Playground Inspection Checklist
Playground inspections keep parks available and functioning. Children don't lose out on recreation experiences because of unusable or broken equipment. Also, addressing hazardous conditions found during inspections prevent injuries from falls, entanglement, entrapment, and more. Inspections also increase the public's sense of security. Parks with litter and graffiti can make a visitor feel unsafe or uneasy. By regularly checking and addressing vandalism or littering, parks are cleaner and less likely to have graffiti.
Birchwood Lodge
09/02/2023
Playground Inspection Checklist
Playground inspections keep parks available and functioning. Children don't lose out on recreation experiences because of unusable or broken equipment. Also, addressing hazardous conditions found during inspections prevent injuries from falls, entanglement, entrapment, and more. Inspections also increase the public's sense of security. Parks with litter and graffiti can make a visitor feel unsafe or uneasy. By regularly checking and addressing vandalism or littering, parks are cleaner and less likely to have graffiti.
Are the playground rules clearly posted?
Is the area clear of trash or debris?
Do the fall zones extend at least six feet beyond each piece of playground equipment?
Does the ground surface have a protective covering of at least 12 inches of wood chip, mulch, sand, or pea gravel, or are there mats made of safety-tested rubber-like material?
Are the anchors that hold down the equipment secure and unimpaired?
Is there any exposed hardware such as open "s" hooks, protruding screws, bolts, etc.?
Are there spaces that could trip children, such as openings in guardrails or between ladder rungs, measuring more than 3.5 inches or less than 9 inches?
Are there any exposed or sharp edges?
Are there any plants, trees, etc., that are encroaching into the playground?
Are the chains and hanging items secure and unimpaired?
Are the guardrails and fall protection items secure and clear?
Is there any standing water?
Is any piece of equipment corroded?
Is the playground equipment clean and clear?
Is there any vandalism or graffiti?
Are there any people, vehicles, etc. nearby that are out of the ordinary?
Are there any unresolved items left from previous inspection?
Source: Birchwood Lodge (Community Member)