HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The Straight Talk Line is a resource to provide continuous feedback to the command team here and other senior leaders.

We encourage individuals to submit ideas, questions, concerns or give positive feedback. It is available by calling 781-225-1380 or emailing hanscom.straighttalk@us.af.mil.

In this Straight Talk Spotlight, I will answer a question about installing awnings at base playgrounds.

I’d like to request that the base look into installing playground awnings. We are very fortunate to have great playgrounds here on base, but they could use protection from the elements.

We do consider the importance of shading and awnings for base playgrounds. The base has certified playground inspectors who perform annual inspections of each playground. The final report identifies necessary repairs, and civil engineers track those to completion.

In doing the inspections, we use (among other guidance): Consumer Product Safety Commission and voluntary guidelines for the use of public playgrounds and the National Program for Playground Safety, which is the leader in research, training, and development of S.A.F.E. play areas.

According to inspectors, both the CPSC and NPPS voluntary guidance state sun, shade and wind protection should be provided by either natural or manufactured means.

The base is not responsible for, nor may we spend funds on playgrounds in privatized housing or the base schools. Those are controlled by Hunt Housing and Department of Defense Education Activity, respectively.    

Below is a summary of Hanscom playgrounds under base control with a status of the protections available:    

Thank you for sharing your question. We welcome the continuous dialogue through your chain of command or send directly to hanscom.straighttalk@us.af.mil.