API_Inspection & Mantenance:Layout 1 17/04/2009 12:13 Page 32
ASSOCIATION OF PLAY INDUSTRIES
standard practice on traditional play
spaces and the same processes and
procedures apply to natural play spaces.
The Pathfinder and Playbuilder
contracts require that the play spaces are
sustainable. Within the inspection and
maintenance detail provided by the
designer the full life expectancy must be a
consideration as must the cost of
maintaining the facility.
Just as an example, we all know the
benefit that sand provides in a play space
and that it performs an additional function
as an impact absorbing safety surface.
Designers should therefore consider
whether sand is the most appropriate
surface under a group swing for example.
Aesthetically is looks lovely but this will
require a higher maintenance schedule
than a wetpour surface, and is the sand
actually providing any play value under
the swing.
An experienced designer will
understand these issues at the design
stage and should make the client aware
of the alternative solutions and the
respective on going maintenance costs. that designers make their clients aware of space. Just ensure you know as the client
All inspectors and engineers should be the anticipated future maintenance costs what these costs will be so that these can
competent and can be apart of a over the life expectancy of the play space. be budgeted for or through the initial
professional body such as the Register of The car industry is perhaps a good design phase brought inline with your
Play Inspectors International (RPII) who example today where the design budgetary requirements.
run training and continually update their engineers focus enormous resources on Do not be misinformed that the word
members’ professional knowledge to the maintenance costs and as customers natural also means current legislation and
keep them abreast of the industry and we see this benefit in increased service practices do not apply.
safety requirement changes. intervals and improved reliability. API members are well placed to help
(www.playinspectors.com) Maintenance of the play space is a meet the needs around natural play and
Maintenance of play spaces is a cost legal obligation, whether deemed as a also provide competent play space
based decision, it is therefore essential natural, adventure or traditional play designers.
32 API Directory 2009/10
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