top. Do not use any metal railing that features a fleur-de-lys design or arrow-head style of
top rail. These can be dangerous and must be avoided. The advantage of galvanised (or wrought-iron if you can
afford it) is the durability and strength of the material. Another benefit is that invariably such railings actually blend
into the background far more effectively than traditional wooden fencing, which can sometimes look rather like a
stockade or a cage. More and more rural communities are using metal railings around their playgrounds as they really
do offer value for money, in the long term.
Traditional wooden fencing featuring vertical half-round logs or flat lengths fixed to horizontal cross rails are very
popular and come in a great variety of styles and finishes and QUALITIES! Any wood used in a children’s
playground must be appropriate for the purpose and should be pressure impregnated with preservative to last and also
must be free of any finger entrapments (small knot holes, splinters or splits/gaps 8mm and 25mm). Again the height
of the fence should be between 1 – 1.2 metres with the vertical bars fixed securely to the cross rails so that small feet
cannot gain a purchase on the cross rail. A maximum gap of 89mm between uprights should prevent this from
happening. For maximum strength insist that the uprights are SCREWED to the horizontal support rails even if this
will cost more. It is harder to kick down a fence upright when it screwed on than when it is just nailed, even if the
nails are put in at an angle and two or more are used. Nails split wood unless entering a pre-drilled hole and good
quality screws are much stronger and less damaging to the wood.
The choice of wood or metal fencing depends largely upon taste and maybe local surroundings but which ever
material is chosen, the fence should be as open as possible allowing for good vision, in and out, of the playground. It
is vital that small children can be seen, and can see out. Just as important is that older children, who may frequent the
playground, can also be seen. Playing behind a solid barrier can be upsetting for young children who may lose sight
of parents, brothers and sisters. Solid fences may conceal all sorts of mischief especially with older children.
Wire or plastic coated mesh can be useful as fencing but only if it is well supported, by sturdy rails and posts. Chain
link is not very effective unless it is carried taut on two cross rails, one at the top and one at the bottom. Prone to
attack from vandals, wire and plastic coated mesh is a cheap option that requires a lot of maintenance and inspection
especially if children climb it, (which they frequently do!). Loose wires quickly appear at broken points and these can
be very dangerous. Probably best used in conjunction with a planting schemes at perhaps the rear of the play area, at
say a boundary with a neighbouring area, gardens, allotments etc. etc.
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Styles and Suppliers
The attached sheet shows a number of fence styles suitable for playgrounds. When discussing the type of fence you
want remember you will need two pedestrian access gates and a vehicular access gate and possibly a dog grid
Gates, access points and dog grids
Unless it is a very small playground it is always advisable to install two gates for pedestrian exit and access. This
gives a choice, if required, when leaving the playground. If there is a large area of grass in the playground you will
need a gate to let in mowing equipment. Pedestrian gates should be self-closing, of which there are many types on the
market, and in most circumstances the gate should open OUTWARDS to prevent dogs from pushing open the gate to
get into the playground. Gates opening onto a pavement or near to a water hazard should open INWARDS to prevent
children from dashing straight out of a play area. There should be a minimum gap all around the gate opening of
12mm to ensure small fingers are not caught and there should be no protrusion likely to injure a child, i.e. a latch or
bolt extending past the gate or gate post or attached to any signage placed on the gate or fence. Where possible use
rounded handles and make sure a rubber buffer is fitted on the strike plate to lessen the sound of the gate closing.
Access gates for mowing equipment should be kept padlocked to prevent unauthorised access.
All pedestrian gates should be clearly marked and be very visible and with a smooth ground surface. Children are
frequently injured when tripping over worn, rough ground at playground entrances. Paving slabs can help ease the
wear and tear and if you want to make sure no dogs access the playground consider fitting a dog grid. Then, if the gate
is left open, or is broken, dogs will not be able to get in. Dog grids are only effective if cleaned out on a regular basis.
Once they become full of litter or mud animals can cross without difficulty. Always remember to fit the grid with the
slots running across and not along the line of access otherwise pram-wheels may become wedged.
Regular inspection and maintenance
The playground fencing and gates need to be inspected just as frequently and as thoroughly as the rest of the
playground. Most problems emanate from around the gate area with the gate itself attracting most of the problems.
Make sure the self-closing mechanism is operating correctly. It should close between 3 – 8 seconds without
propelling a child or mother and pram into the play area! Is the gate hanging correctly? Children love to play on the
gate but dog grids are an effective way of deterring them for some reason. Does the gate travel evenly over the
ground or can feet and toes become trapped under a gate on rising ground?
Check all fence posts for movement. Make sure all uprights are in place and there are no gaps. Ensure there are no
protrusions especially nail heads or ends of wire sticking out just waiting to rip out a child’s eye. Make sure any wire
mesh is fixed to a top rail and a bottom rail to prevent any sagging. Are there any splinters or hazards present in the
wood?
Finally make sure the base of the fence is free of litter and that in the case of loose fill material such as bark, the fence
is not covered by the bark. A tip worth remembering. Regularly replace bark in the main wear areas with bark from
alongside the fence. Lightly fork over the worn areas first and then mix in the fresh bark to prolong the life of the
play surface.
The Oxfordshire Playing Fields Association is pleased to acknowledge the invaluable assistance provided by the API and RoSPA
in the origination of material for this Information sheet. Whilst every care has been taken in the production of this Information
Sheet, the OPFA cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that might occur, or be held liable for any advice given.
ORCC-9 OPFA ROADSHOW INFO SHEETS IS115 Playground Fences
April 2009
Produced for Leicestershire & Rutland Playing Fields Association by Oxfordshire Playing Fields Association,
Jericho Farm, Worton, Witney, Oxon OX29 4SZ
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