Playground Surfaces Survey

Supporting Statement for:
CPSC Playground Surfaces Survey
(CPSC)
October 20, 2017
Hope Nesteruk, CPSC Contracting Office Representative
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
4330 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814
Telephone: 301-987-2579
hnesteruk@cpsc.gov
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Appendix: Survey and Survey Script

CPSC Playground Surfaces
Annotated Survey Instrument

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Opening Script……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………19
Screener…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….20
Section A – Parents who visit playgrounds with their children……………………………………………….....23
Section B – Parents whose children visit playgrounds with another guardian………………………….…34
Section C – Parents whose children do not visit playgrounds …………………………………………………….44
Demographics………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………49
Closing Script……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..51

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Opening Script
Introduction:
Hello, my name is _______ from SSRS [INSERT INTRODUCTION HERE], and we are inviting you to take
part in a research study which will involve answering some questions over the phone. The questions are
designed to help understand children’s interactions on playgrounds in order to improve playground
safety.
This study is administered on behalf of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
There are no risks in taking part in this survey, and your participation is voluntary. This means that you
are free to choose not to take part, or to skip certain questions. There is no penalty if you choose not to
respond. However, your complete participation will help us to understand children’s exposure to
playground elements, and to improve their safety. It is important that as many people respond to this
survey as possible so that the information we get is complete.
Your personal information will be kept separate from your survey responses. We do not need to know
your name and any contact information will be removed from the data set once data collection is
completed. Answers will be reported only for the whole group.
[AFTER SURVEY INTRO]
[RANDOMLY DISPLAY MALE OR FEMALE]
May I please speak to an adult (male/female) who is the parent or guardian of a child age five or younger?
1

Qualified adult on the phone

CONTINUE TO SCREENER

2

Qualified adult available, coming to phone

REINTRODUCE AND CONTINUE
TO SCREENER

3

No qualified adult available now

SET CALL BACK

4

No parent of child 0-5 living in household

TERMINATE AS DISQUALIFIED

9

Refused

TERMINATE

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Screening and Initial Demographic Questions
//Screener and demographic questions// *estimated 5 mins
Question Type: Open-Ended Numerical (2 digit number; 99=refused)
QS1. What is your age?
Years
//Ask QS2 If respondent refuses to answer QS1 (QS1=99), otherwise skip to QS3//
Question Type: Single Punch
QS2. Can you tell me if you are…
Value
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
99

Label
18–24
25–29
30–35
36–39
40–49
50–59
60–64
65+
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Open-Ended numerical (U.S. zip code; (IF "DON'T KNOW" OR "REFUSED" ENTER "99")
QS3. To ask you the right questions, what is your current zip code?

//Ask QS4 only if respondent refuses to answer QS3 (QS3=99). Otherwise, skip to QS5//
Question Type: Open-Ended (U.S. state; (IF "REFUSED" ENTER "99")
QS4. Can you tell me what state you live in?

Question Type: Single punch
QS5. What is your marital status?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
6
99

Label
Single, never married
Single, living with a partner
Married
Separated
Widowed
Divorced
(DO NOT READ) Refused
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Question Type: Open-Ended Numerical (single digit number)
QS6 Including yourself, how many people (including children) are currently living in your household?
99
Refused
//If participant is only person in household (QS6=1), end survey and disqualify participant//
//If Participant refuses to answer QS6 (QS6=99), skip to QS8//
Question Type: Open-Ended Numerical (single digit number)
QS7. How many people in your household are 18 or older?
99
Refused
//If all people in the household are over 18 (QS7=QS6), end survey and disqualify participant //
Question Type: Open-Ended Numerical (single digit number)
QS8. How many children in your household are 5 or younger?
99
Refused
//If no children are 5 or under (QS8=0), end screener and disqualify participant//
Question Type: Open-Ended Numerical (Single or double digit number)
QS9. How old is your oldest child?
99

Refused

QS10. With your best guess, how far away in miles is the closest outdoor public playground to your
home?
98
99

Don’t know
Refused

Question Type: Single punch
QS11. Does your child (or children) 5 or younger ever visit outdoor public playgrounds? This might
include a playground at a public park, an elementary school, a child care center, or a housing
community, such as apartment complexes. But not a backyard playset a homeowner might have.
Value Label
1
Yes
0
No, my child never visits a playground
//If child never visits a playground (QS11=0), skip to CQ1//
Question Type: Single punch
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QS12. What type of playgrounds does your child visit?
Value
1
2
3
4

