• Raised play areas should be equipped with guardrails.

• Make sure equipment is spread out enough so children won’t be whacking into each other as they play. Swings should be two feet apart and at least 30 inches from support poles.

• Regularly inspect and repair play equipment. Clean up the area regularly, removing debris, such as broken glass and sharp metal.

• Supervise children carefully. Make sure to keep an eye on the kids and their clothing, including ties, hooded garments and loose clothing that can get caught in playground equipment.

7) Skateboarding

Skateboarding ministries have become one of the most popular, innovative ways to reach out to youth. In fact, a healthy portion of the 2,000 skate parks in the United States is owned by churches.

However, these ministries come with some obvious risks. If you plan to build a skate park, here’s some advice to help you avoid the goofiest problems.

• Contract professionals to design and build the park.

• Make sure two adults supervise at all times, and lock or dismantle the park when no supervisory adults are there.

• Require all skaters to wear helmets and knee and elbow pads.

• Post signs that include the following warnings: “Skate at your own risk;” “Not responsible for injury;” “This activity is considered hazardous;” “This area is not intended for use outside the hours of normal operation.”

• Make sure users’ parents sign per-mission slips and waivers of liability, and make sure they are covered by health insurance.

Brotherhood Mutual offers more information and several printable checklists on its Web site, www.brotherhoodmutual.com.