Playground Resources
where to go for up to date resources to plan and maintain children's play spaces
On This Page
Accessibility
When providing public playgrounds, strive to provide and maintain an inclusive environment allowing access for everyone to and throughout the playground and larger park setting.
- The American with Disability Act Accessibility Guidelines for Play Areas
- Principles of Inclusive Playground Design from NRPA
- Universal Design Principles
Playground Procurement
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for public playgrounds. Providers of playgrounds intended for public use should consider purchasing playground equipment and surfacing that meet the current version of these standards.
- ASTM F1292-22 – Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials Within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment
- ASTM F1487-21 – Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use
- ASTM F1951-21 – Standard Specification for Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment
- ASTM F2075-20 – Standard Specification for Engineered Wood Fiber for Use as a Playground Safety Surface Under and Around Playground Equipment
- ASTM F2479-17 – Standard Guide for Specification, Purchase, Installation and Maintenance of Poured-In-Place Playground Surfacing
If you are purchasing playground equipment from an international vendor, you will want to ensure they meet the appropriate and current European (EN 1176) and/or Canadian (CAN/CSA-z614) standards for public playground equipment. You may want to check with your agency’s risk manager to confirm acceptance of these standards prior to purchase.
Maintenance and Risk Management
Playgrounds and their surfacing must be maintained with consistency and diligence. The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides a strong standard of care to build a playground safety program around.
Insurance provider resources to guide your safety plan
- Risk management for Public Entities: Playgrounds
- Playground Safety 101: Tips to Keep Kids Safe and Having Fun
Playground Vendor Safety & Maintenance Resources
The information below is not an exhaustive list. Always contact your playground vendor for maintenance information and guidance on their equipment.
Playground Operations and Safety
Professional Development Opportunities to keep your team knowledgeable with the skillset to inspect and maintain public playground areas.