PLAYGROUND SAFETY BLOG

Is your California playground truly safe? Don't let 'silent' hazards create liability. Expert CPSI inspections, Gmax testing, and Title 22 compliance reports.

This is a question I hear all the time — and it’s a good one. The short answer: you’re not looking for a “perfect” playground. That doesn’t exist. Playgrounds are designed for risk, challenge, and development. Kids are going to climb, fall, test limits, and that’s part of the point. What you are looking for is whether the space is free from obvious hazards — especially the kind that come from poor maintenance or oversight. Here’s how to quickly evaluate a playground without n

By Anne Smith | Certified Playground Safety Inspector It’s not uncommon to see landscaping rocks placed near playground equipment in parks, schools, and HOA communities. It can look clean, intentional, and even well thought out. From an inspection standpoint, though, it raises consistent concerns. The Problem with Rocks Near Playgrounds Children don’t see landscaping the way adults do. If there’s a rock nearby, they will climb it. They will jump from it. They will incorporate

By Play Safe Inspections One of the most common questions we receive from HOA managers, school administrators, churches, and city officials in Central and Southern California is: How much does a playground inspection cost? The honest answer is: it depends on your site. What Impacts the Cost of a Playground Inspection? Playground inspection pricing varies based on several factors, including: Number of playgrounds at the site Number of composite structures and independent comp

What does a playground inspection company do?

California Sand Playground with non compliant surfacing I’ll admit it—sand and I don’t get along. Years ago, I was injured on unmaintained sand surfacing, and ever since, I’ve been skeptical about its practicality in playgrounds. While sand has long been used as a playground surfacing option, it comes with challenges that make it harder to manage compared to other choices. Playground Sand Surfacing Is More Work Than You'd Think Sand shifts constantly. Kids dig, wind blows, an

Play and Park Structures Playground Equipment: Designed by Kathy Wiggins When it comes to building or renovating a playground, safety is...

Playgrounds are the last screen-free frontier. Explore why they matter more than ever in California’s tech-filled world.

Recommendations for Impact Attenuation and surfacing. Why you should require 50% or less the maximum ASTM allowance.

Playgrounds are essential spaces for children's physical and social development. However, ensuring a hazard-free environment requires careful planning, regular inspections, maintenance, and adherence to safety standards. At Play Safe Inspections, we specialize in evaluating and maintaining playgrounds to reduce risks while promoting adventurous play. Why Playground Safety Matters According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), falls from playground equipment

Regular playground inspections are essential for identifying hazards before they lead to serious injury. While play involves inherent risk, proper maintenance and professional oversight help reduce preventable dangers. Learn why routine inspections support compliance, extend equipment life, and demonstrate responsible playground management for schools, parks, and HOAs.

Loose Fill Playground Surfacing: A Quick Guide to Safety and Maintenance When planning a playground, one of the most critical steps is selecting and maintaining a surface material. Materials like sand, wood chips, or shredded rubber are popular loose fill options for softening the impact of falls, but they require attention and care. Below is an overview to help you keep your loose fill surfaces both effective and compliant with industry standards. 1. Why Loose Fill Matters L

This is the story about how I was a playground injury statistic when I was a child.

Playgrounds involve risk—but they are essential for childhood development. When not properly maintained or inspected, hidden hazards can increase the likelihood of serious injury. With over 200,000 playground-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms each year, regular maintenance and professional inspections are critical. In California, compliance and routine oversight help reduce preventable hazards and protect the communities that invest in these spaces.