How to Maintain & Clean Play Areas

Play is one of the most important factors in childhood development, but not all playgrounds are created equally. The difference between a popular playground and one that remains consistently empty is usually the appearance and safety of the play area itself. Want to keep kids and family safe, happy, and coming back for more? Here are a few tips on how to maintain and clean play areas.

Inspect Your Equipment Regularly

An estimated 33% of all playground accidents involve poorly maintained equipment. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 200,000 children 14 and under are injured on playgrounds each year, with 45% of those injuries being significant. Having a planned routine maintenance and inspection program in place decreases your risk and liability, improves the play experience for the kids using the playground, and extends the life of your equipment.

The inspections should cover the surface of the playground, the integrity of the equipment, risks posed by choking hazards, and factors that could contribute to a child becoming stuck in/on the equipment.

Scheduling a professional site evaluation will help you further limit your risks and liabilities.

Trash Cans

Trash cans should be placed around the playground at regular intervals to discourage children (and their parents!) from leaving debris behind. Using recycling bins is a great way to be environmentally responsible, but make sure your labels are clear and easy to understand.

Trash cans should be emptied routinely and the can enclosures inspected for ants, wasps, or other pests.

Pressure Wash Playground Surfaces

Your play area is not just a playground for kids; it’s a playground for bacteria. Power washing all surfaces removes bacteria as well as dirt build up so the equipment looks shiny and inviting.

Some unexpected grime could be on your equipment, including:

• Food
• Liquids
• Gum
• Mud and tracked dirt
• Sticky residues
• Bodily fluids 

Power washing is a great way to clean your equipment and surfaces quickly and efficiently.

Inspect Your Surfaces

Your playground’s surfaces will attract and retain dirt, making them an important focus of cleaning and maintaining your playground.

Seal Rubber Surfaces

Over time, sub-par playground surfacing can become ripped and shredded. While we recommend replacing these surfaces with a sturdier product (such as Poured-in-Place rubber flooring or EZ Fall Safety Surfacing), sealing your existing playground footing with a clear topcoat will keep it protected from the sun’s rays and patch existing holes, cracks, and tears.

Not only will this topcoat keep your surfaces looking better longer, it will help reduce trip and fall hazards on your playground.

Clean and Maintain Sand Footing

Sand is an appealing playground surface, but it is more prone to retaining litter and dirt than other surfaces. 

• Rake or sift the sand to remove litter, animal droppings, and food.
• Replace sand to keep the footing cushioned and ensure cleanliness
• Address any area of the playground that collects and retains water
• Remove any toys that have been left behind in the sand
• Consider sanitation and pest control measures for sand

How Can Metro Recreation Help You Clean and Maintain Your Play Areas?

Metro Recreation is a leading provider of playground equipment and services throughout Maryland and West Virginia as well as Washington, DC. We specialize in rugged and engaging playground equipment, as well as installation services, site visits, and inspections.

Let us put our experience to work for you by inspecting your playground equipment and surfaces for cleaning and maintenance recommendations and upgrades that will keep your play area clean and safe. Contact us for more information.