Label
At daycare, school, church, or other institution
At a park or other public place
At a privately owned recreational facility
(DO NOT READ) Other ___________

Question Type: Multi-punch
QS13. Who takes your child to the playground?
Variable
Name
QS13_1
QS13_2
QS13_3
QS13_4
QS13_99

Variable Text

Variable Label

Me
Another family member
A babysitter or other caretaker
Other ________
(DO NOT READ) Refused

QS13_1 Takes: Me
QS13_2 Takes: Other family
QS13_3 Takes: Caretaker
QS13_4 Takes: Other
QS13_99 Takes: Refused

//End of screener questions. Disqualify participant if QS6=1, QS7=QS6, or QS8=0//
• If participant takes their child to the playground (if QS13=1), go to Section A (does not matter
if they answered yes to any other items on QS13)
• If someone besides the participant takes their child to the playground (QS13=2, 3, or 4 and
NOT 1), go to Section B
• If the child never visits the playground (QS11=2), go to section C

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Section A
//Parents who visit playgrounds with their children//
//Introduction and playground use// ***estimated 5 minutes
Question Type: Open-Ended Numerical (single digit number)
AQ1. How old is your child who is 5 or younger?

99
Refused
(INTERVIEWER NOTE: If respondent has more than one child under 6 (QS8 >1), prompt about the child
with the most recent birthday who visits playgrounds)
Question Type: Single Punch
AQ2. On average, how often do you take your child to an outdoor public playground?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
6
99

Label
Less than once a year
Once a year
Several times a year
Once a month
Once a week
Several times a week
(DO NOT READ) Refused

//Only ask AQ3 if participant visits playground once a year or fewer (AQ2=1 or 2), otherwise skip to
AQ4//
Question Type: Multi-punch
AQ3. What, if anything, prevents you from taking your child to a playground more frequently? (DO NOT
READ RESPONSES: CATEGORIZE OPEN-ENDED RESPONSE FROM CATEGORIES BELOW)
Variable
Name
AQ3_1
AQ3_2
AQ3_3
AQ3_4
AQ3_5
AQ3_6
AQ3_7
AQ3_8
AQ3_99

Variable Text

Variable Label

Lack of time (work, other responsibilities)
No nearby playground/no transportation
Child has no desire
Parent has no desire
Child health reasons
Parent health reasons
Legal reasons (custody, marriage, etc.)
Other ______ (prompt)
(DO NOT READ) Refused

AQ3_1 Prevents: Time
AQ3_2 Prevents: Unavailable
AQ3_3 Prevents: Child no desire
AQ3_4 Prevents: Parent no desire
AQ3_5 Prevents: Child health
AQ3_6 Prevents: Parent health
AQ3_7 Prevents: Legal
AQ3_8 Prevents: Other
AQ3_99 Prevents: Refused

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Question Type: Grid
AQ4. How many times per week do you take your child to a playground during the following seasons?
Variable Name
AQ4A
AQ4B
AQ4C
AQ4D
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Variable Text
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Label
Less than once per week
1–2 times
3–4 times
5–6 times
7 or more times
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ5. On average, how long are your playground visits?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Label
Less than 10 minutes
10–29 minutes
30–59 minutes
60–120 minutes
Longer than 120 minutes
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Grid
AQ6. On average, how long are your playground visits during the following seasons?
Variable Name
AQ6A
AQ6B
AQ6C
AQ6D
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Variable Text
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Label
Less than 10 minutes
10–29 minutes
30–59 minutes
60–120 minutes
Longer than 120 minutes
(DO NOT READ) Refused
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Question Type: Open-Ended Numerical
AQ7. At what temperature do you feel it is too hot to take your child to a playground?
(◦F)
99999 Refused
Question Type: Open-Ended Numerical
AQ7B. At what temperature do you feel it is too cold to take your child to a playground?
(◦F)
99999 Refused
Question Type: Multi-punch
AQ8. What types of weather make you avoid taking your child to a playground? (DO NOT READ
RESPONSES: CATEGORIZE OPEN-ENDED RESPONSE FROM CATEGORIES BELOW)
Variable
Name
AQ8_1
AQ8_2
AQ8_3
AQ8_4
AQ8_5
AQ8_6
AQ8_7
AQ8_99

