Ben Cox from Parents for Climate shows exactly how much surfaces in a kids’ playground heat up during hot summer days.
- 5°C on unshaded astroturf.
- 41°C on shaded astroturf.
- 64°C on green rubber surfacing around exercise equipment.
- 45°C In the shade, on natural surfacing and lighter colour.
64°C is well into burn-risk territory. At temperatures above 60°C, contact burns can occur in seconds, particularly on rubber, plastic and metal surfaces. Children are especially vulnerable, as they may not recognise heat danger or withdraw quickly enough. In Australia, more than 5,400 people were hospitalised for thermal injuries in 2023–2024, with the highest injury rate in children aged 0–4. Contact burns account for a significant portion of paediatric burn cases, not just scalds.
What makes heat risk challenging is its invisibility. A playground can meet fall-height and structural standards yet still pose a serious hazard on hot days. Dark rubber Softfall, synthetic turf and plastic elements absorb and retain heat far more than natural or lighter-coloured materials, particularly when installed in full sun.
For inspectors, this shifts the focus beyond compliance alone. Shade becomes a primary safety control, not an optional add-on. Material and colour selection matter, as does site orientation. Practical risk management includes targeted shade over high-contact areas, avoiding large expanses of dark surfacing, routine temperature checks during heat events, clear signage and, where necessary, temporary closures.
As temperatures rise, playground safety is no longer just about falls. If children cannot safely touch the surface, is the playground truly safe to use?
