4 DC Playgrounds to be Made 'Cushier' to Protect Kids

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Park Service is making four playgrounds in D.C. "cushier" in time for the New Year.

The new playgrounds will have new, softer surfaces before the end of the year, and will be closed for three weeks while work is completed. The playgrounds are located at:

• Maryland Avenue NE and 10th St NE (on Capitol Hill)
• Randall Circle, Minnesota Ave SE, across from G St SE (near Fort Dupont)
• Fairfax Village, Alabama Ave SE, between 37th St SE and 38th St SE (both the larger rectangular playground and the swingset area)

Kids will be able to play in nearby areas while construction is going on.

The new surfaces will improve shock absorption and thus lessen the chance of injury. Two of the playgrounds have mulch surfaces, while the other two have worn-out rubber surfaces.

“I wish these poured rubber surfaces were around when my kids were growing up,” acting Superintendent Ann Honious said in a National Park Service statement. “As parents and grandparents, we know that kids can be daring and accidents happen, so the National Park Service is using the latest surface technology to help cushion their falls and keep them safe.”

Image via Wikimedia user Phasmatisnox