March 15th, 2017
Ah, Spring! How the children have longed for it. Now they can put away the heavy winter coats and boots and enjoy the sunshine at the playground again. Spring playground safety should be a top priority as communities and families return to outdoor fun. With warmer weather and melting snow, it's time to inspect equipment, refresh surfaces, and repair any damages caused by harsh winter conditions.
Playground safety is important all year long, but it's especially crucial during springtime when equipment may have sustained wear or damage from ice, snow and moisture. Whether you're visiting a neighborhood park or managing a school or church playground, a thorough inspection before use can prevent injuries and create a safer play space.
Inspect Playground Surfacing
Spring thaw often reveals safety surface issues that went unnoticed during the winter months. Proper surfacing is essential to minimize injuries from falls and keep kids safe.
- Check for displaced surfacing materials. Loose fill materials like rubber mulch or wood mulch may have been pushed aside by snow plows or shovels, reducing their ability to cushion falls. Rake the materials evenly and add more as needed.
- Verify fall height compliance. Different types of playground equipment require varying depths of protective surfacing. Contact a playground expert to determine the correct fall height depth for your equipment.
- Replace worn rubber mats. Look for curled, cracked, or damaged safety mats and replace them to prevent tripping hazards.
- Inspect borders. Ensure that plastic or wood borders surrounding surfacing are secure and in good condition. Replace warped wood, seal splinters, and reattach any loose trim.
Examine the Swing Set
Swing sets are a favorite on any playground, but they also experience a lot of wear and tear, especially in winter weather. Prioritize swing safety during your spring inspection.
- Check swing hangers and couplings. Replace rusted or corroded bolts with galvanized parts, which resist rust and don't need annual replacement.
- Inspect swing chains. Look for rust, open links, and pinching hazards. Consider upgrading to PVC-coated commercial chains. These are sealed, durable, weather-resistant, and come in bright, kid-friendly colors.
- Replace damaged seats. Cracked or broken seats should be replaced with durable, vandal resistant models.
Inspect Play Structure Integrity
A playground structure must be stable, secure, and free from hidden dangers. Pay special attention to areas that were exposed to snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
- Ensure equipment is anchored. Make sure all structures are solidly secured to the ground. Look for shifting or erosion around posts and footings.
- Look for cracks and rust. Structural damage can cause serious injuries. Inspect wood and metal parts for cracks, rust, or rot, and repair as needed.
- Test all railings and stairs. Shake rails, steps, and ramps to ensure they are all stable and attached securely to the structure.
- Tighten or replace hardware. Look for protruding or missing screws, nails, bolts, and safety caps. Sharp or missing hardware can cut or scratch.
- Repair wooden elements. Wood often suffers more damage than plastic during the winter. Sand rough areas, seal exposed wood, and fill cracks with durable wood filler.
- Check nets and ropes. Climbing nets should be tight, not frayed, and free of large gaps that could trap a child's head or limbs.
Review Slides, See-Saws, and Merry Go Rounds
Slides and other dynamic equipment require careful attention after winter exposure.
- Slides: Make sure slides are properly anchored to platforms and that no gaps exist between the slide and the deck.
- Seesaws: A shock absorbing element such as a tire or rubber bumper under the seats prevents harsh impacts when they hit the ground.
- Merry Go Rounds: Ensure the platform is level, rotates smoothly, and has no sharp edges. The space beneath the platform should be clear enough to avoid crushing risks.
Involve the Community
Spring playground safety isn't just the responsibility of city officials or schools staff, it's a community effort. Adults visiting the playground can help by:
- Picking up trash or debris left behind from winter storms
- Reporting damage or broken parts to the appropriate authorities
- Organizing spring cleaning or maintenance days with volunteers.
Encouraging community involvement helps create a safer, cleaner environment and teaches children the value of shared spaces.
Know Local Safety Standards
While there isn't a mandatory nationwide playground safety standard, many states and municipalities follow guidelines developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
- Texas and New Jersey, for example, require compliance with ASTM standards.
- Other areas rely on the CPSC Public Playground Safety Handbook, which outlines best practices for equipment installation, surfacing, and maintenance.
Check with your local government to learn which regulations apply in your area and ensure your playground meets them.
Use a Playground Safety Checklist
To simplify your inspection process, we've created a Spring Playground Safety Checklist you can download and use. This resource outlines everything you should look for, from surfacing depth to hardware inspection
Download the Spring Maintenance Checklist here!
For an even more comprehensive resource, consult the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's Public Playground Safety Handbook, which includes in depth guidelines for evaluating playgrounds of all sizes.
Need Repairs or Replacement Equipment?
If your inspection uncovers damage beyond simple repairs or if your equipment no longer meets modern safety standards, it may be time to upgrade! At Noah's Park and Playgrounds, we specialize in helping communities, schools, and churches maintain safe, exciting, and compliant play areas.
Contact us today and speak with one of our playground experts.
We'll help you assess your current equipment, suggest safe and cost-effective solutions, and ensure your playground meets all of the spring playground safety standards and is ready for another season of fun!
Conclusion
Spring is a time of renewal, and that includes your playground. By taking proactive steps to ensure spring playground safety, you'll protect children, extend the life of your equipment, and provide peace of mind to parents and caregivers. With a little maintenance and attention to detail, your playground can be a safe and joyful place for kids to play all season long!