Variable Text

Variable Label

Wind
Fog
Rain
Snow
Sleet/hail
Thunder/lightning
All weather is acceptable
(DO NOT READ) Refused

AQ8_1 Weather: Wind
AQ8_2 Weather: Fog
AQ8_3 Weather: Rain
AQ8_4 Weather: Snow
AQ8_5 Weather: Sleet
AQ8_6 Weather: Thunder
AQ8_7 Weather: All acceptable
AQ8_99 Weather: Refused

//Playground type and interactions// ***estimated 10 minutes
Question Type: Single Punch
AQ9. What type of ground covering material is most common on the playgrounds you visit with your
child?
Value Label
1
Wood
2
Rubber or plastic
3
Stone or cement
4
A mix of several different types of surfaces
5
Other _________
98
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
99
(DO NOT READ) Refused
//If participant refuses or doesn’t know (AQ9=98 or 99) skip to AQ11//
Question Type: Single Punch
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AQ10. How is the material covering the playground held together?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
98
99

Label
Loose pieces, pebbles, or mulch
Mulch-like, but held together
Solid with seams, like tiles
Paved solid, with no seams
Other _____________
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ11. How often do you take your child to this type of playground specifically?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Label
Less than once a year
Once a year
Once a month
Once a week
Several times a week
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ12. How often does your child place his or her hands on the surface of the playground, such as
crawling, cartwheels, handstands, tumbling, accidental falls, and digging/building?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
6
99

Label
Less than 10 minutes per visit
10–29 minutes per visit
30–59 minutes per visit
60–120 minutes per visit
Longer than 120 minutes per visit
Never
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ13. How often does your child get cuts or scrapes, like “rug burns” from the surface of the
playground?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
6

Label
Less than once a year
Once a year
Several times a year
Once a month
Once a week
Several times a week
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99

(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ14. How often does your child sit or lie down on the surface of the playground?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
6
99

Label
Less than 10 minutes per visit
10–29 minutes per visit
30–59 minutes per visit
60–120 minutes per visit
Longer than 120 minutes per visit
Never
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ15. How often do you take your child to playgrounds where the surface is made up of loose filling
materials, like loose wood, rubber mulch, gravel?
Value Label
1
Never
2
Once a year
3
Several times a year
4
Once a month
5
Once a week
6
Several times a week
99
(DO NOT READ) Refused
// If participant answers “never” (AQ15=1), skip to AQ20//
Question Type: Single Punch
AQ16. How often does your child pick up pieces of the loose playground material?
Value Label
1
Never
2
Once every several visits
3
Once every other visit
4
Once per visit
5
More than once per visit
99
(DO NOT READ) Refused
// If participant answers “never” (AQ16=1), skip to AQ19//
Question Type: Single Punch
AQ17. How often does your child throw the loose playground material?
Value Label
1
Never
2
Once every several visits
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3
4
5
99

Once every other visit
Once per visit
More than once per visit
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ18. How often does your child put pieces of the loose playground material in his or her mouth?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Label
Never
Once every several visits
Once every other visit
Once per visit
More than once per visit
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ19. How well is the playground surface maintained, as in replaced, cleaned, or smoothed out?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Label
Poor
Fair
Good
Very good
Excellent
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ20. How often does your child get a splinter on the playground?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Label
Never
Once every several visits
Once every other visit
Once per visit
More than once per visit
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Multi-Punch
AQ21. What type of equipment does your child’s playground have?
Variable Name
AQ21_1
AQ21_2
AQ21_3

Variable Text
Swings
Slides
Monkey bars

Variable Label
AQ21_1 Equipment: Swings
AQ21_2 Equipment: Slides
AQ21_3 Equipment: Bars
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AQ21_4
AQ21_5
AQ21_99

Other moving equipment, like a seesaw or merry-go-round
Other stationary equipment, like
tunnels or climbing rope
(DO NOT READ) Refused

AQ21_4 Equipment: Other moving
AQ21_5 Equipment: Other stationary
AQ21_99 Equipment: Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ22. What type of shoes does your child wear most frequently on the playground?
Value Label
1
Shoes with laces/Velcro
2
Flip flops
3
Sandals with an ankle strap
4
My child does not wear shoes on the playground
5
Other ________
99
(DO NOT READ) Refused
// If child does not wear shoes on the playground (AQ22=4), skip to AQ25//
Question Type: Single Punch
AQ23. Does your child typically wear socks with his or her shoes at the playground?
Value
1
2
3
4

