Get Your School Playground Ready for Spring: Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

With spring upon us, it’s time to do some cleaning and maintenance for your school playground. The changing seasons provide a timely opportunity to ensure your playground is safe and in good working order for students. Regular care will keep your investment looking good and lasting longer.

Check out our expert tips for cleaning and maintenance, so your school playground is ready for increased activity in the warmer months ahead.

Clean the Playground Regularly

Playgrounds have high-contact surfaces, and all plastic and metal surfaces should be cleaned regularly to be hygienic. A good rule of thumb is to base the cleaning timeline on how often inspections are conducted.

Conduct Routine Inspections

Cleaning and inspections should happen simultaneously. While cleaning, check for anything broken or hazardous, such as loose bolts, sharp edges, rust, and cracked or compromised playground equipment. Inspect the surrounding area and remove anything hazardous, like trash or broken glass. Keeping careful records will help ensure timeliness of inspections and track any recurring issues.

Repair or Replace Parts

If problems are identified during the inspection, it’s important to address them immediately. Some repairs can be made on the spot while larger issues may require a professional, who may recommend replacement if the piece is older or has already been repaired. For more information on safety standards, visit this page.

Make Trash Receptacles Available

Help keep the play space clean by making sure 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.

Playground Maintenance Tips

School playgrounds are an extension of the classroom and similarly benefit from routine maintenance, so they’re freshly clean and safe for students. Doing this work up front reassures you that students are playing on safe materials and getting the best play experience possible.  Some more tips below will help keep the playground safe, hygienic, and durable for years to come.

• Designate who is responsible for maintenance: Whether it’s an employee(s), committee, or a local service, you need to know who will regularly maintain the playground area. Make sure they have adequate training and knowledge to perform the necessary tasks.
• 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 the ones using the space.
• Secure the area: 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 teachers, aides, and parents know who to tell about any maintenance that must be performed. Having a central system to collect information will help keep the process organized and encourage accountability.
• Consider shade structures: Reduce fading from the sun by installing shade structures and canopies. This will help prevent maintenance issues and keep your playground looking fresher for a longer amount of time.

The allocation of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding provides a timely opportunity for schools across America to repair and enhance their playgrounds. 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. If you have available ESSER funds and are interested in improving your school playground, now is the time to act. Contact us at Little Tikes Commercial, to learn how we can help.