Playgrounds are among the most visible symbols of community investment for a city or town. They promote wellness, connection and childhood development. They also represent a measurable liability exposure for local governments, however.
From a risk management perspective, playground safety is not simply a maintenance issue — it is a governance issue. Insurance claims history nationwide consistently shows that the majority of serious playground injuries result from falls to the surface below equipment. That reality should shape how municipalities design, inspect and maintain their facilities. Some other issues to be mindful of that can create increased exposure include broken playground equipment, inadequate ground cover under equipment, metal-surfaced play equipment that may cause burns if exposed to the hot sun, mechanical rides and splash pads.
Surfacing is the primary risk control
If there is one factor that most directly influences the severity of playground injuries, it is surfacing below the equipment designed to reduce the impact of a fall. Equipment compliance alone does not reduce exposure if the protective surface system is inadequate.
Municipal leaders should make sure that the city is taking several precautions for playground falls:
- Appropriate surfacing materials have been installed based on fall height.
- Loose-fill materials are maintained at proper depths.
- Hard surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt or compacted soil are not present within fall zones.
- Surfacing inspections are documented and replenishment of surfacing materials is scheduled.
Standards are the baseline for defensibility
National standards published by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and performance specifications developed by ASTM International, are widely recognized benchmarks.
Even when not mandated by state law, these standards establish what courts frequently interpret as “reasonable care” when deciding injury lawsuits. Failure to align with recognized safety guidance can create avoidable litigation exposure.
Age-appropriate design reduces foreseeable risk
Play areas need to be clearly separated and labeled for ages 2 – 5 and ages 5 – 12. Developmentally inappropriate equipment use increases the risk of falls and complicates supervision.
Clear signage, physical layout distinctions and staff awareness all help reduce foreseeable misuse. Risk reduction is not about eliminating activity — it’s about reducing predictable hazards.
Inspection protocols protect children and the municipality
Inspection logs should be retained in accordance with the municipality’s records retention policy, including these steps:
- Frequent visual checks for obvious hazards, vandalism or surfacing displacement.
- Operational inspections evaluating hardware, structural integrity and wear.
- Annual comprehensive inspections.
Environmental controls matter
Risk does not end with the play structure. Visibility, fencing, drainage and rule signage all contribute to safety outcomes.
Municipalities should also review local ordinances regarding alcohol use in parks. Where alcohol is permitted, special events and high-use periods may require enhanced monitoring. Impaired supervision can increase injury severity and complicate liability determinations.
Playgrounds should be places where children thrive and communities gather confidently. When local governments embed structured risk management practices into their operations, they protect both their citizens and their investments.
Safety is not accidental. It is the result of intentional oversight.
The SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund provides its members with a parks and recreation toolkit. In addition to playground safety issues, it addresses concerns of parks and recreation personnel, the liability issues involved in fees and supervision, sports programs and other facility guidelines.