Label
Never
Once every several visits
Once every other visit
Once per visit

99

(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ24. How often does your child remove his or her shoes on the playground?
Value Label
1
Never
2
Once every several visits
3
Once every other visit
4
Once per visit
5
More than once per visit
99
(DO NOT READ) Refused
// If AQ24=1, skip to AQ26//
Question Type: Single Punch
AQ25. How often does your child play on the playground wearing socks without shoes?
Value Label
1
Less than 10 minutes per visit
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2
3
4
5
6
99

10–29 minutes per visit
30–59 minutes per visit
60–120 minutes per visit
Longer than 120 minutes per visit
Never
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ26. What type of top does your child wear to the playground most frequently?
Value
1
2
3
4
99

Label
Long-sleeved top
Short-sleeved or tank top
Topless
Other ________
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ27. What type of bottoms does your child wear to the playground most frequently?
Value
1
2
3
4
99

Label
Long pants (jeans, leggings, etc.)
Shorts/skirts/dresses (no leggings)
Shorts/skirts/dresses (with leggings)
Other _________
(DO NOT READ) Refused

//Sanitation// ***estimated 5 minutes
Question Type: Single Punch
AQ28. How often does your child wash or sanitize his or her hands when playing on a playground?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Label
Never
Once every several visits
Once every other visit
Once per visit
More than once per visit
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ29. How often does your child wash or sanitize his or her hands before returning home from the
playground?
Value Label
1
Never
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2
Once every several visits
3
Once every other visit
4
Once per visit
5
More than once per visit
99
(DO NOT READ) Refused
// If child never washes hands (AQ28 and AQ29=1), skip to AQ32//
Question Type: Single Punch
AQ30. How does your child typically clean his or her hands after going to the playground?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Label
Water or damp cloth
Soap and water
Hand sanitizer
Baby wipe
Other _________
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ31. When does your child typically wash or sanitize his or her hands after visiting a playground?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Label
Just after leaving the playground
Just after returning home
Just before eating or drinking
Much later in the day
The following day or later
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ32. When does your child typically bathe after returning home from the playground?
Value
1
2
3
4
99

Label
Immediately
Within 1–2 hours of returning home
Later the same day
The following day or later
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ33. Do you take toys with you to the playground with your child?
Value
1
0
99

Label
Yes
No
(DO NOT READ) Refused
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// If participant answers “no,” (AQ33=0) skip to AQ34//
Question Type: Single Punch
AQ33B. How soon do you typically wash or sanitize your child’s toys after your child returns home from
the playground with them?
Value
1
2
3
4
99

Label
Immediately
Within 1–2 hours of returning home
Later the same day
The following day or later
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Grid
AQ34. How often does your child do the following?
Variable Name
AQ34A
AQ34B
AQ34C
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Variable Text
Eat at the playground
Drink at the playground
Use a pacifier at the playground

Label
Never
Once every several visits
Once every other visit
Once per visit
More than once per visit
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ35. In general, how often does your child lick or suck his or her thumbs, fingers, or hands?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Label
Never
Once a day or fewer
Once or twice a day
Several times a day
Many times a day
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ36. After visiting a playground, how often do you find pieces of playground material or residue from
the material on your child’s clothing?
Value Label
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1
2
3
4
5
99

Never
Once every several visits
Once every other visit
Once per visit
More than once per visit
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
AQ37. After visiting a playground, how often do you find pieces of playground material or residue from
the material on your child’s skin before he or she takes a bath?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Label
Never
Once every several visits
Once every other visit
Once per visit
More than once per visit
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Open-Ended essay
AQ38. What other thoughts or concerns do you have about the playground you visit with your child?

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Section B
//Parents whose children visit playgrounds with another parent/guardian/childcare provider.//
//Introduction and playground use// ***estimated 5 minutes
Question Type: Open-Ended Numerical (single digit number)
BQ1. How old is your child who is 5 or younger?
99
Refused
(INTERVIEWER NOTE: If respondent has more than one child under 6 (QS8 >1), prompt about the child
that visits playgrounds who has the most recent birthday)
Question Type: Single Punch
BQ2. On average, how often does your child visit an outdoor playground?
Value Label
1
Less than once a year
2
Once a year
3
Several times a year
4
Once a month
5
Once a week
6
Several times a week
98
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
99
(DO NOT READ) Refused
//Only ask BQ3 if participant visits playground once a year or fewer (BQ2=1 or 2), otherwise skip to
BQ3B//
Question Type: Multi-punch
BQ3. What, if anything, prevents your child from going to a playground more frequently? (DO NOT READ
RESPONSES: CATEGORIZE OPEN-ENDED RESPONSE FROM CATEGORIES BELOW)
Variable
Name
BQ3_1
BQ3_2
BQ3_3
BQ3_4
BQ3_5
BQ3_6
BQ3_7
BQ3_8
BQ3_99

