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39 39 MAINTENANCE TEAM & PROGRAMMING Who is the workforce that will provide maintenance to the natural play area? ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ How often will the area require maintenance? ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Do you want or need assistance for programming and events at the site? ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Do you want or need labor for programming and events at the site? ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ WORK FORCE If you don't have a staff for upkeep, what local volunteers could assist you with the maintenance of the area? • Scout troops • Local organizations • Neighborhood associations • Create a "friends of the park" group Consider the number of volunteers you'll need for different seasons and be sure to recognize them for their commitment! Liabilities and Risks This guide does not contain legal advice, nor does it establish design standards. All playscapes involve inherent risks to users. It is recommended those creating a playscape establish a risk assessment and management protocol. The following steps may be included in a risk assessment and management protocol: See: Moore, R. (2014). Nature Play & Learning Places. Creating and managing places where children engage with nature. Raleigh, NC: Natural Learning Initiative and Reston, VA: National Wildlife Federation. Version 1.5. » Determine applicable design standards and standards of care in your jurisdiction; » Engage your attorney, insurer, and/or risk manager throughout design; » Conduct a risk assessment; » Eliminate hazards presenting undue risk and harm; » Develop an inspection routine; » Establish protocol to document and evaluate all injuries or property damage that occurs during use of the playscape; » Maintain records of inspections, incident reports, staff evaluations, and remedial actions; and » Communicate with users. Don't forget to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and liability waivers needed for volunteers to assist in maintenance. INSPIRATION PLAN DESIGN MANAGE EXAMPLES

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