Hopefully, summer provided a wealth of experiences and memories for your playground visitors. The extra traffic often means that work needs to be done to ensure the playground remains in good, usable condition.
Fall is a critical time to ensure playgrounds remain safe and functional as the weather starts to change. Regular inspections and preventative care during this season can help prevent costly repairs, extend the lifespan of playground equipment, and protect the well-being of park visitors.
Here are some actionable steps to help park maintenance staff keep playgrounds safe and welcoming year-round.
Inspect Playground Surfacing
Playground surfacing plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of serious fall injuries. If the surfacing isn’t the proper depth or poured-in surfaces are worn or damaged, it can compromise safety–especially around climbing equipment, swings, slides, and spinning features.
Fall is an excellent time to ensure your playground surfacing is safe and even. During routine playground inspections, look for thin spots, depressions, or areas where material has shifted.
Also, look for any signs of inadequate drainage, like standing water or slippery spots. Clear any clogged drains or catch basins to prevent water from pooling on surfaces.
In cooler climates, pooling water can hasten the damage to poured-in surfaces during freeze and thaw cycles. Addressing drainage issues before the winter can prevent the need for significant repairs once spring rolls around.
Remove Tripping Hazards
While focusing on the ground level, remove or repair any other potential tripping hazards. Hazards can include tree roots, uneven surfaces, and exposed concrete supports. As a general rule of thumb: If something seems slightly off, someone will probably trip over it.
As the fall winds pick up, routinely remove fallen leaves, branches, or any other potential hazard from high-traffic areas like under swings or slides.
Check Hardware
Fall is the perfect time to perform a low-frequency playground inspection, where all the hardware gets checked, evaluated, and repaired. Ensure all bolts, fasteners, and other hardware remain tight and secure to prevent any loosening during the winter. Replace any missing or damaged hardware as soon as possible.
It’s also an excellent time to apply grease or lubricants to playground features with moving parts to ensure smooth operation as the weather gets colder.
Note Excessive Wear and Tear
Over time, playground equipment can become damaged due to heavy use, weather conditions, or natural aging. Peeling paint, fading colors, and worn features can make a park more dangerous and less aesthetically appealing to visitors.
Wear and tear can also lead to sharp points or edges that can result in nasty scrapes and cuts for children actively using the playground features.
Wooden structures may show signs of rot and decay, which may cause splintering. Sand down rough edges and treat the wood to protect it as the weather changes.
Identify Potential Hazards
Check fencing and gates for any issues that need repair. Also, inspect the landscaping near the playground. For example, a dead tree branch overhead may fall during a windy day, leading to a serious injury if someone is in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Ensure any outdoor lighting is functioning correctly. Replace any burnt-out bulbs or adjust fixtures to maintain a well-lit, safe environment.
Ensure Clear Signage
Safety signs inform visitors about the potential risks of equipment. If those signs are missing or compromised and someone gets injured, you may have to address some difficult questions.
Ensure that all safety signs are visible and in good condition. Clean or replace signs as needed so park visitors clearly see rules and safety guidelines. Remove any graffiti or stains during inspections.
Document Findings and Repairs
Be sure to document your fall playground inspections to ensure accurate record-keeping for risk management and to help identify any recurring issues for a particular playground.
Digital records of inspection findings and repairs can be an invaluable tool to help maintenance managers discover trends and budget for repairs and replacements. Park maintenance computerized maintenance management system software provides a centralized hub where managers and administrators get the data they need to make informed decisions about playground repairs, replacements, and safety.
The Takeaway
Spending extra time inspecting and maintaining your playgrounds in the fall ensures minor issues get addressed so your equipment can endure the harsher winter weather.
Documenting your findings and repairs can help you better understand how summer affects the conditions of your various playground assets.