Department Keeping Fun Safe (NAPSA)—Making sure that kids have safe places to have fun can be child’s play. Experts sayall it takes is a little neighborhood cooperation and a few tips to make playgrounds even better—and more fun—then they already are. Friends and neighbors can work together to spruce up their children’s playgrounds. Get It Clean—Have a basic playground pick-me-up. Dispose of debris, check the playground surface for inappropriate items and add a fresh coat of paint to equipment. Often, community andcity leaders will donate materials. Make It Bright—Convert asphalt lots or concrete sidewalks to game boards for hop scotch or painted maps of the world. Bare walls can hold splashy murals designedby children. Make It Safe—Report broken equipment, teach children to play correctly and talk regularly with officials about playground goings-on. Get Help—KaBOOM!, a national non-profit organization, works with communities to improve places young people play. The groupoffers a free guide and a Website that can give concerned parents tips and safety guidelines to help keep playgroundssafe and fun. For more information, request a Getting Started Kit online at www.kaboom.org.
