As a community or organization responsible for maintaining a playground, safety should always be a top priority. Playground safety is not just about having fun but also ensuring that children are not exposed to any hazards while playing. Regular inspections of the playground are essential to keep it safe, and the process of inspecting the playground has been made more efficient with the advent of online playground inspection tools.

In the past, organizations have had to hire Certified Playground Safety Inspectors (CPSIs) to inspect their playgrounds regularly. These inspections can be costly, time-consuming, and will require a specialist to come on-site. However, with the introduction of online playground inspection tools, organizations can now do the inspection themselves with ease.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the benefits of using an online playground inspection tool like Park Protector, versus hiring a CPSI.

  • Cost Effective
    • What is the Average Cost to Hire a Certified Park Safety Inspector (CPSI)?
    • Why is it Cheaper to Use Park & Playground Inspection Software than Hire a CPSI?
  • Accessibility
    • What Kind of Equipment Do I Need to Provide My Staff with to Inspect a Playground with an Online Inspection Tool?
  • Ease of Use
  • Timeliness
    • How Long Does an Average Inspection Take Using Playground Guardian’s Inspection Software?
  • Comprehensive
    • What Type of Playground Inspection Reports are Offered by Park Protector?
    • ADA Playground Assessments & Audits
    • Playground Work Order Reports
    • Playground Issue Reporting
    • Playground Inventory Management
    • Team Scheduling for Inspections & Maintenance Jobs
  1. Cost Effective
    Hiring a CPSI can be expensive, especially for small community organizations or schools with limited budgets. Online playground inspection tools like Park Protector by Playground Guardian are much more affordable, and the cost of using these tools is often just a fraction of what it would cost to hire a CPSI.

What is the Average Cost to Hire a Certified Park Safety Inspector (CPSI)?

The cost of hiring a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) can vary depending on various factors such as the location, size of the playground, the number of parks or playgrounds to be inspected, and the scope of the inspection required.

Generally, the cost of a CPSI inspection can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. According to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the typical range for a CPSI inspection can be between $350 to $2,500. However, it's important to note that this is just an estimate and the actual cost can vary depending on the specific requirements of the inspection.

There are a number of factors that can affect the cost of a CPSI inspection, including size of the playground, the age and condition of the playground, location, type of inspection that needs to be done, the number of locations to be inspected, and the travel expenses that may be required.

Why is it Cheaper to Use Park & Playground Inspection Software than Hire a CPSI?

Using park and playground inspection software can be more cost-effective than hiring a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) for several reasons:

Reduced Labor Costs: Park and playground inspection software can automate many of the tasks involved in a playground inspection, reducing the need for manual labor. This can significantly reduce the cost of the inspection as fewer personnel are needed to complete the inspection.

With Park Protector by Playground Guardian for example, the step-by-step inspection modules will walk you through each step of the inspection process just as one of our playground inspectors would, allowing you to document every step of the way!

Park Protector Playground Inspection Software is a cloud-based, mobile-friendly playground inspection software that allows you to manage, monitor, and inspect all from  a smartphone or tablet.

Increased Efficiency: Park and playground inspection software can streamline the inspection process, making it faster and more efficient. This can save time and reduce labor costs, ultimately resulting in a more cost-effective inspection.

Improved Record-Keeping: Park Protector Park and playground inspection software can generate reports and track the history of inspections. This can improve record-keeping and reduce administrative costs associated with maintaining inspection records.

Ongoing Cost Savings: Park and playground inspection software can be used for ongoing inspections, allowing organizations to save money over time. By contrast, hiring a CPSI for each inspection can be costly and may not be necessary for routine inspections.

  1. Accessibility
    With an online playground inspection tool, inspections can be done anytime and from anywhere. CPSIs may only be available at certain times or locations, which can limit the flexibility of inspections. Online tools allow you to do inspections on your own schedule, and can improve the speed of the inspection process as well.

What Kind of Equipment Do I Need to Provide My Staff with to Inspect a Playground with an Online Inspection Tool?

To inspect a playground with Park Protector by Playground Guardian, your overhead is minimal and you can do the inspection at any time!

Your staff will need access to the following equipment:

A Smartphone or Tablet: Your staff will need a device with a camera and internet or cellular data connectivity to access the online inspection tool and document the results of the inspection.

