You’ve got the playground of your dreams; kids are playing, laughing, enjoying themselves, parents are chatting, and the community is spending time together. What else do you need?
Well, all that fun can wear down fast without regular maintenance and care. Even the best commercial playground equipment needs a little TLC to stay safe, look great, and last for as long as possible.
The Barrs Recreation team knows all too well that every playground deserves proper attention, so we’ve put together some simple maintenance tips to help keep your play space in tip-top shape:
Make Inspections a Habit
The first (and arguably most important) factor in commercial playground equipment maintenance is simply doing it regularly.
Set up a consistent inspection schedule; monthly is a great place to start! During each check, keep an eye out for loose bolts, worn-out or broken parts, rust, cracks, or anything that looks a little “off.” If something doesn’t seem right, don’t wait. Fix it before it turns into a bigger problem.
And here’s a quick tip: after any major weather event, like a big storm, snow, or even high winds, do a bonus inspection. Mother Nature can be sneaky, and it’s better to catch problems early!
Keep it Clean
Nobody likes sticky slides and muddy monkey bars. But let’s be real, when kids are having fun, things are bound to get messy. Dirt, dust, pollen, spilled juice boxes… it all adds up.
A quick rinse of your commercial playground equipment with mild soap and water can do wonders. Use a soft sponge or brush to gently scrub away grime so as to not damage paint or plastic, and avoid harsh cleaners that could wear down finishes or irritate little hands. If you’re dealing with graffiti or tougher messes, your free Burke Maintenance Kit has safe and effective remover made just for playground surfaces.
Cleaning is also a great time to spot any early signs of wear that might be missed during a regular inspection. Parents and caregivers will also appreciate knowing the space is safe and sanitary.
Don’t Forget the Surroundings
Don’t forget the surface! Loose-fill surfacing like mulch or rubber should be raked and topped off often. For unitary surfaces like poured-in-place rubber or tiles, check for cracks, shifting, or lifting edges that could cause trips.
Next, take a look at the landscape. Trim any overgrown bushes or tree branches that might block sightlines or drop debris onto the play area. Keep trash picked up, benches clean, and paths clear for strollers and wheelchairs. The surrounding environment is just as important as the commercial playground equipment itself!
Replace Parts When Needed
Let’s say you notice squeaky swings, cracked panels, or damaged parts. They should be replaced as soon as possible! Most commercial playground equipment comes with replaceable components, so no need for a full overhaul, just swap what’s needed and get back to play!
You can also stay on top of things by keeping a record of repairs and replacements. When you notice something starting to wear down, order the part before it becomes a safety risk. Regular maintenance keeps your play structure looking great and working perfectly. And when you fix things fast, you avoid bigger, more expensive problems down the road.
Shade and Shelter Help
Sunshine and vitamin D are great for play, but too much of it can take a toll on both people and your commercial playground equipment. Adding shade and shelter is one of the smartest ways to protect your visitors and your investment. Sun and heat can cause materials to fade, crack, or warp over time, not to mention making surfaces hot to the touch.
Playground shade protects against UV damage, encourages longer visits, improves supervision, and supports kids who are sensitive to heat. A small upgrade that makes a big difference in creating a space everyone wants to return to!
A Happy Playground is a Safe Playground
A little maintenance goes a long way for commercial playground equipment. With regular attention and the right tools (like your FREE Maintenance Kit), your playground can be a safe and clean space that cultivates community, connection, and forever memories.
Barrs Recreation is always just a call or click away. We’re here to help you protect your investment, and the smiles that come with it. Contact us today for a playground inspection, more maintenance tips, or anything else you may need!