Variable Text

Variable Label

Lack of time (work, other responsibilities)
No nearby playground/no transportation
Child has no desire
Parent has no desire
Child health reasons
Parent health reasons
Legal reasons (custody, marriage, etc.)
Other ______ (prompt)
(DO NOT READ) Refused

BQ3_1 Prevents: Time
BQ3_2 Prevents: Unavailable
BQ3_3 Prevents: Child no desire
BQ3_4 Prevents: Parent no desire
BQ3_5 Prevents: Child health
BQ3_6 Prevents: Parent health
BQ3_7 Prevents: Legal
BQ3_8 Prevents: Other
BQ3_99 Prevents: Refused

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Question Type: Single punch
BQ3B. How (or with whom) does your child visit the playground most frequently? (DO NOT READ
RESPONSES: CATEGORIZE OPEN-ENDED RESPONSE FROM CATEGORIES BELOW)
Value
1
2
3
4
5
98
99

Label
With another parent or guardian
With a babysitter or other caretaker
With other children who are older
At daycare, school, church, or other institutions
(DO NOT READ) Other __________ (prompt)
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Grid
BQ4. How many times per week does your child visit a playground during the following seasons?
Variable Name
Q4A
Q4B
Q4C
Q4D
Value
1
2
3
4
5
98
99

Variable Text
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Label
Less than once per week
1–2 times
3–4 times
5–6 times
7 or more times
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
BQ5. On average, how long are your child’s playground visits?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
98
99

Label
Less than 10 minutes
10–29 minutes
30–59 minutes
60–120 minutes
Longer than 120 minutes
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Grid
BQ6. On average, how long are your child’s playground visits during the following seasons?
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Variable Name
Q6A
Q6B
Q6C
Q6D
Value
1
2
3
4
5
98
99

Variable Text
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Label
Less than 10 minutes
10–29 minutes
30–59 minutes
60–120 minutes
Longer than 120 minutes
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Open-Ended Numerical
BQ7. At what temperature do you feel it is too hot for children to visit a playground?
(◦F)
99999 Refused
Question Type: Open-Ended Numerical
BQ7B. At what temperature do you feel it is too cold for children to visit a playground?
(◦F)
99999 Refused
Question Type: Multi-punch
BQ8. During what types of weather would you prefer your child not visit a playground? (DO NOT READ
RESPONSES: CATEGORIZE OPEN-ENDED RESPONSE FROM CATEGORIES BELOW)
Variable
Name
BQ8_1
BQ8_2
BQ8_3
BQ8_4
BQ8_5
BQ8_6
BQ8_7
BQ8_99

Variable Text

Variable Label

Wind
Fog
Rain
Snow
Sleet/hail
Thunder/lightning
All weather is acceptable
(DO NOT READ) Refused

BQ8_1 Weather: Wind
BQ8_2 Weather: Fog
BQ8_3 Weather: Rain
BQ8_4 Weather: Snow
BQ8_5 Weather: Sleet
BQ8_6 Weather: Thunder
BQ8_7 Weather: All acceptable
BQ8_99 Weather: Refused

//Playground type and interactions// ***estimated 10 minutes
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Question Type: Single Punch
BQ9. What type of ground covering material is most common on the playgrounds your child visits?
Value Label
1
Wood
2
Rubber or plastic
3
Stone or cement
4
A mix of several different types of surfaces
5
Other _________
98
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
99
(DO NOT READ) Refused
//If participant refuses or doesn’t know (BQ9=98 or 99) skip to BQ11//
Question Type: Single Punch
BQ10. How is the material covering the playground held together?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
98
99

Label
Loose pieces, pebbles, or mulch
Mulch-like, but held together
Solid with seams, like tiles
Paved solid, with no seams
Other _____________
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

BQ11. How often does your child visit this type of playground specifically?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
6
98
99

