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How Safe is our Playground Equipment?

November 1, 2007

This question was asked of our West District Operations Manager, Mr. Mark Ingwerson.  Here is his answer.

As a follow-up to recent queries regarding the ongoing Playground Replacement Program, at the present time all of our play structures substantially comply with CSA Standards. 

With the implementation of the initial CSA Guidelines in 1998, a 4 year replacement program was initiated in 2000 to replace the majority of our playgrounds that did not meet the newly created guidelines.  At the end of the 4 year period, all playgrounds had been replaced with the exception of approximately 12 playgrounds that we installed in 1996/97.  These units were retrofitted in 2005 to substantially comply with the guidelines.  As these 12 units are now reaching the end of their life expectancy, they have been (or will be) replaced on a priority basis from the annual capital project for playground and safety surfacing replacement over the next 4 years.  Subsequent updates to the CSA Guidelines (2003 and 2007) have been minor, and all our existing equipment substantially meets the new guidelines, and will not require replacement until it reaches life expectancy.

We will undertake detailed inspections through the winter of 2007/2008 to determine repairs and retrofits to existing structures as well as considerations for alterations and add-ons (i.e. upgrading junior sets to senior sets depending on neighbourhood demands).  Funding for these replacements will be included in future Capital budgets and secured through the life cycle reserve account.  Estimated life cycle for playground structures is approximately 10 to 12 years.

In addition to the replacement of equipment, the remaining funds required for our 2008 program is for the ongoing program of installation and/or replacement of the safety surfaces surrounding the play structures.  Again our crews will undertake inspections through the fall and winter to identify immediate needs for inclusion in our 2008 program.  We anticipate that the current level of funding for this annual capital project is sufficient until approximately 2012, when the playground equipment installed in 2000 will have reached life expectancy and will be inspected and a course of action determined at that time.

Mark Ingwersen

est District Manager, Operations

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