Schools go beyond providing education to students, but they foster overall development with play and social interactions. Kids spend a considerable part of their time in the playground, so school administrators must ensure they have a safe and well-maintained one. Proper maintenance of the playground and equipment is essential for ensuring the safety of students. While schools have protocols for the same, it is vital to review and rework them to get better with time. As a school administrator, expect to go the extra mile in pandemic times. Here are the best practices to spruce up your school playground.

Choose a safe and accessible location

Safety and accessibility should be your top concerns when choosing the location of your school playground. The last thing you want to deal with is injuries and mishaps, so make sure you pick your location and equipment wisely. Look for age-appropriate structures for the area. Also, ensure that an expert installs them. Also, the area should be accessible for differently-able students so that they can play with everyone.

Consider the local weather

The local weather also influences the choice of playground equipment for your school. The right ones will last longer, despite exposure to elements. Wood structures are not the right choice for wetter areas as they may rot sooner rather than later. Schools in areas prone to harsh winters also need to pick consciously, with sturdy structures that can bear the load of the snow and ice.

Prioritize sustainability

School administrators pay less attention to sustainability, but it deserves to be on top of their minds. After all, you must do your bit to reduce your environmental footprint and teach the lessons of eco-consciousness to future generations. Look for eco-friendly commercial playground equipment crafted from high-quality recycled materials. You get the advantage of durability and cost-savings in the long haul as these materials last much longer than the traditional steel structures.

Fix responsibility for maintenance

Choosing the right location for your school playground and setting up quality equipment is only half the work. Maintaining it is a crucial aspect of ensuring the safety and well-being of the students. You must create regular maintenance schedules and fix responsibility for overseeing them. Besides regular maintenance, these professionals should also recommend periodic replacements. Consider designating a committee or hiring a service for the job, whichever works for you. Stringent maintenance and upkeep minimize the chances of accidents in the playground.

Go the extra mile with cleaning and hygiene

School administrators must go the extra mile with cleaning and hygiene of the playground, just as with any other part of the school. Although outdoor spaces are relatively safer, there is always a risk of exposure to viruses on surfaces. Ensure daily cleaning and sanitization of playground equipment. Setting up a hand sanitizing station outside the play area is also a good option.

Keeping your school's playground safe is a responsibility you should take as seriously as providing quality education. Follow these best practices, and you can have an ideal space for the students to play.