Unlike most competitors, Park Protector by Playground Guardian also offers offline playground inspection capabilities so your staff can continue to inspect playground equipment in areas where wifi networks and mobile data is not available!

Protective Gear: Your staff should wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, when inspecting the playground to protect themselves from potential hazards.

Measuring Devices: Your staff may need measuring devices such as a tape measure or ruler to measure the height of equipment and ensure that it meets safety standards.

Testing Equipment: Depending on the type of inspection being conducted, your staff may need specialized testing equipment such as a torque wrench to check the tightness of bolts.

Cleaning Supplies: Your staff may need cleaning supplies such as a broom and dustpan to remove debris from the playground.

Maintenance Tools: Your staff may need basic maintenance tools such as a screwdriver or pliers to perform minor repairs on the playground.

  1. Ease of Use
    Playground Guardian’s Online playground inspection tool is easy to use and requires minimal training. Park Protector provides a step-by-step process to ensure that every aspect of the playground is inspected, and the reports generated are detailed and easy to understand.

 

  1. Timeliness
    Online playground inspection tools are faster than traditional CPSI inspections. You can conduct the inspection and generate the report within a few hours, while CPSI inspections can take days or even weeks.


At Playground Guardian, we understand that you may have limited staff and time to perform playground inspections, which is why we designed Park Protector. Our playground inspection application is based on our extensive industry experience and training, and it is created to guide your staff through the inspection process in a quick and efficient manner, even if they have other responsibilities to attend to.

How Long Does an Average Inspection Take Using Playground Inspection Software?
Playground Guardian's park protector online inspection tool has simplified the process of inspecting playgrounds. Its ease of use makes it possible for virtually anyone to perform playground inspections within a short period of time, ranging from minutes to a few hours, depending on the size of the playground. This is a significant benefit for teams that are already overworked and wearing multiple hats, as they no longer have to spend hours inspecting playgrounds manually. With the Playground Guardian's park protector, they can quickly and efficiently identify any potential hazards or maintenance issues and take action to address them promptly. Moreover, this tool is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing anyone to master it with minimal training.

  1. Comprehensive
    Online playground inspection tools offer a comprehensive inspection that covers all aspects of the playground. The report generated by the tool provides detailed information about each area of the playground that requires attention, ensuring that any safety concerns are identified and addressed.

What Types of Playground Inspections are Offered through Park Protector?

Playground Guardian's park protector allows its users to conduct different types of inspections, including equipment-based and non-equipment based inspections.

Equipment-based inspections focus on examining the playground equipment, such as swings, slides, and climbing structures, to ensure that they are in good condition and pose no risk to children's safety. With the park protector, users are able to answer a series of questions for each piece of inventory on site.

Non-equipment based inspections, on the other hand, focus on other aspects of the playground, such as the surrounding environment, signage, and other safety measures but focus on the playground as a whole. These inspections are crucial to ensure that the playground is not only safe but also complies with the relevant safety standards and regulations. With park protector, users can perform non-equipment based inspections that cover areas such as signage, fencing, drainage, and lighting.

What Types of Equipment Can Be Inspected within the App?

In conjunction with inspection playgrounds and equipment, Park Protector allows for inspections of various areas such as:

Basketball Court Inspections: Users can inspect the playing surface, equipment, and surrounding areas of basketball courts to ensure they are safe for use.

Bench and Bleacher Inspections: Inspections of seating areas, including benches and bleachers, can be conducted to ensure they are structurally sound and secure.

Boardwalks and Bridges: Users can inspect boardwalks and bridges in parks to ensure they are in good condition and safe for use.

Dog Parks: Inspections of dog parks can ensure that the area is free of hazards and properly maintained.

Athletic Fields: Users can inspect athletic fields to ensure they are in good condition and safe for use, including checking for hazards such as uneven surfaces or debris.

Custodial: Inspections of custodial equipment and supplies can be conducted to ensure proper maintenance and hygiene standards.

Fitness Equipment: Inspections of fitness equipment can ensure that it is in good condition and safe for use.

Mowing: Inspections of mowing equipment can be conducted to ensure proper maintenance and safety standards.

Kitchens: Users can inspect kitchens in parks to ensure they are safe and up to code for food preparation and storage.

