Safe to Play

Why Annual Playground Inspections Are a Must for Every Childcare Program

Playgrounds are more than fun—they’re essential for physical, social, and emotional development. But behind every slide, swing, and climber is a responsibility: making sure that space is safe, inclusive, and up to standard. Whether you’re building a new playground or maintaining an existing one, annual safety checks should be part of your routine. This blog explores why ongoing planning, inspection, and improvement processes are crucial—not just for compliance, but to ensure kids can play freely and families can trust your space.

Playground Planning is Just the Beginning:

You’ve dreamed, planned, and built the perfect playground—congratulations! But the planning process doesn’t stop once the equipment is installed. A well-designed playground is only as strong as its ongoing maintenance and safety practices.

So when you are ready to start your playground project here are five critical steps to consider:

1. Assemble the team who will help you with the process. This team can be a mix of staff, the vendors you plan to work with, or parents who have a stake in your center’s playground.
2. Envision the area and all the things you want the space to accomplish. How many children will play at once? What is the flow of the space? Do you want a big structure of lots of modular pieces?
3. Make a budget and look at your space based on what you envisioned from above. This is where you really start to bring everything together and build out what you want and also what you can afford.
4. Order and get your equipment installed. This step is where you lay the foundation for annual inspections because it is from the moment it is in the ground that you perform the first check and then continue yearly from here.

5. Enjoy the space with your children and staff! You have done it and designed a safe, functional play space—from site selection and surfacing to installation and community engagement.

You can now enjoy the playground and get ready for the long-term work to keep everything in working order for years to come. So now what do these checks include and need? Keep reading to find out more

Annual Safety Checks: What’s at Stake?

Children can’t fully explore, run, or climb unless the environment supports their safety. That’s why annual playground inspections are essential. These routine checks help catch issues early—like loose bolts, worn surfacing, or broken components—before they become serious hazards.

A strong inspection plan should include:

A strong inspection plan should include:

• Visual inspections for damage or wear
• Surfacing integrity checks
• Stability testing for moving parts
• Accessibility audits

By using a Playground Safety Checklist each year, providers ensure they’re keeping up with safety standards, protecting their investment, and most importantly—keeping kids safe. If your space hasn’t been checked in over a year, now’s the time.

Improvements Should Go Through Proper Channels:

When safety issues arise or you’re considering upgrades, it’s essential to work with certified playground professionals or trusted vendors. Making unapproved or DIY repairs can unintentionally create bigger risks or void warranties. A certified playground safety inspector is going to be able to help you not only inspect the playground but help you find a suitable installer to come make any corrections or repairs.

Any improvements—whether small replacements or large redesigns—should follow recommended guidelines and use approved materials. Stay compliant with ASTM and CPSC safety standards and local regulations by involving your purchasing or facilities team, inspectors, and vendors from the start. The team at North Star School Supply can easily help you out from the initial inspection or help you replace equipment that is beyond repair.

Get Ahead of Issues with a Free Safety Checklist:

We’ve created a Playground Safety Checklist to help simplify your inspections. Use it annually—or even quarterly—to evaluate everything from surfacing and hardware to shade and signage. Email Us today to request this checklist and help ensure your playground is safe now and years to come for your children.

Small issues today can lead to bigger problems tomorrow. Proactive planning helps prevent injuries, reduce liability, and extend the life of your playground.

Please remember safe play isn’t a one-time project—it’s an ongoing promise. Annual inspections, proper maintenance, and strategic planning ensure your playground remains a place of joy, not risk. With the right tools and partnerships, you can protect what matters most: the children who play there. Need help where to start? Check out our resources below!

📥 Download our Free Playground Safety Checklist
 🧰 Need help with your next playground upgrade? Contact us to talk through your goals.
 🔧 Schedule a professional safety inspection today by emailing Alisha!