In the realm of childhood, playgrounds reign supreme as places of boundless laughter and precious memories, where imaginations soar and friendships bloom. However, in this bustling world, maintaining these magical spaces is a task that demands meticulous care and attention. Proper playground maintenance will not only help extend the life of your playground and protect your investment but will also reduce injuries and limit liabilities. Creating playgrounds that stand the test of time through proper maintenance allows these spaces to become cherished landmarks within your community.
Without proper maintenance, playgrounds can become a place for accidents and injuries. It is estimated that at least 40% of all accidents on playgrounds could have been prevented if a proper preventative maintenance program were in place. The National Safety Council has stated that over half of playground injuries are the direct result of a fall, and since over half of playground injuries occur due to falls, prioritizing the inspection of safety surfacing becomes paramount.
Surfacing Maintenance
Loose Fill Surfacing: Surface maintenance varies depending on the type of surfacing that you have installed. For example, loose-fill materials, like rubber mulch or engineered wood fiber (EWF), require regular attention. To maintain safety standards, it’s essential to check the surface depth bi-weekly or monthly, following the manufacturer’s recommendations and accounting for playground traffic. Ensuring the minimum depth requirements for fall heights are met can greatly reduce injury risks. Whenever the depth falls short, adding more fill material becomes necessary.
Regular raking is also recommended for ADA compliance in order to maintain an even surface throughout the entire playground. Additionally, it is also important to check the playground for foreign, potentially dangerous debris, that could be hidden underneath the top layer of the surface. Objects like glass, rocks, litter, or any other harmful items must be promptly removed to maintain a safe environment. Finally, if the playground has a border around its perimeter, it is vital to examine its condition regularly. A loose or damaged border could result in the removal of loose-fill material from the play area, compromising safety.
Unitary surfacing: Surface materials, such as synthetic turf and poured-in-place (PIP) rubber, require less frequent maintenance tasks compared to loose-fill surfacing. Keeping these surfaces in top condition, however, is crucial to ensure their longevity and safety.
For PIP rubber surfaces, foreign objects tend to stay on the surface, and can easily be removed with a leaf blower or broom when necessary. To safeguard against weathering and wear, applying a seal coat every two to three years (per the manufacturer's recommendations) is essential. This seal coat not only enhances the surface's durability but can also double its lifespan. Monthly visual inspections of the surface are recommended to check for cracks, punctures, or other damage; if any damage is present, you should contact your surfacing manufacturer to get that piece of the surface replaced or repaired.
The last thing to check for during a visual inspection of a PIP surface is staining on the surface. Stains can be removed by applying an all-purpose spray to the stained area of the surface and scrubbing with a medium-bristled brush; you can repeat this process as needed until the stain is removed.
For synthetic turf surfaces, the maintenance tasks differ but are equally straightforward. To redistribute the blades and allow for even wear, it is recommended that you brush the synthetic turf surface monthly using a power or push broom. Like PIP, foreign objects stay on the turf surface and can be removed painlessly using a leaf blower or broom. The last maintenance task for turf is ensuring that seams are not loose; if seams come loose, it can create a tripping hazard and cause unnecessary injuries.
Playground Structure Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and safety of your playground equipment. One thing crucial to any maintenance routine is a monthly visual inspection. During this inspection, carefully check for any missing or damaged pieces of equipment that may require replacement or repair. Pay special attention to bolts, as they play a vital role in the overall structure’s integrity. If you find loose or missing bolts, promptly secure them throughout the playground. Take note of any missing bolts so that they can be replaced promptly.
Before undertaking any significant repairs or changes to your playground equipment, it’s strongly advised to contact your playground equipment manufacturer for guidance and support. Pro Tip: If your playground structure is from Landscape Structures, chances are that you received a maintenance kit after installation. This kit contains valuable information about the maintenance requirements for your playground and equipment. Another area to focus on during your inspection is the condition of the paint. If you notice chipped paint, it’s important to touch it up using paint specifically provided by your equipment manufacturer. Unfortunately, playgrounds also can fall victim to vandalism, including graffiti. If you encounter graffiti on your equipment, do not stress. To remove graffiti, apply a graffiti remover, gently scrub with a soft brush, and then wipe it off with a wet rag or clean off with water. Before applying the remover to the entire affected area, it is wise to test it on a small patch to ensure that the equipment’s paint won’t be removed.
By following these maintenance tips and guidelines, you can ensure your playground remains in top shape, guaranteeing a safe and enjoyable play environment for all users. Remember to inspect and clean regularly, address repairs promptly, and educate users while providing proper supervision. These steps will help you maintain a safe and well-maintained playground for years to come.
Shade Structures Maintenance
If your playground has shade structures, you will want to make sure that you check those as well during your regular maintenance routine. First, check the fabric on the shade for tears, stains, or other weaknesses. If there is any major damage to the shade fabric, contact the shade manufacturer to get it repaired or replaced. You should also check the tension of the cloth and ensure it is not sagging; a sagging shade can create wrinkles and cause other mechanical issues. These checks should be done routinely, but it is recommended to get it checked especially after inclement weather.
The shade fabric should also be removed and cleaned at least once a year by spraying it with a cleaner and scrubbing it thoroughly with a sponge or soft-bristled brush. Cleaning the fabric keeps the color of the shade vibrant by removing remnants of dirt, grime, or any stains. Last, you should check that the shade posts are firmly secured in the ground and are not wobbling or slanted. These shade maintenance tasks will keep your shade structure in pristine condition during the playground’s lifetime.
Setting Up a Monthly Maintenance Schedule
The best way to prevent unnecessary accidents from occurring on your playground and to decrease the likelihood of any long-term damage going unnoticed is to set up a monthly maintenance schedule that ensures that a quick visual inspection is conducted. When planning your playground installation, keep in mind that the playground needs to be routinely checked to remain a safe location for children’s play.
Seeking Professional Assistance
Take action today to ensure the safety and longevity of your playground! If your playground is in need of maintenance, don't hesitate to contact us immediately. Our dedicated sales support specialist and Certified Playground Safety Inspectors are ready to assist you in getting your playground repaired and back to its vibrant and safe state for children to enjoy. Don't wait until accidents happen – be proactive in providing a secure and joyful play environment. Reach out to us now and let's work together to make your playground a cherished landmark within your community!
Free Downloadable Maintenance Checklist
Download our playground maintenance checklist to use as an outline of what you should be looking for during your inspection. Please note that this should not replace the inspection forms that you receive from your playground manufacturer; those should be filled out every time your playground is inspected.