Lighting: Inspections of park lighting can ensure that it is functioning correctly and provides adequate illumination for safety.

Locker Rooms: Users can inspect locker rooms to ensure they are clean and safe for use.

Natural Areas: Inspections of natural areas can ensure that they are properly maintained and free of hazards.

Pools: Users can inspect pools to ensure they are in compliance with safety and hygiene standards.

Shelters: Inspections of park shelters can ensure they are in good condition and safe for use.

Restrooms: Users can inspect park restrooms to ensure they are clean and safe for use.

Surfaces: Inspections of park surfaces, including playground surfaces, can ensure they are in good condition and free of hazards.

Skateparks: Inspections of skateparks can ensure they are safe and in good condition for use.

Tennis Courts: Users can inspect tennis courts to ensure they are safe and in good condition for use.

Trails: Inspections of park trails can ensure they are in good condition and free of hazards.

Walkways: Users can inspect park walkways to ensure they are safe and in good condition for use.

With Park Protector, users can inspect a wide range of park equipment and facilities, making it an essential tool for park and recreation departments, schools, and other organizations that prioritize the safety and enjoyment of park users.

ADA Playground Assessments

Park Protector also helps ensure your park or playground is accessible to individuals with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Our playground inspection software enables users to inspect various areas, such as accessible routes, safety surfacing, composite structures, ramps, ground level activity areas, and accessible components such as transfer systems or ramps. The following are some of the key features of the park protector that facilitate the inspection process:

Accessible Routes: Users can inspect the accessibility of park routes, such as sidewalks, trails, and paths, to ensure that they are wide enough, free of obstructions, and have proper slopes.

Safety Surfacing: The tool enables users to check the safety surfacing of park areas, including playgrounds and play spaces, to ensure they are appropriately cushioned and comply with ADA guidelines.

Composite Structures and Ramps: Inspections of composite structures and ramps can ensure that they are appropriately designed, constructed, and installed to meet ADA standards.

Ground Level Activity Areas: Users can inspect ground level activity areas, such as picnic areas and sports fields, to ensure they are accessible and comply with ADA guidelines.

Accessible Components: Inspections of accessible components, such as transfer systems or ramps, can ensure they are designed and installed in compliance with ADA standards.

Park Protector enables users to document their inspection findings, generate reports, and track progress on corrective actions. With these features, users can easily identify areas that require attention and take corrective actions to improve accessibility and ensure compliance with ADA standards.

By using our playground inspection software, park and recreation departments, schools, and other organizations can ensure that their parks are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Work Orders & Issues Reporting

The park protector tool streamlines the entire maintenance process, from identifying issues during inspections to scheduling repairs and tracking progress on work orders. This feature is particularly beneficial for park and recreation departments, schools, and other organizations that have multiple playgrounds and recreation facilities to manage.

With the park protector, users can quickly and easily create work orders for issues that require attention, such as broken equipment or damaged safety surfacing. They can then assign these work orders to maintenance staff and track their progress, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly and efficiently.

The system also allows users to document their maintenance activities, including the date and time of repairs, materials used, and labor hours. This documentation can be used to demonstrate compliance with safety regulations, track maintenance costs, and generate reports for stakeholders.

Inventory Management

Playground Guardian's park protector inspection application also allows users to manage and document their park equipment and inventory, ensuring that they have up-to-date information on when each piece of equipment was last maintained or replaced.

The system enables users to create an inventory of all their park equipment, including playground equipment, benches, bleachers, sports equipment, and more. Users can then record important information about each item, such as the manufacturer, model, installation date, and warranty information.

By using the park protector to manage their park equipment and inventory, users can ensure that their equipment is well-maintained and in compliance with safety regulations. They can also use this information to make informed decisions about when to replace equipment, allocate maintenance resources, and track their maintenance expenses.

Ready to Learn More?

Park and playground inspection software can offer a more cost-effective solution for organizations looking to maintain the safety of their playgrounds. While a CPSI may be necessary for more complex inspections or for resolving specific safety issues, park and playground inspection software can be an effective and efficient tool for ongoing inspections and routine maintenance.

If you’re considering making the switch to online playground inspection software, we would love to talk with you about Playground Guardian’s online playground inspection software and get you set up with a demo!

Contact us today to learn more!