Commercial playgrounds provide an essential space for kids to play, socialize and develop important skills. However, with the wear and tear that playground equipment gets on a regular basis, it’s normal for it to experience various issues over time that impact the play experience. It’s crucial that your playground equipment to be in good working condition, as this is what ensures the safety and comfort for children and their families. Let’s cover how to troubleshoot common issues that happen with commercial playground parts so that you can keep your equipment in tip-top shape!
Loose Belts and Fasteners
When there’s loose belts or fasteners, you may notice that the equipment is wobbly, or there might be visible gaps where the parts should be securely fastened. Fortunately, these are relatively easy problems to fix. Regular inspections will help you catch loose bolts and fasteners, so check them regularly and tighten them as needed. Make sure you have the right tools on hand, such as a high-quality torque wrench. If the bolts are damaged or stripped, replace them immediately.
Worn Out Swing Seats and Chains
Regularly inspect swing seats and chains for signs of wear. From time to time, it’s possible that the chains will need to be lubricated to prevent rust and wear. If there are cracks or splits in the swing seats, replace them right away. Not only is this damage unsightly, but also it can pinch small fingers and legs. If the chains are rusty or weakened, you may need to replace them as well.
Cracked or Splintered Materials
Most playgrounds are made from materials like plastic and wood, which, while durable, do not last forever. Wood, for example, can weather and crack, causing splinters. Plastic, too, can crack, leaving slides and panels with sharp edges that can cause injuries. When inspecting the equipment, check all plastic and wood components. Sand down any splintered wood to prevent splinters using a smooth finish. For cracked plastic parts, you’ll likely need to contact the equipment manufacturer to replace the part (if extensive), or you can use a repair kit (for minor issues).
Rust and Corrosion
While rust is often thought to be an aesthetic problem, it can cause more serious damage. Not only can it lead to discoloration and flaky surfaces on metal parts, but also it can weaken the structural integrity of the equipment. Rust can be removed with a wire brush or sandpaper if it’s caught early, and it’s best to take an additional step and apply a rust inhibitor or metal primer on the affected areas to prevent future rust. Also, regularly inspect and clean metal parts to catch rust early.
Worn Out Safety Surfacing
Each year, more than 200,000 children go to the ER with playground injuries. Fortunately, safety surfacing makes these spaces safer. There are a number of options to choose from, including poured-in-place rubber, rubber tiles, artificial turf grass, rubber mulch and engineered wood fiber. However, it’s important that whatever material your playground has is well-cared for, otherwise it won’t be able to do its job. Make sure the safety surfacing is inspected regularly and use a repair kit to fix small areas of damage. Loose fill material, like engineered wood fiber, over time can deteriorate, be displaced and need to be top offed to insure proper fall attenuation. If there is extensive damage, replace the entire playground area to maintain safety standards.
Damaged or Missing Signage
Faded, damaged or missing instructional and safety signs don’t just look bad; they can also make your playground less safe. People count on these signs for important information, so you want to make sure that they are legible and in place. When you do replace damaged or missing signs, be sure to use durable, weather-resistant materials.
Playground Safety and Maintenance Made Easy with Cunningham Recreation
Regular maintenance and timely troubleshooting of common issues with playground equipment are essential for ensuring the safety and enjoyment of your space. The best thing you can do is schedule regular inspections so that problems can be caught early on, before they become expensive and difficult to fix.
Cunningham Recreation is proud to partner with Playground Guardian for playground safety and maintenance. They offer comprehensive services that include on-site inspections, playground assessments including ADA, and safety surface impact testing to ensure your playground is safe and well-maintained. Contact us today to learn more about these services, including their cloud-based inspection software system that makes inspecting and maintaining your playground a breeze!
