Commercial Playground Maintenance

At Playground Outfitters, we’re proud to supply our customers with the highest quality commercial playgrounds, independent play structures, outdoor fitness equipment, and outdoor park furniture available. And while our playgrounds are designed to last a lifetime, withstanding the harshest elements and countless hours of play, regular maintenance is an important part of ensuring the longevity of the equipment.

We recommend developing a playground maintenance schedule and incorporating it into your calendar. Conducting a visual inspection of the equipment, surfacing, and surrounding area every three months is a good place to begin.

Download Checklist

A. Overall Structure

  1. Post and play event footings are not exposed, cracked, or loose
  2. Clamps show no sign of slippage, cracking, or failure
  3. Clamp drive screws and / or pins are secure
  4. Welds are intact and free of cracks
  5. No rust or corrosion
  6. No splintered, cracked or otherwise deteriorated wood (pay special attention to areas where chains or rails thread through the wood)
  7. No scratched, chipped or peeling paint
  8. Metal parts show no visible cracks, bending, warping, or breakage
  9. No missing bolts, nuts, screws, etc.
  10. All bolts, nuts, screws, etc. are tight
  11. All joints are secure (pay special attention to sectional slides, pipe climbers, and challenge ladders)
  12. All swivels, bearings, grease fittings, and moving parts are well lubricated and not excessively worn (pay special attention to tire swings, belt swings, track rides, and ring treks)
  13. No broken or missing parts
  14. No sharp edges or unsafe protrusions (check metal corners, bolts, etc.)
  15. No exposed mechanisms, junctions of moving parts, or components are posing possible pinch or crush points

B. Play Structures

  1. Plastic is not cut or curled
  2. All slide support / anchors are intact and secure
  3. All “S” hooks are closed and not excessively worn

C. Swings

  1. All “S” hooks are closed and not excessively worn
  2. No exposed metal on swing seats
  3. Swivel rubber sleeve of tire swing is in place and not excessively worn
  4. Swing Chain is in good condition and not excessively worn, especially at connection points
  5. Connectors and chain have free movement

D. Surrounding Area

  1. Resilient surfacing material is not scattered or excessively worn (pay special attention to area at the end of slides and under swings
  2. Resilient surfacing material is adequately deep and retains its fall absorbing abilities as specified at installation
  3. Border around playground is in good condition and has not come loose
  4. No roots, rocks, or other objects are causing a tripping or injury hazard
  5. Area is clean of litter (no broken glass or bottles, etc.)
  6. Benches are securely fastened to underlying cement pad

If you have questions about how to properly maintain your equipment or are unsure what steps to take to correct a problem, call Playground Outfitters at (888) 342-8228 and one of our playground specialists will be happy to assist you. Check out our other helpful resources too, including FAQs, and information on safety surfacing and playground installation. Maintaining your commercial playground does not have to be time consuming or difficult, but it is important to increase the lifespan of the equipment. You’ll keep the play area looking its best and as safe as possible for the little ones using it.