The ribbon has been cut, the excitement is building, and eager children are eyeing your community's newest addition. But before those first giggles and adventures begin, there's a critical final step that shouldn't be overlooked: the post-installation safety check. This isn’t just a formality—it’s your assurance that everything’s secure, safe, and truly ready for play.
At AAA State of Play, we understand that safety is an ongoing commitment that doesn’t stop after the installation. Let's walk through the essential post-installation checks that transform your newly built playground from a construction site to a certified, ready-to-use play haven.
First, consider the big picture. Walk around every play structure and path to see if everything is according to the design plans. Look for stray tools or debris left behind from installation. Check for visible sharp edges, loose materials, and potential tripping hazards like rocks, mulch piles, or exposed roots. You’re not just admiring the layout—you’re looking for red flags.
Next, get down to a kid’s eye view—literally. Crouch down and look at how small children might experience the space and interact with the equipment. Are there overlooked gaps, small cracks, or pinch points that could get a child’s hand or foot stuck somewhere? Adjusting to this angle can simulate a realistic experience and uncover hidden dangers.
Bonus tip? Get a second set of eyes—preferably someone who didn’t work on the project—to walk through with you. A fresh perspective might spot things you missed.
The bones of your playground are only as reliable as the hardware holding them together. Even though professional installers follow precise procedures, it's essential to double-check that every bolt is tight, every anchor is buried deep, and every fastener is tamper-proof. Extra caution should then be given to high-traffic playground equipment such as swings, slides, and seesaws.
Start at the ground level. Are the anchor points properly embedded? Are they flush and stable? Try gently rocking each major component (yes, even if it’s brand new). Nothing should wobble or shift.
Next, move to the connections: bolts, nuts, and screws should all be tight and properly capped. Look for missing or protruding hardware—anything sticking out is both a safety risk and a sign of incomplete assembly.
Also, take a peek underneath any platforms or enclosed spaces. These tucked-away spots are often where issues like loose fasteners or improper connections hide. It's these “invisible” details that ensure peace of mind when dozens of tiny feet hit the ground running.
Did you know that the majority of playground injuries result from falls? That’s why impact attenuation—or how well your surface cushions a fall—is arguably the most important aspect of safety.
First, confirm that the fall zones around all elevated equipment meet guidelines. According to ASTM and CPSC standards, most equipment needs a minimum of 6 feet in every direction from the outer edge, while the higher types would require even more.
At the same time, ensure the surfacing material is level and evenly distributed, with no bare patches, low spots, or mounded areas that could cause trips. Areas underneath swings, slides, and climbing elements (aka “impact zones”) deserve special attention for shifting or compressing materials.
For loose-fill surfacing types like mulch or sand, measure their depth at multiple points to ensure they meet the safety requirements for the fall height of nearby structures (usually 9–12 inches). Areas under swings and slide exits often need reinforcement.
Also, check for water buildup or drainage issues. Puddles and pooling can damage materials over time and create slip risks. If you spot signs of erosion, make a note to reinforce that area before opening day.
Once the equipment and surfacing are cleared, it’s time to check the finishing details—the ones that make your space usable, welcoming, and truly ready. Here’s what to verify:
Clear signs indicating age-appropriate equipment usage, safety rules, and emergency contact information are important for both safety and liability. Ensure signs are installed at eye level and in both English and other prevalent local languages. Use simple icons to make them accessible for young children and non-readers, too.
Accessible routes leading to play zones, such as ramps and surfacing paths, should be wide, clear of obstacles, and fully usable. Check that ground-level components are truly usable and that transfer stations are installed properly.
Leftover packaging, zip ties, and construction tools have no place in a play zone. Do a full sweep and wipe down surfaces, especially if your equipment has been sitting in the sun collecting dust.
Confirm edging is in place around surfacing, and that surrounding areas are free from trip hazards like rocks or sprinkler heads.
The best playgrounds are not just a magical place for children to play, but also a comfortable area for accompanying adults to wait and socialize. Ensure these supporting amenities are installed securely and positioned for guardians to observe the whole play area.
Think of this as the hospitality check. You want everything to feel ready—not just functional, but inviting.
Your new playground is almost ready. But a truly great play space is safe and fully prepared for the ultimate joy and limitless energy to come. Taking the time for a thorough post-installation checklist ensures that every child who steps onto your play area can explore, climb, swing, and laugh with confidence.
But of course, the most detailed post-installation checklist can’t hold a candle to partnering with experts who understand play down to the finest details. From day one, AAA State of Play has been hands-on, guiding layout plans, recommending the right equipment, and ensuring expert installation.
For every completed project, we also provide thorough post-install inspections, offer guidance on surfacing compliance, and even assist in final site clean-up and signage placement. Worried about long-term maintenance? AAA State of Play has you covered with resources, tips, and product-specific support that help you keep your space safe and stunning for years to come.
Reach out to us today, and let’s start checking boxes for the newest play space of fun, safety, and longevity.
Kelly has been a CPSI-certified playground inspector for several years. Her passion for play and attention to detail bring immense value to every playground she brings to life, and with her years of experience, every playground she visits is made better for her having been there. In her leisure time, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family.
