Children love playgrounds. They offer a fun and stimulating environment for kids to explore, play, and socialize. However, playgrounds can be expensive and difficult to install. If you do not have the money or space to install a full-blown playground in your backyard, there is no need to worry! You can create an indoor playground that will last long with proper installation and maintenance.
Commercial playground equipment owner Anthony Swain explains that as the spring season approaches and the weather starts to get warmer, many children are eager to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. However, for those who are not able to wait to get outside or for those days when the weather is not cooperating, indoor playgrounds provide a fun and safe alternative.
Get your indoor playground ready for some spring fun with the following maintenance guidelines!
Inspect Your Equipment
Before you do anything else, take a good look at your equipment and assess any damage. If there are any broken pieces or missing screws, now is the time to fix them.
Clean The Equipment
Once everything is fixed, give all of the equipment a good cleaning. This will remove any dirt or dust that has built up over the winter.
Apply New Paint
If your equipment is looking a little beat-up, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint. A new coat of paint will make everything look new and attractive again.
Check The Safety Surfaces
The safety surfaces surrounding the equipment should only be a few months old at most, as you do not want them to become too worn. Replace them if necessary.Â
Check Protective Covers
All protective covers should be checked for damage, tears or rips before the playground is opened back up to children. Replace any cover that has been compromised in any way at all.Â
Deep Clean The Play Area
Everything needs to be deep-cleaned before your indoor playground can open up again for business – floors, wall surfaces, toys – just about everything will need a thorough going over!Â
Stock Up On Supplies
You will need enough supplies on hand to get started again. Stock up on napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, soap and any other items you are likely to run out of for the day.
Perform Preventative Maintenance Regularly
Check your indoor playground equipment regularly for signs of wear or damage. Have these issues professionally repaired as soon as possible so that they do not become bigger problems down the line. If you maintain your equipment properly it should last longer!Â
Train Your Staff
Make sure all staff members know how everything works before customers start filing in through the doors, and make sure there is always an adequately-trained supervisor on-hand throughout operating hours to deal with any emergencies or customer complaints.
Set Clear Rules and Procedures for Playground Safety
Make sure all staff members – and every customer – know exactly what is expected of them, including any rules or procedures that they may not be aware of (such as evacuation procedures in the event of a fire).Â
Raise Awareness About Your Indoor Playground Pieces
Some people may not know that you offer an indoor playground for children to play on! If this is the case, consider putting up some signage outside your establishment to raise awareness about your new offering. Or distribute flyers and brochures at local daycares and preschools so parents will know where their kids can go when school is out for summer.Â
Plan A Grand Opening
As soon as everything is up and running again after your spring cleaning, throw a party! Invite the local media, have games and activities set up for the kids, and offer refreshments for all. This will help get the word out about your new indoor playground – and what could be more fun than that?
