During the first week in May 2012, IPSI Executive Director Ken Kutska completed the first ever CPSI training in Putrajaya Malaysia. After almost two years of communications and planning with Landscape and Parks Division authorities in Malaysia the Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course and Exam was held in the government center of Malaysia. Putrajaya is a beautiful setting located many miles outside of the urban city center of Kuala Lumpur. The program was offered over a three days and the exam was administered the fourth day. The program was well received and the government authorities now realize what lies ahead of them as they work to bring their children’s play spaces into compliance with international standards. IPSI conducted the CPSI Course and Exam in Malaysia after conducting another CPSI Course and Exam for CUGE and the Singapore National Parks Board. IPSI also presented the CPSI Course Executive Summary and an overview of the US accessibility standards for public play spaces during a two day seminar of current trends in the public playground industry. IPSI continues to work with countries throughout the Asian Region who look to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) industry standards as a guide in developing or refining their own best practices.

Their biggest challenge comes from the extreme environmental forces the face day in and day out. Extreme heat and humidity plus close proximity to the coast common throughout the region pose the biggest challenge to owner/operators of these public spaces. What we know is that UV and thermal radiation coupled with the salt air and common atmospheric pollution accelerate corrosion of every material used in the manufacturer of public play equipment. How these spaces are maintained throughout the life of the playground will dictate how long the space will provide the fun and enjoyment it was built to deliver. What we do know from current observations is the equipment in place today will not last as long as it might in other more temperate regions of the world. Material selection for future playground equipment and impact attenuating surfaces will become an important consideration and challenge as they move forward. Most important to the longevity of the play environment will be their ability to improve on the current maintenance and repair practices. This is not unique to this region. It is a worldwide problem. What is unique to this region is the compounding negative effects on the play environment and the rapid deterioration of almost all materials used in outdoor play environments due to the above mentioned environmental factors.