Are Hong Kong’s trampoline parks safe? Post investigation finds some venues ill-equipped
Tour of three venues with expert uncovers safety concerns relating to lack of padding, possibility of mid-air collisions and adequate supervision
Some Hong Kong trampoline parks lack safety provisions and professional coaches to provide assistance to participants, a check by the Post with an expert has found amid calls for authorities to better regulate the businesses.
Concerns over the safety of trampoline parks surfaced after a tourist revealed that her kidney was “shattered” and had to be removed after a fall at one of the venues last year.
The Post visited three trampoline parks and indoor playgrounds with Chung Hin-yeung, the president of the Association of China Hong Kong Obstacle Course Race, and found some did not have coaches on site to guide visitors while others lacked adequate safety measures.
At one venue in Island East, participants were asked to sign a waiver and watch a safety video before purchasing tickets. They were also required to wear a pair of grip socks to enter the facility. Children aged six or younger were required to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
A staff member was observed conducting patrols near the trampolines on a weekday, but participants were not seen being briefed or guided. There were also six pools filled with sponges and various obstacles set up above them, but no employees were stationed to provide assistance.
The premises had about 30 trampoline squares and safety pads placed in between each of them. But gaps between the pads and the trampolines posed a risk for participants whose feet could become stuck, Chung said.
While signs with the rules in both English and Chinese were placed on the wall, venues should not expect participants to read them in detail, he warned. Stationing coaches on the premises would be safer, he advised.
