Nearly 60 percent of all injuries that result in litigation list lack of maintenance as the primary cause of injury. In addition to injury prevention, good maintenance can also extend the lifespan of equipment and protect an agency from lawsuits.

Equipment and environment maintenance of play areas involves more than simply fixing something that is broken. A well-designed maintenance program is proactive, responding to needs before crises occur. 

The basic function of maintenance is to ensure the safety of users by keeping the play area, environment, and equipment in a safe condition. A well-maintained area is aesthetically pleasing and hygienically clean and protects from hazardous environmental exposures, equipment, and surfacings. 

Maintenance planning should not happen after the area is developed; rather, a comprehensive maintenance plan should begin to be developed during the initial stages of planning the play area.