Label
Less than once a year
Once a year
Several times a year
Once a month
Once a week
Several times a week
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
BQ13. How often does your child get cuts or scrapes, like “rug burn” from the playground?
Value
1
2
3
4

Label
Less than once a year
Once a year
Several times a year
Once a month
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5
6
99

Once a week
Several times a week
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
BQ15. How often does your child visit playgrounds where the surface is made up of loose filling
materials like loose wood, rubber mulch, gravel?
Value Label
1
Never
2
Once a year
3
Several times a year
4
Once a month
5
Once a week
6
Several times a week
98
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
99
(DO NOT READ) Refused
// If participant answers “never” (BQ15=1), skip to BQ20//
Question Type: Single Punch
BQ19. How well is the playground surface maintained, as in replaced, cleaned, or smoothed out?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
98
99

Label
Poor
Fair
Good
Very good
Excellent
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
BQ20. How often does your child get a splinter on the playground?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
98
99

Label
Never
Once every several visits
Once every other visit
Once per visit
More than once per visit
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Multi-punch
BQ21. What type of equipment does your child’s playground have?
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Variable Name
AQ21_1
AQ21_2
AQ21_3
AQ21_4
AQ21_5
AQ21_99

Variable Text
Swings
Slides
Monkey bars
Other moving equipment like a seesaw or merry-go-round
Other stationary equipment like
tunnels or climbing rope
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Variable Label
AQ21_1 Equipment: Swings
AQ21_2 Equipment: Slides
AQ21_3 Equipment: Bars
AQ21_4 Equipment: Other moving
AQ21_5 Equipment: Other stationary
AQ21_99 Equipment: Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
BQ22. What kind of shoes does your child wear most frequently on the playground?
Value Label
1
Shoes with laces/Velcro
2
Flip flops
3
Sandals with an ankle strap
4
My child does not wear shoes on the playground
5
Other __________
98
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
99
(DO NOT READ) Refused
// If child does not wear shoes on the playground (BQ22=4), skip to BQ26//
Question Type: Single Punch
BQ23. Does your child typically wear socks with his or her shoes at the playground?
Value
1
2
3
4

Label
Never
Once every several visits
Once every other visit
Once per visit

98
99

(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
BQ26. What type of top does your child wear to the playground most frequently?
Value
1
2
3
4
99

Label
Long-sleeved top
Short-sleeved or tank top
Topless
Other _______
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
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BQ27. What type of bottom does your child wear to the playground most frequently?
Value
1
2
3
4
99

Label
Long pants (jeans, leggings, etc.)
Shorts/skirts/dresses (no leggings)
Shorts/skirts/dresses (with leggings)
Other ______
(DO NOT READ) Refused

//Sanitation// ***estimated 5 minutes
Question Type: Single Punch
BQ28. How often does your child wash or sanitize his or her hands after playing on a playground?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
98
99

Label
Never
Once every several visits
Once every other visit
Once per visit
More than once per visit
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
BQ29. How often does your child wash or sanitize his or her hands before returning home from the
playground?
Value Label
1
Never
2
Once every several visits
3
Once every other visit
4
Once per visit
5
More than once per visit
98
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
99
(DO NOT READ) Refused
// If child never washes hands (BQ28 and BQ29=1), skip to BQ32//
Question Type: Single Punch
BQ30. How does your child typically clean his or her hands after going to the playground?
Value
1
2
3
4
5

Label
Water or damp cloth
Soap and water
Hand sanitizer
Baby wipe
Other _______
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98
99

(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
BQ31. When does your child typically wash or sanitize his or her hands after visiting a playground?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
98
99

Label
Just after leaving the playground
Just after returning home
Just before eating or drinking
Much later in the day
The following day or later
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
BQ32. When does your child typically bathe after returning home from the playground?
Value
1
2
3
4
98
99

Label
Immediately
Within 1–2 hours of returning home
Later the same day
The following day or later
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
BQ33. Does your child take toys to the playground with them?
Value Label
1
Yes
0
No
99
(DO NOT READ) Refused
// If participant answers “no,” (BQ33=0) skip to BQ34//
Question Type: Single Punch
BQ33B. How soon do you typically wash or sanitize the toys after your child returns home from the
playground with them?
Value
1
2
3
4
98

Label
Immediately
Within 1–2 hours of returning home
Later the same day
The following day or later
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
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99

(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Grid
BQ34. How often does your child do the following?
Variable Name
BQ34A
BQ34B
BQ34C
Value
1
2
3
4
5
98
99

