LET’S TALK ABOUT THE PLAYGROUND!

Selection

Installation

Inspection

HOW DOES THIS ALL WORK?

Let’s face it … the playground is FUN! But more than that, it needs to be safe and appropriate for the kids playing there. This presentation will help you know the ins and outs of playground selection and design, what’s OK and what’s not, installation, and the final phase – inspection! Let’s go …

WHO DO WE WORK WITH?

MCPS works with approved vendors for design

and installation.

Samples are available to help with your selection!

All units are age appropriate and meet all

safety requirements.

FIRST STEPS It’s your turn to get a new play system! What happens now?

Systemwide Safety Programs (SSP) will contact you and is the KEY

point of contact for your playground project. Any special considerations or concerns you have regarding

playground equipment should be discussed at this level of the process.

After reviewing space, cost, and options, you will receive a rendering

of the playground system designed specifically for your school. Changes can be made, including structure elements and color schemes, but final approval of any design must be given by the SSP before the order is placed and the installation is set in motion.

If additional system pieces are desired, schools are welcome to use their own funds, in addition to the set funds provided by MCPS, to supplement the new installation. The approval process for this remains the same as stated above but the order is placed directly by the school via FMS.

Take a look at the following samples, from each of our approved

MCPS vendors, to get some ideas!

VIERS MILL ES

SHERWOOD HS CDC AREA

COLD SPRING ES

GARRETT PARK ES

TAKOMA PARK ELEMENTARY

PRE-K AREA

ARE THERE THINGS I CAN NOT HAVE? YES THERE ARE …

The following equipment is not approved for installation on any MCPS playground:

Swings or tire swings Log rolls Track rides Tunnel slides Platforms above 48” Climbing walls more than 60” high Clatter bridges (bridges with moving parts) Swivel meisters (a rocking platform) Enclosed tunnels (they must have openings or spy holes to properly

monitor students at play) Any other equipment deemed unsuitable by MCPS

OK … NOW WHAT? You’ve put together the perfect system for

your school and it’s been approved by the SSP. Now what?

The order will be placed by the SSP

offices. An installation date will be set with the vendor and you will be notified of that installation date. The playground area becomes off limits during the removal, installation, and pre-inspection time of this process.

Once the installation is complete, you must wait for clearance by the SSP before any students can play on or use the new playground! The system continues to be off limits until the clearance is received. This is important!

OK … ARE WE DONE YET??

Clearance from the SSP has been received by the principal! Are we done yet?

YES! It’s time to play! Hearing the cheers from the students is the best … enjoy your new playground system!