Summer is prime time for playgrounds. School's out, the weather’s warm, and kids are eager to explore, climb, and play. But with increased use, higher temperatures, and stronger UV exposure, it's more important than ever to stay on top of playground maintenance and safety.
At Playground Guardian, we partner with communities to ensure parks and playgrounds stay safe, fun, and compliant year-round. Here’s our essential summer safety checklist to help you protect your play spaces during the busiest season of the year.
Summer Safety Checklist
- Surface Temperature Checks
Sun-exposed equipment and surfaces can reach dangerously high temperatures.
What to do:
- Check surfacing and slides during peak sun hours
- Consider adding shade structures or trees
- Post signage about potential hot surfaces
- Inspect Safety Surfacing
Foot traffic, heat, and weather can break down surfacing faster in summer.
What to do:
- Check the depth of loose-fill surfacing (like mulch or engineered wood fiber)
- Look for rips, cracks, or warping in rubber or poured-in-place surfacing
- Replenish or repair where needed
- Post signage that shoes are required, playing barefoot at the park or playground is dangerous and not recommended
- Tighten Up Equipment
Bolts, chains, and joints can loosen with expansion and contraction from heat.
What to do:
- Inspect hardware for looseness, rust, or damage
- Check moving parts like swings and spinners for wear
- Tighten and replace parts as needed
- Clean & Sanitize
With high summer usage, keeping equipment clean is part of keeping it safe.
What to do:
- Power wash play structures periodically
- Wipe down high-touch areas like handrails and seats
- Remove litter and debris regularly
- Check for Vandalism or Wear
Unfortunately, busy summer parks can sometimes see misuse or damage.
What to do:
- Look for graffiti, broken parts, or tampered equipment
- Repair or replace damaged components quickly
- Use your Park Protector® app to log and track issues
- Review Signage and Age Appropriateness
As visitors increase, make sure safety signage is clear and equipment is age-appropriate.
What to do:
- Check that the signs are visible and legible
- Ensure structures are marked for the correct age groups
- Remove any temporary hazards or barriers
- Schedule a Professional Inspection
Routine inspections by a certified expert can catch hidden issues early.
What to do:
- Contact Playground Guardian for a summer safety inspection
- Use our Park Protector® software to log maintenance and stay compliant
- Give your community the peace of mind that comes with expert care
Summer Fun Starts with Safe Play
Kids deserve a safe place to play, and communities deserve peace of mind. With this summer safety checklist, you can help ensure your playground is ready to handle the heat and the crowds with confidence.
Need help with inspections, repairs, or surfacing this summer? We’re here to help. Let’s work together to protect play. Schedule your consultation with us today!
