Our witness expert Jean Wenger MIEW, RPII^AM on playground equipment

‘… Should we keep it …’, ‘… I know our budget is stretched but…’ are often the introductory words signalling difficult discussions and financial problems ahead. Frequently the signs have been there for a while with warnings of corrosion or rot becoming more visible over recent time, however when the message comes, it is difficult and often catches operators on the wrong foot.

We all know that nothing lasts for ever and hold fond memories of past items, that seemed so well built, and apparently did go on and on, be it our old favourite of the soaring space rocket or a UFO climber. Indeed with construction materials of the 1970’s being largely not of wood but metal, they used more robust materials.

Today, many items of playground equipment have a more limited lifespan and careful consideration of whether it is financially appropriate to refurbish or to replace needs to be taken. 

For vandalised items, repair is normally the fastest route to getting the playground fully running again and crucially, to reduce probability of further vandalism by promptly addressing the issue.

For broken items, it is important to remove or repair, albeit temporarily until a full repair can be undertaken, making sure that the temporary repairs meets the same standards of safety, such as entrapment, barrier heights and structural security. That repair should always utilise manufacturer’s original parts.  

However is it appropriate to repair or refurbish, often the costs are substantial. How much life is left in the indoor or outdoor playground equipment? Is it apposite to spend good money on old worn out playground equipment? It is considered that with regular maintenance and no vandalism equipment life spans can be for timber approximately 10 years and metal/plastics approximately 20 years. Reasonable anticipated lifespan should always be asked when purchasing.

Are the items on the kids playground providing the range of opportunities that appropriate for the community’s children?  Is it all climbing and agility items or are there swinging, sliding, rotating and rocking items?

Comparisons with neighbouring operators is always interesting, as are new play designs that for example provide more challenging children playground equipment, such as ‘bannister’ rail slides or a group ‘birds nest’ swing seat that can provide quiet opportunities for carer and child and then be used by groups of energetic children. Is the demise of one item providing the opportunity for change?

Most important of all however, is not to be too caught out. It’s by regular checks and inspections that we can improve our awareness and then plan for refurbishment or replacement. Play areas thankfully are normally safe places; it’s when surprises are sprung on us that the problems start.

An article signed by Jean Wenger MIEW, RPII^AM