Playgrounds can be an excellent addition to an HOA community. However, it’s important to know how to maintain these areas to ensure resident safety and cleanliness and protect the park from weather damage. Today, we’re reviewing why HOA playground maintenance matters, when to conduct inspections, how to handle repairs, and different types of maintenance. Read along to learn more!
Contents of This Article:
- Why HOA Playground Maintenance Matters
- When to Conduct Safety Inspections
- Ensure Playground Rules are Clear and Visible
- How to Handle Maintenance and Repairs
- Seasonal Maintenance for HOA Playgrounds
- Get the Community Involved in Playground Care
Why HOA Playground Maintenance Matters
Playgrounds are a source of happiness for children and parents in an HOA community. However, if play areas are not well-maintained, they can be safety hazards for children using them. They are an important common area that must be well taken care of, especially during summer months when they get the most use.
Whether it be rusty nails sticking out from playground equipment, old and decaying wood, or unstable foundations, these things can be worrisome for parents who want their kids to be safe while playing. As such, your Philadelphia HOA management company and board of directors have a fiduciary responsibility to maintain all common areas and community amenities–including playgrounds.
When to Conduct Professional Inspections
The HOA board or managers should regularly examine the playground for potential hazards. That way, they can proactively address any issues before they escalate into major concerns. Some of the things to watch for include:
- Uneven sidewalks
- Broken playground equipment
- Sharp surfaces
- Chipped paint
- Rusted equipment
Additionally, it’s crucial to get professional inspections. Hiring a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) is the best way to ensure your HOA playground is completely safe and meets all local regulations. Depending on your budget and what your governing documents regulate, you’ll want to get a professional inspection at least annually.
If your community association doesn’t already work with CPSI, you may want to find one in your area. Whether you find one through the National Recreation and Park Association’s U.S. registry or ask a neighboring HOA board member, having this resource is important to your HOA’s safety.
Ensure Playground Rules are Clear and Visible
Your HOA playground rules should be clearly stated, visible, and easy to read for parents and children using the park. This ensures that HOA board members do their part to inform residents of playground rules and best practices. Examples of rules you may have posted on your HOA playground signs include the following.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- No pushing or shoving
- Improper use of equipment is prohibited
- Do not use equipment when wet
- Dispose of any trash properly
How to Handle Maintenance and Repairs
HOA playground maintenance starts with regular inspections. If you or a professional inspector notices anything broken, loose, missing, or damaged–plan to fix it immediately. Additionally, encourage residents to report any damage or vandalism to the playground as soon as they find it. If you get a report and repairs are necessary, take care of them right away.
First, determine whether the damage is a minor repair, like a loose bolt or chipped paint, or if it requires immediate attention, like a broken swing or exposed nails. If the safety of your HOA residents is compromised, block off access to the part until repairs are complete to reduce or eliminate injuries.
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It’s important to allocate part of your HOA’s budget to account for playground repairs and maintenance. After all, you’ll have to pay for professional inspections and any damaged equipment that needs to be repaired or replaced. Additionally, plan for larger expenses like equipment upgrades or replacements, which can occur every 5 to 10 years, depending on usage.
When to Replace Playground Equipment
Knowing when it’s time to repair vs. replace equipment is essential in maintaining the safety and functionality of your HOA playground. After so many repairs, it may be more cost-effective to just replace a few things. Here are a few clear signs that it’s time to replace playground equipment.
- There’s visible wear and tear, like rust, cracks, or breakage in metal, plastic, or wooden structures
- The equipment is old and doesn’t comply with current safety regulations
- Swings, slides, or climbing structures are still wobbly or unstable after tightening
Seasonal Maintenance for HOA Playgrounds
In addition to regular inspections, seasonal maintenance in common areas like playgrounds helps keep the community safe throughout the year. Here are a few HOA playground maintenance tips for each season.
Spring Maintenance
- Check for damage from colder months, like rust or cracks.
- Power wash equipment to get rid of dirt or debris.
- Replace mulch or rubber ground material.
- Ensure water drains properly to avoid slippery surfaces.
Summer Maintenance
- Regularly inspect equipment for signs of damage due to excessive heat.
- Check if shaded areas are sufficient, and install more if needed.
- With increased play during the summer months, ensure all bolts are secure.
- Add water stations, if possible.
Fall Maintenance
- Regularly remove fallen leaves and other debris to prevent slips and falls.
- Inspect equipment for signs of wear and make repairs before winter.
- Trim trees and bushes to prevent overgrown branches from falling onto playground equipment.
Winter Maintenance
- Remove snow and ice from playground equipment to prevent slips and falls.
- Block off areas of the playground that are unsafe to use during the winter.
- Inspect playground equipment for frost damage, rust, or cracks due to the cold.
- Use protective coverings for swings, slides, or other equipment to expand lifespan.
Get the Community Involved in Playground Care
It takes a village to make an HOA run smoothly. You have your board of directors, association managers, committee members, and, most importantly, residents who live within the community. Everyone has an important role in helping the neighborhood stay afloat, and it’s important for everyone to be on the lookout for faulty playground equipment. A joint effort helps keep the community safe and compliant with HOA rules and regulations.
If you’re looking for a management company for your HOA or community association, look no further than BMG. Bay Property Management Group has the expertise and professionalism you’re looking for in a management company. We offer a wide range of services, from preparing your annual HOA budget to providing 24/7 maintenance. Contact us today to learn more about our full-service HOA management.