Congratulations to the Hawaii Department of Education on being this year’s recipient of the John Preston Playground Safety Award. The Hawaii Department of Education hosted NPPS’s Playground Safety School in 1999. Since that time, Hawaii’s Deparment of Education, especially the facilities division, has
Assessed all of the state’s playground equipment, surfacing, and accessibility on all elementary schools
Removed all unsafe and noncompliant equipment.
Developed an age-appropriate equipment replacement program.
Developed and distributed a playground safety video and curriculum linked to Hawaii DOE content Standards to all schools with playgrounds.
Designated a playground safety specialist to coordinate the statewide installation, maintenance, repair, and inventory of all DOE playgrounds.
Partnered with the Hawaii State Legislature to get funds for replacement of playground equipment and provide safety training.
Incorporated regular playground inspections for each playground.
Installed playground safety signage for each play area.
NPPS applauds the work of the Hawaii Department of Education! Your dedication to the future of Hawaii’s children is remarkable!