A playground is one of the most popular amenities in a family community. It is also one of the places where injuries are most likely to happen. Careful maintenance and clear rules will not prevent every fall, but they reduce the risk and show that the association has acted responsibly.
This article is general information and is not legal advice. The association's attorney should be consulted.
1. Set a Regular Inspection and Maintenance Schedule
A written schedule should be adopted for the playground and followed every time. A reasonable schedule includes:
- Frequent visual checks, often weekly, by the manager, maintenance staff, or a vendor, looking for broken parts, sharp edges, loose hardware, and debris
- Periodic hands-on inspections of bolts, chains, welds, and connections
- An annual inspection by a qualified playground inspector
Each inspection should be recorded with the date, the person who performed it, what was found, and what was done. A documented schedule does not guarantee that no one will be hurt, but it is strong evidence that the association acted with reasonable care.
2. Pay Attention to Surfacing and Florida Conditions
Most playground injuries involve falls, so the surface under and around equipment matters. Wood chips, rubber mulch, and poured rubber are common choices, and loose materials must be raked and topped off to keep the proper depth. Hard surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, and packed dirt should not be used under equipment.
Florida weather adds its own risks. Metal slides, platforms, and dark surfaces can become hot enough to burn skin in direct sun. Shade structures, lighter materials, and posted warnings help. Storms can loosen equipment and wash out surfacing, so the playground should be inspected after every major storm before it is reopened.
3. Bring In a Qualified Expert
Board members and managers are not playground specialists. A certified playground safety inspector can evaluate equipment against current national safety guidelines, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission's public playground safety guidance, and recommend repairs or replacement. When equipment is replaced, the new design and installation should be reviewed by a qualified professional, and the manufacturer's instructions should be followed.
4. Act Quickly When a Problem Is Found
When an unsafe condition is reported or discovered, it should be addressed promptly. If equipment cannot be repaired right away, it should be closed off with barriers and a sign stating that it is closed for repairs. Owners should be told what happened and when the equipment is expected to reopen. Delay after notice of a hazard is one of the situations most likely to increase an association's exposure.
Repair and replacement costs for playground equipment should be included in the reserve schedule so that funds are available when needed. More on that subject can be found in
the importance of reserves for your condo or HOA.
5. Review Insurance and Post Clear Rules
The association's general liability coverage should be reviewed with its insurance agent, with the playground specifically discussed. Limits that seemed adequate years ago may no longer be enough, and an umbrella policy may be worth considering.
Posted rules help set expectations. Common rules include:
- Children must be supervised by an adult
- Equipment should be used by children in the posted age range
- No ropes, strings, or drawstrings on equipment
- Bicycle helmets should be removed before play
- Equipment should be checked for heat before use
- Hours of use, often dawn to dusk
Rules should be enforced consistently and reviewed with the association's attorney before adoption. Guidance on rules for other shared spaces appears in
HOA practices for common areas.
Help With Amenity Safety
Inspection scheduling, vendor coordination, and reserve planning are handled for the communities managed by Condominium Associates. To talk about your community's playground or other amenities,
contact us.
