Don’t Fence Me In….?
Part of growing up are the rites of passage which, at some point, come around to risking a thrill without a safety net. I’ve seen risk takers cross over high gushing waterfalls on a thin rope that reminds me of dental floss. Trick riding skateboarders, snowboarders, bungee jumping enthusiasts. I’ve been parasailing, jumped out of a perfectly fine aircraft, dogsledding and hit some theme parks to ride one gut buster after another. Hiked in high water river gorges, white water rafted through the Grand Canyon. I’ve been pretty darned lucky to have had those experiences. So why am I concerned about a net enclosure for a trampoline? Simply put, a backyard play area without simple safety precautions can spell recipe for disaster. Broken bones, sprains, neck injuries and in some cases, paralysis and severe head trauma can happen in the blink of an eye. If the proper preparatory measures are taken, your backyard play area can be transformed into a reassuring fun zone, starting with the resurgence of the trampoline. Once used strictly for fitness, they are now becoming the cornerstone of family fun. And let’s face it, we can all use more fun in our lives right now.
TRAINING WHEELS…FOR A TRAMPOLINE???
What age is an enclosure net needed?
Well, the pre-established recommended age to start introducing your children to a trampoline is six years old. And even then, you or another responsible adult should be with them the entire time until you feel comfortable and secure enough with your child’s abilities. One of the best nets I have seen includes a sturdy roof covering as well, from which is suspended a lifesaver like looking device that provides extra balance for the learning child. Remember the trade marked Jolly Jumper bouncy seat?
Starting a young child off on a scaled down version of a standard bouncer is another option. Significantly lower in height, they purport sturdier legs, bold bright colors, padded and framed safety walls and even a small attached slide and set of climbing steps.
Keeping the net for the duration of the jump pad’s life is considerably more favored than not for as kids grow, so does their independence. It doesn’t take much for bravado and peer pressure to creep in and turn a weekend family fun day into a miserable trip to urgent care to wrap up an ankle sprain or wrist twist. Eventually, the youthful acceptance will grow into teen leniency.
Are the nets secured or just loose fitting?
The enclosure walls are made of a fine sieve mesh and are attached to a series of sturdy, padded upright poles which encircle the main outer frame of your bounce base. Zipper enclosed to allow for a set of access steps if you wish yet still contain close taut contact to aid in the lessening of severe injury related to off balanced tumbles. Are they designed to withstand a full-blown body throw reminiscent of an MMA Cage Stage? Absolutely NOT! If you’re looking for extra pizzaz and added shade value, consider a roof as well. Just remember to lower it during storms and revert to the trampoline basic floor cover. After all, why tempt the Fates and promote even one iota of allowance to jump during a rainstorm?
Are there other benefits of having a safety screen for a trampoline?
In a nutshell, yes! Let’s look at this like a wall. Not only does it keep things, people, limbs etc IN, it prevents others from attempted entry. No, not on a Fort Knox level but it can aid in deterring nocturnal visits from small ground creatures, bird droppings (yuck), small twigs, lightweight branches, grass clippings and leaves. Raccoons are exempt from this as they can pretty much get into anything they want. And bears. (blink blink)
I’ve been known to throw the pre-teens a slumber party or two on the trampoline surface and was grateful to have my enclosure to pitch a FLOORED tent with. Yep. Put up a small tent and secure it to the walls. The kids will love the idea of sleeping out on the tramp without having the cold dewy grass to contend with. Wanna go for extra points? You can use the mesh walls to hang a plain white sheet on and before you know it, VOILA! A personal drive-in movie screen that they can see from their Tramp-A-Tent.