ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with play equipment and materials for children in arid environments. It demonstrates that many types of play equipment are incorrectly placed on such playgrounds. A study of the research literature, as it pertains to materials most often used in construction of play-yard apparatus, revealed little information. The academic disciplines searched were architecture, engineering, physical education, recreation and geographic climatology. Based on the literature review, the eight basic materials selected for research purposes were aluminium, natural grass, artificial grass, concrete, rubber, and sand, steel and wood. The Sonoran Desert provides the major climatic condition for the states in the southwest. Based on information on types of material in use, several basic materials generally used in playground apparatus were selected. The results of the research presented indicate that some materials commonly used in the construction of play equipment are totally inappropriate for use in arid environments.
