PTO Today

In today's market it is important to select a Qualified Playground contractor for your next playground project.

The following information and checklist was compiled from several resources within the playground industry to provide you the owner, a simple, step-by-step process for selecting a qualified playground contractor.

It is the responsibility of the designer, manufacturer, owner and playground contractor to provide a playground that a child can play on without risk. Choosing your playground contractor is as important as

Documents to secure:
A copy of their state or local licensing.
A copy of their NPSI certification.
A copy of their NPCAI membership.
A copy of the NPCAI Qualified Contractor Certificate.
A copy of liability insurance, property,automotive and workman’s compensation.
A list of current references.


Ask the Playground Contractor:
Will they secure your area during construction?
Do they have a final inspection program?
Request that you be listed as an additional insured.

Doing these will save you time and money.

Review the contract before the installation begins.
Go over your expectations and check to make sure you and your playground
contractor both agree.
Become familiar with he project manager and keep in contact with him during the project.

Upon completion of your playground installation, ask for the following:
A walk through of your playground site.
Warranty on the playground installation.
Pictures of the playground.
Final inspection report.
A copy of the installation manual from the manufacturer for your playground equipment.
A manufacturer maintenance kit. (if applicable)

Check out the web site for qualified contractors at:
www.playground-contractors.org or call 1-888-908-9519.

Thanks Sylvia--wish I had this list a year ago. I arranged the installation of additional equipment at our school and worked with our district finance officier as well as the Facility Manager. They told me what I needed to obtain, but in dribs & drabs. It would have been easier to have one complete listing.
I would also suggest to anyone that they ask their district to also sign the contract with the contractor. Therefore, if anything were to go wrong, the PTO doesn't have to try and sue or address the matter in courts alone. You would be backed up by your board of ed and have access to their attorneys. Our district offered and I jumped at the chance to partner with them!

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Making a positive difference one project at a time