591-1-1-.26(9) · Rule 591-1-1-.26(9) requires that playgrounds shall be kept clean, free from litter and free of hazards, such as but not limited to rocks, exposed tree roots and exposed sharp edges of concrete.

During an investigation, it was determined that on April 18, 2025, at approximately 10:58 a.m. the center’s playground was not kept free from hazards when a 4-year-old child fell and hit their head on exposed tree roots resulting in a forehead laceration. There was one staff member and 14 children on the playground at the time of the incident. The children participated in a holiday egg hunt while on the playground. There were several adults present with their own children, and an additional staff person that was off duty for the center. According to staff statements, the staff person was positioned near the climber so they could monitor all the children on the playground. The 4-year-old child along with another child, was running and playing a game, while running the 4-year-old child fell and hit their head on exposed tree roots. The child received professional medical treatment and was diagnosed with a forehead laceration. The center failed to properly upkeep the playground by making the exposed tree roots free of hazard and noticeable to children while on the playground.

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Open / not marked corrected.