How to Repair Playground Equipment

Poorly functioning playground equipment can endanger children and turn a fun recreational area into an accident waiting to happen. It's important to maintain a safe, sturdy play area so children can amuse themselves without fear of injury. Playgrounds have a wide variety of structures and surfaces, but a few basic techniques can guide the repairer in creating a safe environment.

Things You'll Need

  • Contact information for playground installer or a certified inspector
  • Crescent wrench
  • Screwdriver
  • Sandpaper
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Nuts, bolts, screws (depending on playground equipment)
  • Replacement playground parts
  • Paint
  • Concrete repair kit
Show More

Instructions

  1. Repairing Structures

    • 1

      Consult with proper authorities when repairing any playground but especially a public one. Ensure that the original playground installer or a certified inspector has signed off on your repair efforts to reduce any liability you might face should an accident occur following your repair efforts.

    • 2

      Based on the appraisal, make necessary changes. Replace any missing or damaged parts.

    • 3

      Tighten any fasteners, nuts, bolts or screws that might have come loose. Replace any that have been stripped or damaged. Hammer in any protruding nails, and replace the damaged ones.

    • 4

      Sand off any chipped or peeling paint. Re-paint structures as necessary.

    Surface Repair

    • 5

      Buy an asphalt repair kit, like Polyflex DS Asphalt & Concrete Repair, which is designed to patch up cracks and minor imperfections in an asphalt playground surface.

    • 6

      Clean and dry all cracks.

    • 7

      Fill cracks partially with sand. Squeeze filler from the repair kit into the cracks, then use a putty knife to flatten the filler. Remove any extra filler from the repair spot.

    • 8

      Let the repaired crack dry before allowing children to walk and play on the surface.

    • 9

      If it's a public playground, re-connect with the administrators to ensure that you've met the necessary safety standards. Make any additional changes as requested.