Playground maintenance might not be the most exciting part of running a school or local park, but just like wearing sunscreen during a Kiwi summer, it’s essential if you want to avoid a world of pain later on! Here’s why a little effort now will save you a lot of time and money down the track—especially in the Central North Island.
1. Stay Compliant with Safety Standards
NZ Playsafe guidelines say you need 300mm of woodchips to cushion those inevitable tumbles. Let it slide (pun intended!), and you might be in for a nasty surprise. At Goodwood, we’ve been on the other end of the phone line a few too many times when the Ministry of Education or a playground inspector is about to show up for an inspection—and suddenly, you need a quick top-up. Worse yet, if someone’s had a tumble and hurt themselves, it’s a real wake-up call!
No one wants to be the principal explaining to a bunch of disappointed kids why the playground’s out of action or dealing with complaints through the council. A regular top-up? Problem solved, and you stay in the good books.
2. Avoid Costly Repairs & Extend the Life of Your Playground
Although it may seem like you’ll save a few bucks by postponing a top-up, it can end up costing much more in the long run. When playground surfaces get too thin, they expose hard ground, increasing the risk of injuries and damage to your equipment.
Our best advice for playground maintainers is to rake the loose woodchips around during school holidays or quieter times. This helps spread the chips evenly and makes them last longer. That way, when it’s time for a top-up, you won’t face a bigger bill than necessary. A little bit of upkeep can save you a lot of $$ in the long run!
3. Our Team is Available for Check-ups and Routine Visits
At Goodwood, we understand that maintaining your playground can be a juggling act, especially with everything else on your plate. That’s why we offer routine check-ups to help you stay on top of things. Our team can pop by to assess your surfacing, check woodchip levels, rake it out, and ensure everything meets NZ Playsafe standards.
The best part? Regular visits mean you can plan ahead and avoid unexpected costs. By catching issues early, you’ll have a clearer idea of when you’ll need a top-up, helping you budget better and avoid surprise invoices. A quick visit from us means peace of mind for you and a safe playground for the kids!
4. Build Community Trust
Nothing says “we care” like a well-kept playground. Across both council playgrounds and schools, you’ll earn brownie points from locals by keeping your spaces tidy and safe. It’s like winning the best-kept lawn competition on your street—everyone notices when you’re doing a good job!
