Assessment of Safety in Children’s Play Areas After the DANA: Identification of Critical Risks and Recovery Strategies – SEIDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In October 2024, the province of Valencia experienced severe flooding caused by a DANA (Isolated High-Level Depression), which devastated infrastructure, homes, businesses, and public spaces. Among the affected areas were numerous children’s playgrounds, which suffered significant damage due to strong water currents, debris impact, and prolonged exposure to moisture and mud.

Restoring these play areas presents a major challenge, not only due to the extent of the damage but also because of the urgency to do so under adverse conditions. The presence of water and humidity can compromise the structural integrity of playground equipment and materials, posing serious safety risks. Playgrounds are essential public spaces that support children’s physical, cognitive, and social development from early childhood to adolescence. Ensuring their safety involves more than just the equipment it includes layout, impact-attenuating surfaces, surrounding urban furniture, and vegetation.

This project aims to develop a Guide for assessing critical safety aspects in play areas affected by the DANA, primarily targeting local councils and companies involved in the design, maintenance, or repair of playgrounds. The guide will serve as a decision-making tool to help manage and restore the safety of these spaces.

Throughout 2025, the project will focus on:

  • Identifying damaged playground equipment
  • Defining critical safety factors in the face of extreme weather events
  • Assessing deterioration levels and repair needs across various municipalities

Additionally, a risk matrix and a practical guide will be created, including checklists and mitigation measures. These tools will be validated in real environments before being published and shared across the Valencian Community.

Beyond recovery, the project seeks to enhance the resilience of playgrounds against future climate-related events, contributing to safer and more sustainable urban environments for children.

 

File number:  
Start date: 03/03/2025
Duration: 12 months
Status: Initiated
Subsidized amount: 15.000,00 €

COORDINATOR CONTACT

Name: Encarna Alemañ
Telephone: 965554475
E-mail: encarnaalemany@aiju.es

 

First Vice Presidency and Regional Ministry of Social Services, Equality, and Housing, whose support has been key to promoting this initiative aimed at protecting children and improving the urban environment.