The National Recreation and Park Association is dedicated to providing resources to professionals and advocates of playgrounds in every community. It is our mission to provide education, networking, resources and certification to playground operators to help them monitor and improve the safety of playgrounds. In addition to our Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification program, NRPA offers a wide variety of resources to certified playground professionals and novices alike. Please find a summary of our resources below.
Definition of Play: To engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose
The CPSI Certification program provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date training on playground safety issues including hazard identification, equipment specifications, surfacing requirements and risk management methods.
NRPA's Playground Maintenance Course is a one-day (6.25 hour) educational course that covers the following topics – an overview of playground safety standards and guidelines, playground owner responsibilities and maintenance discussions on playground equipment, surfacing and site items. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the Playground Maintenance Course.
Playground Inspection Kits include the equipment necessary to check for head and neck entrapment hazards as well as protrusion and entanglement hazards on playgrounds. Developed to meet Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines. Includes projection gauges, head and torso probes, fish probe and a carrying bag.
The Daily Dozen is a 12-Point Playground Safety Checklist designed for parents and caregivers to help identify safety hazards and ensure children have a safe place to play. This checklist covers topics including proper surfacing, accessibility, proper equipment, trip hazards, proper maintenance and much more. The Daily Dozen is packed and sold in groups of 25 brochures or is available here as a free download.
Concerns About a Playground?
- Step One - Determine who owns the playground – you may have to contact a local parks and recreation department if you do not know where to start.
- Step Two - Contact the owner/operator about the condition of the play area and request follow-up.
Additional Information on Local Guidelines
Please check your state or local area's Division of Family Services or similar agency for regulations.
For more information on NRPA Playgrounds, please reach out to playgrounds@nrpa.org