Variable Text
Eat at the playground
Drink at the playground
Use a pacifier at the playground

Label
Never
Once every several visits
Once every other visit
Once per visit
More than once per visit
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
BQ35. In general, how often does your child suck his or her thumbs, fingers, or hands?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Label
Never
Once a day or fewer
Once or twice a day
Several times a day
Many times a day
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
BQ36. After visiting a playground, how often do you find pieces of playground material or residue from
the material on your child’s clothing?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
98
99

Label
Never
Once every several visits
Once every other visit
Once per visit
More than once per visit
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch

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BQ37. After visiting a playground, how often do you find pieces of playground material or residue from
the material on your child’s skin before he or she takes a bath?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
98
99

Label
Never
Once every several visits
Once every other visit
Once per visit
More than once per visit
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Open-Ended essay
BQ38. What other thoughts or concerns do you have about your child’s playground?

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Section C
//Parents whose children do not visit playgrounds//
//Introduction and playground use// ***estimated 5 minutes
Question Type: Open-Ended Numerical (single digit number)
CQ1. How old is your child who is 5 or younger?
99
Refused
(INTERVIEWER NOTE: If respondent has more than one child under 6 (QS8>1), prompt about the child
who has the most recent birthday)
Question Type: Multi-punch
CQ2B. What are the reasons for your child not visiting a playground? (DO NOT READ)
Variable
Name
CQ2B_1
CQ2B_2
CQ2B_3
CQ2B_4
CQ2B_5
CQ2B_6
CQ2B_7
CQ2B_8
CQ2B_9
CQ2B_99

Variable Text

Variable Label

Lack of time (work, other responsibilities)
No nearby playground/no transportation
Child has no desire
Parent has no desire
Child health reasons
Parent health reasons
Legal reasons (custody, marriage, etc.)
Child visits a different type of playground
Other ______ (prompt)
(DO NOT READ) Refused

CQ2B_1 Prevents: Time
CQ2B_2 Prevents: Unavailable
CQ2B_3 Prevents: Child no desire
CQ2B_4 Prevents: Parent no desire
CQ2B_5 Prevents: Child health
CQ2B_6 Prevents: Parent health
CQ2B_7 Prevents: Legal
CQ2B_8 Prevents: Different playground
CQ2B_9 Prevents: Other
CQ2B_99 Prevents: Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
CQ3. On average, how often does your child play outside?
Value Label
1
Less than once a year
2
Once a year
3
Several times a year
4
Once a month
5
Once a week
6
Several times a week
7
Never
98
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
99
(DO NOT READ) Refused
(INTERVIEWER NOTE: If respondent answers “Never” (CQ3=7), skip to QD1)
Question Type: Open-Ended Numerical
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CQ7. At what temperature do you feel it is too hot for your child to play outside?
(◦F)
99999 Refused
Question Type: Open-Ended Numerical
CQ7B. At what temperature do you feel it is too cold for your child to play outside?
(◦F)
99999 Refused
Question Type: Single Punch
CQ13. How often does your child get cuts or scrapes, like “rug burn” from playing outside?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
6
99

Label
Less than once a year
Once a year
Several times a year
Once a month
Once a week
Several times a week
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
CQ22. What kind of shoes does your child wear most frequently when they play outside?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Label
Shoes with laces/Velcro
Flip flops
Sandals with an ankle strap
My child does not wear shoes on the playground
Other _________
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
CQ26. What type of top does your child wear most frequently to play outside?
Value
1
2
3
4
99

Label
Long-sleeved top
Short-sleeved or tank top
Topless
Other _________
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
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CQ27. What type of bottoms does your child wear most frequently to play outside?
Value
1
2
3
4
99

Label
Long pants (jeans, leggings, etc.)
Shorts/skirts/dresses (no leggings)
Shorts/skirts/dresses (with leggings)
Other _________
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
CQ28. How often does your child wash or sanitize his or her hands during or after playing outside?
Value Label
1
Never
2
Once every several visits
3
Once every other visit
4
Once per visit
5
More than once per visit
99
(DO NOT READ) Refused
// If child never washes hands (CQ28=1), skip to CQ32//
Question Type: Single Punch
CQ30. How does your child typically clean his or her hands after going outside?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Label
Water or damp cloth
Soap and water
Hand sanitizer
Baby wipe
Other _________
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
CQ31. When does your child typically wash or sanitize his or her hands after playing outside?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Label
Just after leaving the playground
Just after returning home
Just before eating or drinking
Much later in the day
The following day or later
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
CQ32. When does your child typically bathe after returning home from playing outside?

