Playground Inspection Checklist
A playground inspection checklist helps facility teams check play equipment, protective surfacing, use zones, fencing, pathways, signs, accessibility features, and general site conditions. It supports regular inspections of slides, swings, climbing structures, platforms, fasteners, moving parts, and visible safety hazards.
This checklist is useful for schools, parks, childcare centers, property managers, and maintenance teams that need to identify playground risks before children use the area. It helps detect damaged equipment, loose hardware, worn surfacing, sharp edges, entrapment risks, blocked access, debris, vandalism, and weather-related hazards.
With TARGPatrol, playground inspections can be completed in a mobile app with photos, comments, issue locations, corrective actions, and final sign-off. This creates a clear digital record of playground condition, reported defects, temporary controls, and completed repairs.
Playground / facility name
Playground address / location
Inspection type
Weather conditions
Age group served
Photo of playground overview
Playground is open and safe for use
Playground must be closed or restricted
No immediate life safety hazards observed
Emergency contact information and rules are posted
Age-appropriate and supervision signage is present
No unauthorized access or vandalism observed
Inspection notes
Entrances and pathways are clear
Accessible route to playground is clear
Gates and fencing are secure and not damaged
No trip hazards at entrances or pathways
Benches, tables, and site furniture are stable
Trash bins are not overflowing
Site access issue notes
Photo of entrance / pathway issue
Protective surfacing is present under and around equipment
Surfacing extends through required use zones
Loose-fill surfacing is level and evenly distributed
Unitary surfacing is not cracked, torn, loose, or lifting
No exposed hard ground under equipment
No standing water, holes, ruts, or washed-out areas
No glass, needles, sharp debris, or foreign objects in surfacing
Surfacing depth appears adequate for equipment height
Measured loose-fill surfacing depth, in
Surfacing issue location
Photo of surfacing condition
Use zones around equipment are clear
No obstacles are present in use zones
Use zones between adjacent equipment do not conflict
Swing, slide, climbing, and rotating equipment use zones are clear
Use zone issue notes
Photo of use zone issue
Equipment is appropriate for the posted age group
Younger and older children’s areas are separated where required
No equipment is used outside intended age range
Transfer points and access features are present where applicable
Age group / layout notes
Photo of age-specific area
Posts, frames, and supports are stable
No loose, cracked, bent, or missing structural components
No severe rust, corrosion, rot, or deterioration observed
No broken welds or split wood components observed
No loose concrete footings or exposed anchors
All visible fasteners are secure
No missing bolts, nuts, caps, or plugs observed
Number of missing / loose fasteners
Structural issue location
Photo of structural issue
No sharp points, sharp edges, or burrs observed
No protruding bolts or exposed hardware observed
No exposed nails, screws, staples, or splinters observed
No entanglement hazards from hooks, gaps, or projections
Sharp edge / protrusion issue notes
Photo of sharp edge / protrusion
No head, neck, finger, foot, or leg entrapment hazards observed
No hazardous gaps between platforms, rails, steps, or panels
No hazardous openings in flexible components
Entrapment concern location
Photo of entrapment concern
No crush or shear points observed
No exposed moving parts that may pinch fingers or limbs
Moving equipment has adequate clearance
Springs, pivots, hinges, and rotating parts are guarded where needed
Crush / shear issue notes
Photo of crush / shear hazard
Platforms are stable and not damaged
Guardrails and barriers are present and secure where required
No missing rails, panels, or protective barriers
Decks and platforms are not slippery or damaged
Steps, ladders, access points, and handholds are secure
Platform height, ft
Platform / guardrail issue notes
Photo of platform condition
Slides are securely anchored
Slide bedway and sidewalls are smooth and not damaged
Slide entrance is stable and properly guarded
Slide exit area is clear and safe
No sharp edges, protrusions, or entanglement hazards on slide
Slide issue notes
Photo of slide condition
Swings are securely attached
Swing seats are not cracked, torn, or damaged
Swing chains, ropes, hangers, and bearings are secure
S-hooks are fully closed
Swing spacing and use zone are adequate
Number of damaged swing seats
Swing issue notes
Photo of swing condition
Climbing equipment is stable
Climbing bars, rungs, ropes, nets, and handholds are secure
No loose, broken, or missing climbing components
No hazardous openings in climbing nets
Fall zone under climbing equipment has adequate surfacing
Climbing equipment issue notes
Photo of climbing equipment
Rotating / spinning equipment is secure, if present
Rotating equipment moves smoothly
No exposed pinch points on rotating equipment
Use zone around rotating equipment is clear
Rotating equipment issue notes
Photo of rotating equipment
Spring riders, rocking equipment, or seesaws are secure, if present
Seats, handles, footrests, and fasteners are secure
No damaged springs, exposed moving parts, or pinch points
Surfacing under rocking / seesaw area is adequate
Spring rider / seesaw issue notes
Photo of spring rider / seesaw condition
Ramps, transfer stations, and accessible features are clear
Accessible surfacing route is firm and stable
Transfer platform and handrails are secure where present
No abrupt level changes on accessible route
Accessibility issue notes
Photo of accessible route / transfer area
Shade structures are secure, if present
Canopies, sails, or covers are not torn or loose
Shade structure supports are stable
No sharp edges or exposed hardware on shade structures
Shade structure issue notes
Photo of shade structure
No broken glass, trash, needles, animal waste, or hazardous debris observed
No unsafe graffiti, fire damage, or vandalism observed
No insect nests or pest activity near play areas
No poisonous plants, thorny vegetation, or low branches in play area
Housekeeping issue location
Photo of housekeeping issue
Drainage around playground is adequate
Surfacing is not washed out after rain
No erosion around equipment footings
No snow, ice, heat, or storm damage hazard present
Weather-related issue notes
Photo of weather-related issue
Warning labels and manufacturer labels are readable
Rules and age-range signs are not damaged
No unauthorized signs, ropes, cords, or loose attachments added to equipment
Signage / label issue notes
Photo of signage / labels
Previous inspection findings were reviewed
Previously reported hazards were corrected
Open corrective actions remain visible and controlled
Previous work order number
Previous issue status
Photo of repaired or unresolved item
No playground defects found
Minor defect found
Major defect found
Immediate hazard found
Equipment must be removed from service
Play area must be closed or barricaded
Supervisor / facility manager notified
Corrective action required
Work order created
Defect location
Defect description
Number of defects found
Priority: low / medium / high / urgent
Responsible person
Target completion date
Work order number
Photo of defect
Temporary control applied
Hazard area barricaded
Warning sign posted
Damaged equipment locked or disabled
Follow-up inspection required
Temporary control description
Photo after temporary control
Inspection completed
Corrective actions were assigned where needed
Playground passed inspection
Final inspection result
Final comments
Final status
Confirmation photo
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