Parks and Recreation facilities are in most every city and town for the enjoyment of their citizens. Many are featured as being one of the gems of the community; a value-added-service managed and maintained by the municipality. But if we do not keep these facilities up through inspection and maintenance, they can become a safety concern and blacken the eye of the municipal government and staff.
Inspection
Routine inspections should be done on a periodic basis to help the municipality identify potential hazards that need to be corrected. These inspections may differ depending on the amount of use a particular facility gets. For example, playground facilities should be inspected monthly and maybe more frequently in the pleasant weather months, where ball fields may just need to be inspected once or twice per year just before their particular season begins. Picnic facilities may only require an inspection once per year, however, train workers doing mowing or weed-eating to report any damages they observe to facilities at any time they encounter a need for repairs. Inspections must be documented: the date of inspection, who inspected the facility, what was the outcome of the inspection, and what is the plan for repair or improvements.
Maintenance
Maintenance should be performed on a routine basis to ensure facilities and equipment are in good repair. Equipment may need to be repaired or replaced. High-use areas like under the swings and slides or other fall zone areas on a playground may need to be raked and leveled on a weekly basis. As was mentioned in the January 2020 newsletter, lake or pond docks need to be inspected on at least an annual basis. All maintenance must be documented using dated/signed checklists or work orders, detailing the type of work that was performed.
Signage
Signs warn of danger, they provide information, and they instruct users about expected or prohibited behaviors. Signs must also be regularly maintained. If signs cannot be read or understood because of poor maintenance they are useless and may create a safety issue for employees or citizens.
Failure to warn park and recreation users is an issue which could determine a safety concern in the case of injury or damage. The law provides some immunity for these activities except in situations where, among other things, the municipality failed to exercise reasonable care to warn of a dangerous condition and the risk involved.
In general, signs should use clear language so people can understand the rules and the risks.
Signs should:
Use bold print
Use simple, short sentences and words
Use plain lettering
Use warning words (i.e. Danger- High Voltage, Warning- Submerged Obstacles, Caution- Sharp Edges)
Include symbols or pictographs when appropriate. They are more effective than words in overcoming language, social, or cultural barriers.
Sometimes the use of devices such as barricades, fencing, or warning tape may be needed. They are typically more effective when used along with signage and can be beneficial in physically separating the hazard from the general area. Municipalities should consider using warning devices to block off hazards deemed extremely dangerous, as well as newly developing hazards such as trails where the ground is starting to erode.
For detailed information about playground equipment inspections, go to our webpage at www.omag.org and download the Playground Inspection Manual in the Public Works section of the website.
