Prepare Your School Playground for the Warmer Months

Now is the perfect time to make sure your school’s playground is clean and safe for all the fun that is sure to come. Cleaning playground equipment is essential for maintaining a safe space for children to play. Doing so helps prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, reduces the chance of injury or illness, and even extends the life of the equipment itself. Check out our tips below to get your playground ready for springtime!

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Following a checklist is a great way to ensure that the school playground is regularly cleaned and maintained. For best results, adhere to these four steps:

Routine Cleaning is Key

Playgrounds are high-contact surfaces. All plastic and metal surfaces should be cleaned regularly. A good benchmark is to base the cleaning timeline on how often inspections are conducted, which should be every three months on average.

Conduct Routine Inspections

Cleaning and inspections go hand-in-hand. While cleaning, look out for anything broken, such as loose bolts, sharp edges, rust, and cracked or compromised playground equipment. Be sure to also inspect the surrounding area and remove anything hazardous. Keep careful records to ensure timeliness of inspections and to track any recurring issues.

Repair or Replace Parts

If any issues are identified during the inspection, it’s important to address them immediately. Some repairs can be made on the spot while larger issues will require a professional to make necessary repairs. In some cases, purchasing new equipment is the better option. For more information on Playworld’s replacement parts program, click here.

Make Trash Receptacles Available

Help keep your school playground clean by making sure that trash receptacles are conveniently located to help reduce littering. Consider installing signage to remind everyone the importance of taking care of the space so everyone can enjoy it. For more information on Playworld’s site furnishings, click here.

General Rules of Maintaining a School Playground:

School playgrounds are an extension of the classroom and benefit from routine maintenance to keep them sparkling fresh. These tips will help keep it safe, hygienic, and durable for many years to come.

• Designate who is responsible for maintenance: Whether it’s a committee or a local service, you need to know who will maintain the playground area. Make sure they have adequate training and knowledge. 

• Trust in safety professionals: Hire a qualified professional to check each component’s safety. In certain climates, playground equipment is used less frequently in the winter months. Checking to make sure everything is in good working order and meets safety standards is critical, especially when children are using the space.

• Secure the space: Depending on the particulars of the space, installing a fence, gate, and/or alarm system can help reduce additional maintenance because of vandalism or improper use of the area.

• Establish a reporting system: For safety, make sure that teachers, aides, and parents know who to tell about any maintenance that needs to be performed. Having a central system to collect information will help expedite the process and encourage accountability.

• Consider shade structures: Reduce fading from the sun by installing shade structures and canopies. This will help prevent maintenance due to paint fading and keep your playground looking newer for longer.

When it comes to playground equipment, many students touch these surfaces throughout the day. Luckily, there are steps you can take to ensure the playground is as clean as possible. In addition to making the playground more visually appealing, proper cleaning and disinfecting can also help prevent the spread of germs, making the playground a safe place for students. Before cleaning any equipment, make sure to refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate cleaning techniques.

Looking to repair or improve your school playground? The allocation of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding provides a timely opportunity for schools across America to enhance their playgrounds. ESSER funds can be used to enhance play spaces. ESSER III funds must be committed by September 30, 2024, and district leaders have flexibility when it comes to how best to use the funds to meet the needs of their school communities.

At Playworld, we understand the importance of safe and clean play. Keeping your playground cleaned and maintained shows you take pride in the space and can encourage others to do their part to keep it clean as well. In addition to routine cleaning and disinfecting, an important step you can take is starting with quality playground equipment. Contact us today, to get started.