Today roughly 50 park and recreation professionals gathered in the Joliet Park District’s brand new Inwood Athletic Club facility for the National Playground Safety Institute certification course. Instructors from the National Recreation and Park Association will be conducting extensive training sessions today and Wednesday with the certification course following on Thursday.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 205,000 children are treated for playground accidents annually with approximately 15 resulting in death. Of these, 70% occurred at public parks and school yards. Attendees of the NPSI course will gain valuable knowledge and resources to help prevent such accidents from occurring at their playgrounds and parks.

This course is a must for any agency or school planning to build new playgrounds. If you could not attend this week a NPSI course is also being planned for October 16-18. More information will become available on the Illinois Park and Recreation Association website.