“A common and seemingly harmless kids toy could be damaging your outdoor play equipment” warns Springfree Trampoline spokesperson Tanya Munro.  One of the latest kids toy crazes are clear high bounce balls.  They come in a range of sizes and shapes, however their opaque nature can be a disaster waiting to happen.  Left out, these fun play toys can harness and direct the sun’s powerful UV rays, acting like a magnifying glass and damaging all in their wake.  “I’d hate to see the damage bill with these destructive tools in the hands of my two sons!”

“We’ve had reports of customers whose Springfree Trampoline mats have been damaged from their kids leaving such balls in the trampoline.  As soon as the sun hits them and deflects the powerful beam onto the polypropylene mat, the damage is irreversible.  For any parent who’s seen the movie Ant Bully, you’ll recall in horror how dangerous the sun’s focused beam can be.  I’ve heard of similar stories where clear water bottles have burned holes in leather car seats when left parked in the sun, so it pays to be particularly careful coming into summer.”  

A recall on one particular ball has been issued through Dept Fair Trading in NSW after damage to trampolines, carpet and soft furnishings were reported:

http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/About_us/News_and_events/Media_releases/2009_media_releases/20090814_parents_urged%20to_remove_toy_ball_after_recall.html

“As the mother of two young boys, I can be sure I won’t pass this information on to them – they’d be straight out on our Springfree testing the theory to see if it works!  Before you know it our balls would be burning too!”

Australia has one of the harshest UV environments in the world, so just as we’re taught to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, we should be mindful of the damage it can cause to property as well.  

A timely reminder for owners of any outdoor play equipment, it’s good practice to ensure any play toys are not left outside and particularly stored on top of or inside of such equipment.  “If you manage to find the secret in getting the kids to clean up their toys – drop me a line and let me know, I’m still forever picking up after mine!”

As a company, Springfree Trampoline warns customers that foreign objects can cause damage,  reminding them to ensure any play toys, balls and foreign objects are not stored permanently inside the Springfree™ Trampoline, but removed after play, as any such incidents will void the mat warranty. 

“Good advice for the mother of little terrors like mine!”

Blogger: Tanya @ Springfree™ Trampoline Australia

Wednesday 14 October 2009