Report before you fix

Have you already tried to report the problem?

If not, click here to learn how to report it.

Already reported and still no luck?

Click here to escalate the issue to your ward councillor.

Communities acting together can make things happen. Click here to discover how.

Still no success? The info below will help you fix it yourself.

DISCLAIMER: Check with your local authority on legal ways to fix problems yourself. Fixlocal cannot take responsibility for any problems that may arise in fixing it yourself.

Understanding playground care

Playgrounds are important for kids to grow, giving them a safe place to play and make friends. But over time, playground equipment can get worn out or damaged because of weather and frequent use. Regular care is important to keep the playground safe and to ensure that the playground lasts a long time.

How to fix a playground

Materials needed:

• New parts: For any broken or worn-out equipment.
• Paint: To refresh and protect surfaces.
• Sandpaper: For smoothing rough edges.
• Wood Sealant: To protect wooden parts from the weather.
• Safety Gear: Gloves, goggles, and masks for protection.

Tools required:

• Screwdriver: For tightening or putting in screws.
• Hammer: For securing loose parts.
• Paintbrush: For painting or sealing.
• Sanding Block: For smoothing surfaces.
• Ladder: For reaching higher equipment.

You can find these tools at a hardware store or borrow them from your neighbours.

Before starting any repairs, it's important to check the playground for anything dangerous and to plan the necessary repairs. Make sure you have permission from local officials to do the repair work.

Steps to fix a playground:

1. Check the playground for any broken or worn-out equipment.
2. Remove any rubbish or litter from the area.
3. Tighten loose screws and put in any missing or broken parts.
4. Sand down rough edges to prevent splinters or injuries.
5. Paint metal surfaces to stop rust.
6. Put wood sealant on wooden parts to protect them from weather.
7. Make sure all playground equipment is tightly fixed and safe to use.

More information

For more help on fixing playgrounds and safety rules, ask local community resources or contact playground equipment makers for repair tips.

Get your community involved

Is there a community-driven group or caring business in your area? A dedicated group of committed people can effectively solve local problems.

Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help and to stay informed and involved in local issues.

• How to set up a community group

• How to start a WhatsApp group

• How to start a residents' association

• How to set up a community policing forum

• How to set up a neighbourhood watch

• How to organise community action

• How to use media to create pressure for change

Know your rights – how local government works

It’s important to understand how your local government works so that you can work with them to support what they are doing while your community continues to keep them accountable and deliver services on time. Remember you have a constitutional right to many of the services provided by local government, as well as to accountability and transparency, wherever you live and regardless of how much you earn. It is also where money collected from taxes and rates goes.