Where must climbing equipment, swings, and slides not be installed?

• A. Over grass
• B. Over asphalt or concrete
• C. Over sand
• D. Over dirt

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that the area under playground equipment must cushion falls. Hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete offer no give, so installing climbing equipment, swings, or slides on those surfaces greatly increases the risk of serious injury. The safe approach is to place these features on an impact-absorbing surface—such as sand, wood chips/mulch, rubber, or other approved materials—within the fall zone and with adequate clearance. Softer surfaces like grass, dirt, or sand can be acceptable only if they meet depth and maintenance requirements to provide proper cushioning; hard paving materials should be avoided.