The history of playground safety standards since the 1890s is reviewed and the lack of improvements in safety made since that time is demonstrated. The first formal effort to develop standards for playground apparatus was made by the National Recreation Association (NRA) in 1929. A major concern in this and a 1938 NRA report was the choice of safe surface materials for playgrounds. However, the 1938 report indicated no progress in knowledge of the subject. By 1940 concerns over liability for playground injuries had prompted the publication of recommendations to playground workers aimed at reducing injuries and liability. In the 1940s, '50s, and '60s, asphalt and concrete surfaces and heavy, hazardous equipment proliferated with the support of school administrators. A 1978 study by the National Electronic Injury Survey System indicated that 59% of playground injuries result from falls to hard surfaces. Various professional and citizens groups have begun to call for increased safety standards and regulation. Playground and play equipment designers, manufacturers, and consumers have reacted slowly to these calls. Despite advances in knowledge, most playgrounds remain hazardous and unsuited to children's developmental play needs. What are probably the most extensive and thoughtful safety guidelines to date were published in 1981 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are summarized in this article. (A list of 38 references is appended.) (BN)