Churchich Recreation Blog

Playgrounds are where imaginations soar, friendships form, and energy runs wild. But behind every smile and game of tag is a responsibility: keeping those play spaces safe, welcoming, and well-maintained.

Swing sets, slides, and other play structures must weather every storm year-round so your playground needs consistent care to stay in great shape. A little attention now prevents big problems later, ensuring kids can play with confidence and parents can relax knowing the space is secure.

From winter’s freeze-thaw cycles to summer’s scorching heat, each season brings unique challenges that can turn a safe playground into a liability

“A safe, well-kept playground isn’t just a nice amenity – it’s an important way to keep everyone in the community safe,” says TML Risk Pool. “Addressing small issues early helps prevent major safety hazards and costly repairs.”

At Churchich Recreation & Design, we believe maintenance is just as important as design. Here’s a season-by-season maintenance guide, packed with practical advice, to help communities, schools, and municipalities keep playgrounds in top condition all year long.

Spring: Refresh & Rebuild After Winter

Spring is the season of renewal, and it’s the perfect time to give your playground a thorough tune-up before the busy summer months arrive.

• Inspect for winter damage: Cold, wet weather can cause plastic to crack, metal to rust, and wood to warp. A close inspection helps you catch damage early. For example, even a small crack in a slide can grow quickly once daily play resumes.
• Tighten up connections: Bolts, chains, and fasteners often loosen in the freeze-thaw cycle. Shake each piece of equipment, from swings to balance beams, to confirm stability.
• Refresh the surfacing: Mulch and sand compress under snow and rain. Top off surfacing so it remains deep enough to cushion falls. Clear away any storm debris like branches or broken glass.
• Deep clean: Mold and dirt can make playgrounds uninviting. A pressure wash or scrub with mild detergent keeps structures clean, safe, and ready for spring break play.

Pro Tip: Spring is the best season for professional inspections. Certified inspectors can spot hidden issues that aren’t obvious to the untrained eye.

Summer: High Use, High Attention

Summer brings sunshine, school breaks, and lots of little feet hitting the playground daily. Heavy traffic means surfaces and equipment take a beating, and heat adds its own hazards.

• Heat safety check: Metal slides, handrails, and even dark-colored plastic equipment can become dangerously hot. Install shade structures if possible and use the “hand test” before play—if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for a child.
• Spot stress points: Swings, climbers, and slides see heavy seasonal use. Inspect daily or weekly for stress fractures, loose chains, or splintered surfaces. Replace worn swing seats and climbing ropes before they fail.
• Keep surfacing soft: With hundreds of kids landing in the same spots, mulch or rubber can compact and thin quickly. Rake, redistribute, and top off to ensure every fall zone is safe.
• Sanitation checks: Warm weather encourages germs. Wipe down high-touch surfaces like handrails regularly, especially in high-traffic community parks.

Pro Tip: Provide shaded seating for parents and hydration options for kids to encourage longer, safer play sessions.

Fall: Clear, Seal & Prepare

Fall is a transitional season—perfect for tidying up and prepping equipment for colder months.

• Leaf patrol: Wet leaves hide broken glass, create slippery spots, and clog drains. Schedule weekly raking or blowing to keep play zones safe.
• Check drainage: Autumn rains expose low spots. Standing water not only erodes surfacing but also invites mosquitoes. Redirect runoff or improve grading where needed.
• Seal & protect: Wooden structures last longer when resealed against moisture. Repaint or coat metal parts to prevent rust before winter dampness sets in.
• Schedule upgrades: With cooler weather and fewer crowds, fall is a great time to replace aging equipment, install new surfacing, or add inclusive play features.

Pro Tip: Fall clean-up also helps wildlife management. Clearing brush and leaf piles reduces hiding spots for snakes, bees, or rodents.

Winter: Safety in the Cold

Even if playground use slows down in the winter, it’s still important to keep spaces safe and ready.

• Ice and snow checks: Walkways, stairs, and surfacing can become dangerously slick. Apply sand or grit to improve traction and prevent slips.
• Protect equipment: Extreme cold can make plastics brittle and metals contract. Limit play during freezes, and inspect for damage after storms.
• Store seasonal items: Move portable pieces like benches, loose toys, and water play elements indoors. Covered storage extends their lifespan.
• Quick walkthroughs: Even in low-use months, weekly inspections prevent hazards from going unnoticed until spring.

Pro Tip: Use the off-season for planning. Winter is the best time to line up funding, contractors, and designs for upcoming spring repairs or upgrades.

Why Ongoing Maintenance Matters

According to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), poor maintenance is one of the leading causes of playground injuries each year. But maintenance is about more than avoiding accidents—it’s about preserving a welcoming, thriving community space.

• Extends equipment life: A slide that’s cleaned, tightened, and repainted will last years longer than one left to rust or crack.
• Keeps costs predictable: Proactive care saves money. It’s cheaper to replace a swing chain now than to replace an entire swing set later.
• Maintains compliance: Updated ASTM and CPSC standards require regular attention to surfacing, accessibility, and fall zones. Ongoing maintenance keeps you compliant.
• Supports inclusivity: A well-kept playground ensures ramps remain clear, surfacing is wheelchair-friendly, and features are usable by all children.
• Boosts community pride: Parents are more likely to visit—and return to—a playground that looks safe, clean, and cared for.

Partner With Churchich for Safer Playgrounds

Playgrounds are more than just places to climb and slide—they’re essential community meeting spots where kids learn, grow, and connect. Regular maintenance ensures these spaces remain safe, welcoming, and built to last.

At Churchich Recreation & Design, we don’t just build playgrounds—we support communities throughout the Carolinas with design, installation, and long-term maintenance solutions. Whether you need a seasonal inspection, surfacing repair, or plans for a major upgrade, our team has the expertise to help.

Contact Churchich today to keep your playgrounds safe, durable, and ready for adventure—every season of the year.