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Value
1
2
3
4
99

Label
Immediately
Within 1–2 hours of returning home
Later the same day
The following day or later
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Grid
CQ34. How often does your child do the following?
Variable Name
CQ34A
CQ34B
CQ34C
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Variable Text
Eat when playing outside
Drink when playing outside
Use a pacifier when playing outside

Label
Never
Once every several visits
Once every other visit
Once per visit
More than once per visit
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
CQ35. In general, how often does your child lick or suck his or her thumbs, fingers, or hands?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Label
Never
Once a day or fewer
Once or twice a day
Several times a day
Many times a day
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single Punch
CQ36. After playing outside, how often do you find residue of outside material (e.g., dirt, pebbles) on
your child’s clothing?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Label
Never
Once every several visits
Once every other visit
Once per visit
More than once per visit
(DO NOT READ) Refused
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Question Type: Single Punch
CQ37. After playing outside, how often do you find residue of outside material (e.g., dirt, pebbles) on
your child’s skin before he or she takes a bath?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
99

Label
Never
Once every several visits
Once every other visit
Once per visit
More than once per visit
(DO NOT READ) Refused

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Playground Surfaces 49

Demographics
Question Type: Single Punch
QD1. What is the highest level of school you have completed or the highest degree you have received?
(DO NOT READ RESPONSES: CATEGORIZE OPEN-ENDED RESPONSE AMONG CATEGORIES BELOW)
(INTERVIEWER NOTE: Enter code 3-HS grad if Respondent completed training that did NOT
count toward a degree from a college, community college, or university (e.g., training for a
certificate or an apprenticeship))
Value
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
98
99

Label
Less than high school (Grades 1–8 or no formal schooling)
High school incomplete (Grades 9–11 or Grade 12 with NO diploma)
High school graduate (Grade 12 with diploma or GED certificate)
Some college, no degree (includes community college)
Two-year associate degree from a college or university
Four-year college or university degree/Bachelor’s degree (e.g., BS, BA, AB)
Some postgraduate or professional schooling, no postgraduate degree
Postgraduate or professional degree, including master’s, doctorate,
medical, or law degree (e.g., MA, MS, Ph.D., MD, JD)
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single- Punch
QD2. Currently, what is your employment status?
Value
1
2
3
99

Label
Full-time
Part-time
Not employed
(DO NOT READ) Refused

//Ask If QD2=3, otherwise skip to QD4//
Question Type: Single-Punch
QD3. What is your employment status?
Value
1
2
3
4
5
6
98
99

Label
Retired
A homemaker
A student
Temporarily unemployed
(DO NOT READ) Disabled/handicapped
(DO NOT READ) Other ________
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused
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Playground Surfaces 50

Question Type: Single-Punch
QD4. Is your total annual household income from all sources, and before taxes…?
(READ LIST)
Value
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
98
99

Label
Less than $15,000
$15,000 but less than $25,000
$25,000 but less than $35,000
$35,000 but less than $50,000
$50,000 but less than $75,000
$75,000 but less than $100,000
$100,000 but less than $150,000
$150,000 and over
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Single-Punch
QD5. Are you of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin or descent?
Value
1
0
98
99

Label
Yes
No
(DO NOT READ) Don’t know
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Question Type: Multi-Punch
QD6. Which of the following best describes your race? (READ LIST)
Variable
QD6_1
QD6_2
QD6_3
QD6_4
QD6_5
QD6_6
99

Variable Text
White
Black or African American
Asian (READ IF NECESSARY: Asian Indian, Chinese,
Japanese, Filipino, Korean, other Asian)
Native American/American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
(DO NOT READ) Other race not mentioned
(SPECIFY) ______
(DO NOT READ) Refused

Variable Label
QD6_1 Race: White
QD6_2 Race: Black
QD6_3 Race: Asian
QD6_4 Race: Native
QD6_5 Race: Pacific
QD6_6 Race: Other
QD6_99 Race: Refused

Fors Marsh Group –

Playground Surfaces 51

Closing script
Thank you for completing our study! We appreciate you taking the time to participate. Your feedback is
very valuable to us.

Fors Marsh Group –

Playground Surfaces 52