Aug. 11, 2024

How Long Does Playground Equipment Last? When to Replace or Update Playground Structures

Knowing how long your playground equipment will last is crucial to keeping the area safe for your visitors. The lifespan of playground equipment will differ from supplier to supplier but will generally last up to 10 years. However, some Huck Play structures can last well beyond 15 or even 20 years.

All equipment needs regular inspections, like the big comprehensive annual check. However, to maintain the highest level of safety, it's important to keep an eye on the equipment throughout the year. This means checking for any signs of wear, rust, or damage that may need immediate attention.

It’s natural for equipment to experience wear and tear over time, especially with constant use by children. Replacing these worn parts, like the climbing nets or swing baskets, is crucial to ensure the safety of children playing on the equipment.

Factors That Determine How Long a Playground Lasts

Several factors come into play when determining the longevity of playground equipment. These include:

Quality of materials – It goes without saying that the quality of the materials used to make the playground equipment greatly affects its lifespan. High-quality materials, such as galvanised steel and weather-resistant plastics, can withstand harsh outdoor conditions and last longer.
Weather and climate conditions – Harsh weather like heat, cold, rain, and snow can take a toll on playground equipment. Equipment that has weather-proofing features and is designed to withstand these conditions will last longer.
Frequency of use – The more a playground is used, the more wear and tear it will experience. Playgrounds in high-traffic areas, like theme parks or attraction venues, may need to be replaced more often than those in low-traffic areas, like small housing estates.
Maintenance practices – Sticking to good maintenance practices, such as regularly cleaning and inspecting playground equipment, can help prolong its lifespan. Properly maintained equipment is less likely to break down or become damaged due to neglect.
Installation quality – Professionally-installed playground equipment that meets safety standards is less likely to experience premature wear and tear. Poorly installed equipment can be a safety hazard and may not last as long.

What is the Lifespan of Huck Play Equipment?

Factors like usage and maintenance will inevitably affect the lifespan of your equipment, but our structures have been proven to last for as long as 20 years.

We’ve recently revisited our Monkey World playground project, which was first installed over 20 years ago. The team replaced the scramble and climbing nets attached to the structures, which mean they’re now as good as new after all this time.

When it comes to the materials used in our playground equipment, we only use high-quality materials that are built to last. Our metal components are made of galvanised steel and powder-coated, which helps to protect against rust and corrosion.

Our plastic components are UV-stabilised, meaning they won’t fade or become brittle over time due to exposure to the sun.

Not only do we focus on using durable materials, but we also design our equipment to withstand heavy usage and harsh weather conditions. This means that even after years of use, our playground equipment will still maintain its structural integrity and provide a safe and enjoyable play experience for children.

See Our Full Range of Long-Lasting Playground Equipment

How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Outdoor Playground Equipment

There are a few things you can do to increase the lifespan of your playground equipment and allow the community to get the most out of it.

Here are our top tips for making your playground structures last longer:

1. Stay Up to Date With Regular Inspections

Regular inspections play a critical role in prolonging the life of playground equipment.

By conducting these inspections, you can identify and fix small issues and prevent them from snowballing into significant problems.

Inspections help ensure that all parts of the playground are in good condition, safe for use, and comply with safety standards.

This proactive approach not only extends the lifespan of the equipment but also maintains a safe environment for children to play in, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

2. Check for Broken Equipment Regularly

Checking for broken equipment is vital for prolonging the lifespan of playground structures.

Routine checks ensure that all components remain in optimal condition, thereby extending the equipment's usable life and maintaining its safety and integrity.

This vigilant care keeps repair costs low and maximises the investment in playground facilities.

It's also important to consider that catching damage before equipment breaks helps to avoid injuries.

Notice that your Huck Play equipment is worn or damaged? Get in touch, and we’ll send someone out to assess and repair any issues.

