As the air grows crisp and the leaves crunch underfoot, playgrounds become the backdrop for autumn adventures—pumpkin hunts, costume parades, and those last golden afternoons of play. But once the Halloween fun fades, it’s time to shift focus from tricks and treats to something a little less spooky: winterizing your playground. Without the right care, equipment can become haunted by rust, cracks, and costly repairs when spring returns.

In cold, snowy regions like New England, playgrounds face unique environmental stressors – frigid temperatures, ice, snow build-up and relentless freeze-thaw cycles. Here’s how to keep your playground from becoming a frightful sight:

Inspect Before It Gets Spooky

Do a full walkthrough of your playground. Look for loose bolts, cracked plastics, or worn ropes. Just like spotting cobwebs in a haunted house, these issues are easier (and cheaper) to fix before the cold sets in. With the freeze and thaw cycles of New England, cracks and small damage can snowball into a bigger problem.

Clear Away the Creepy Crawlies (and Debris)

Fallen leaves, acorns, and branches can trap moisture and cause surfaces to deteriorate. Sweep them away so your equipment doesn’t become a witch’s cauldron of rot and rust.

Frosty Fall Zones:  When Surfacing Becomes Ice Traps

Check poured-in-place surfacing, rubber tiles, or turf for cracks and damage. Repair now so kids won’t face ghostly hazards come spring.Winter weather transforms surfaces into hidden hazards.  Loose fill materials like mulch and sand freeze solid, losing cushioning.  Pour-in-place rubber can crack as water freezes inside

Winterization Fixes:

• Replenish loose surfacing to maintain a 12” depth for fall protection
• Fill in cracks in poured-in-place rubber surfacing
• Improve drainage to prevent puddling and ice buildup

Haunted by Heavy Loads:  Real Structural Threats

Fabric canopies are often not rated for snow loads, and when snow accumulates, it can  cause tears, stretching or full collapse.  Cold weather also affects material  integrity and stresses the structural frames as they expand and collapse with changing temperatures.

Winterization Fixes:

• Remove fabric canopies and sails before snowfall
• Inspect frames for corrosion, loosening or shifting
• Securing anchoring systems and store removable components

Rest in Peace (for Now)

For playgrounds in especially harsh climates, consider roping off equipment for the season. It ensures safety while signaling that your play space is simply resting until warmer weather returns. Use this downtime to plan future upgrades—whether that’s adding inclusive equipment, refreshing surfacing, or incorporating shade for next summer. Think of it as stirring the cauldron for a magical spring reveal.

Final Treat (No Tricks!): Winterizing your playground now helps avoid monstrous repair costs later. With proper maintenance, your play space will be ready to welcome kids back in the spring—no skeletons hiding in the closet.