Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the first steps necessary to purchase playground
equipment?
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The first step would likely include getting catalogs
from some of the manufacturers. Remember, the more catalogs you get, the
more work you will have reviewing them all. Try assigning one manufacturer to
one person on the committee and they can prepare an introductory report.
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Do I have to purchase one of the playground structures
found in the catalog?
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Absolutely not, these structures are meant to
stimulate your thinking and also give you an idea of cost for budget purposes.
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If we do not choose one of the catalog structures, do we
have to design our own?
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No. One of Durafun Recreation
Products' playground consultants
will work with you through the entire process to ensure your design
meets all safety and accessibility requirements.
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Does our new playground have to comply with the ADA
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990?
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Unless you are a private club with exclusive
membership or a church-owned-and- operated school or childcare center, you must
comply with the spirit and intent of the law.
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What distinguishes one manufacturer from another?
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Not much. Quality differences are controlled by a
third party certification process. The International Playground Manufacturer's
Association contracts with Detroit Testing Labs to make sure all components
meet the requirements established by ASTM F-1487. Visit
www.IPEMA.org
for a list of the components and structural
equipment your manufacturer uses.
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What are my responsibilities once the equipment is
installed?
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Primarily, maintenance. As your equipment ages,
periodic inspections must be made to ensure your equipment is free of
potential hazards. A maintenance program will limit your risk dramatically. You
should also make sure that the appropriate amount of protective surfacing is
a installed and maintained during the life of the equipment. A Handbook for
Public Playground Safety can be downloaded free at www.CPSC.gov
or in the right navigation bar of this page.
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What about installation of the equipment?
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Durafun Recreation Products provides a complete
turn-key service. We also provide supervision if you elect to use volunteers
to install the equipment. Contact us at
info@durafun.com
so we may send you information on volunteer
installations.
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is
responsible for protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury
or death from consumer products. Here are a few downloadable documents that may
be of interest:
Little Big Kids (PDF)
For parents to read with their kids (ages 3-5) on the topic of playground
safety.
Handbook for Public Playground Safety
(PDF)
Presents playground equipment safety information guidelines. Intended for use by
parks and recreation personnel, school officials, equipment purchasers,
installers, and others interested in playground safety.
Public Playground Safety Checklist
(HTML)
Use this checklist to inspect local school and community playgrounds and notify
school or park officials about any hazards found.
Soft Contained Play Equipment Safety Checklist
(HTML)
CPSC staff developed checks to help parents and children use Soft Contained Play
Equipment safely.
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