Require annual safety inspections for public playgrounds in Minnesota

 

The purpose of this bill is to make sure all public playgrounds in Minnesota are safe for children by requiring yearly

safety inspections. This bill will have playground equipment checked once a year to prevent injuries, fix unsafe

equipment sooner, and keep parks safe for families. Inspections will be carried out by the city or county already

responsible for maintaining that playground.

 

Playgrounds are used by thousands of kids every year, but many have broken or worn down equipment that can cause

accidents. Some playgrounds go long periods without being inspected because there is no statewide rule. Annual

inspections will help catch hazards early, keep parks safer, and give parents confidence that playgrounds are being

properly maintained. This is a simple safety step that protects children without creating big costs or major policy

changes.

 

Public playground — any outdoor play area owned and maintained by a city, county, school district, or state agency.

Safety inspection — a review of all playground equipment, surfacing, and surrounding areas to check for hazards such as

broken parts, sharp edges, loose bolts, unsafe surfacing, or structural damage.

Responsible agency — the organization that already maintains the playground, such as a parks department or school

district.

 

 

This bill does not need new funding. The inspections will be done by the same maintenance staff who already take care of

the playgrounds. Each agency can fit the yearly inspection into their normal maintenance schedule and current budget.

 

The responsible agency must complete one safety inspection per year and keep a simple record of each inspection. If an

agency fails to complete the inspection, a written notice will be issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural

Resources. The agency will have 60 days to complete the inspection. Continued failure may lead to a compliance review.

 

This act shall take effect on February 1, 2026