3. Maintain the Ground Around the Structures

Maintaining the playground surfacing around play equipment is crucial for preserving the structural integrity of the installation.

Well-kept surfaces prevent erosion and substrate displacement that could destabilise playground structures, leading to potential safety hazards.

Additionally, proper ground maintenance ensures compliance with safety standards, providing a secure environment that absorbs impacts effectively and reduces injury risks during falls, thereby extending the overall lifespan and usability of the playground equipment.

4. Keep the Playground Clean & Tidy

Keeping the playground clean and tidy enhances its aesthetic appeal and contributes to the longevity of the play equipment.

A clean environment encourages respect for the equipment, deterring vandalism and misuse that could lead to premature wear and tear.

Regular tidying also prevents the accumulation of debris that could cause damage or corrosion over time, ensuring that the play structures remain safe, inviting, and in good condition for years to come.

Legal Maintenance Requirements for Commercial Playground Equipment

In the UK, maintaining commercial playground equipment is not just about safety and longevity; it's also a legal requirement.

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, alongside the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, set the foundation, requiring that all playground equipment and surfaces meet specific safety standards to prevent accidents.

Under these regulations, playground operators are obliged to conduct regular risk assessments and ensure all equipment is inspected by a competent person at specified intervals.

These inspections are divided into three main types:

Routine maintenance visual checks for immediate issues.
Operational inspections addressing wear and tear.
Annual in-depth inspections by a qualified specialist to assess the safety of the equipment in detail.

Furthermore, compliance with the BS EN 1176 and BS EN 1177 standards is mandatory in the UK.

These standards specify requirements for playground equipment and surfacing to ensure a high level of protection for users. Non-compliance can lead to legal repercussions and the possibility of the playground being deemed unsafe for use.

Insurance Policies for Commercial Playgrounds

For UK commercial playground operators, having the right insurance is critical to managing risks. Public Liability Insurance is essential, covering injuries or accidents on-site, including legal costs and compensation.

It's also wise to have equipment insurance for damage or vandalism and Employers’ Liability Insurance for staff, protecting against employee injury claims.

Complying with UK legal standards and having comprehensive insurance is key to running a safe and enjoyable playground, meeting legal requirements and protecting operator interests.

When to Replace Worn Playground Equipment

Playground equipment should be replaced when it shows signs of significant wear and tear or structural damage or when it no longer meets safety standards.

Additionally, if repair costs exceed the value of the equipment or it poses a safety risk to users, replacement is necessary.

Getting a playground upgrade is also advisable when newer, safer models become available.

Contact Huck Play to Upgrade Your Playground

If your playground equipment is coming to the end of its safe usage lifespan or is in need of an upgrade, our end-to-end service can make the process simple and straightforward.

We offer a variety of high-quality, durable playground equipment options to choose from and also specialise in the installation of outdoor play equipment.

Reach out to our team today to discuss your playground structure needs.

FAQs

Is Maintenance & Lifespan the Same for Indoor Playground Equipment?

Indoor playground equipment usually lasts longer because it's not exposed to the weather. However, like outdoor equipment, it still needs regular checks and cleaning to stay safe and durable.

How Long Does Wooden Play Equipment Last?

Wooden play equipment can last over 15 years with proper maintenance, including regular sealing and treatment to protect against rot, decay, and insect damage. The exact lifespan varies based on the wood quality, installation, and environmental conditions.

Do Playgrounds Expire?

While playgrounds themselves don't expire, their equipment does wear over time. The lifespan of playground equipment largely depends on materials, usage, climate conditions, and maintenance practices.

It's crucial to replace or update equipment to adhere to safety standards and maintain a safe play environment for children.

What Happens to Old Playground Equipment?

Old playground equipment, once deemed unsafe or outdated, is often dismantled and recycled, repurposed into new play items, or donated to organisations that can safely refurbish it.

This process ensures that materials are used sustainably and that playgrounds can be updated with new, safe equipment for community use.