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Good Intentions

Seven practical steps help agencies turn community-supported playground proposals into safe, sustainable, and successful public projects.

5 min read

Photo Credit: © Dreamtime

If your community is like most, you may either be contacted or have already been contacted by a private community/citizens group about a new playground project that the members think is needed or that they want. How you handle this opportunity is critically important to how successful the venture will be.

First, let’s assume that everyone is on board with the need for a new or updated playground. Fast-forward to the end of the process--who is the owner? You are! Who carries the responsibility to maintain the equipment and protective surfacing, inspect it, and make any necessary repairs? You do! And who is responsible for the legal liability if any injuries occur on the equipment? You are!

The following are seven steps to make installing a playground a success: