The park is often a place for recreation and relaxation. Whether enjoying a leisurely walk, playing sports, or soaking up the sun while reclining on a park bench, most park activities make people feel good. For park management teams, the job doesn’t end at maintaining a fun outdoor space that will attract visitors. Parks must also be safe gathering spots for members of the community. Failure to protect visitors from foreseeable hazards may expose the park owners to legal consequences if the proper action is not taken. Local parks may take the following precautions to protect themselves against lawsuits.
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Perform Routine Maintenance and Repairs
It’s to be expected that park equipment may become worn or even damaged over time with frequent use. For that reason, parks should routinely inspect and service equipment that may not be safe for use. Clearly labeling damaged equipment as “out of order” is generally an effective way to warn park visitors of a potentially unsafe condition. Installing a barricade in addition to posting a warning is even better.
Replace Park Furniture
Even though park furniture is generally safe, it, too, can create a hazard if they are not routinely replaced. The signs that signify the need to replace park furniture are often subtle, but they may indicate underlying conditions that can cause injury with continued use. It’s likely time to replace your park furniture if there is rust, cracks, rotting, loose parts, or broken parts.
Not only will replacing worn and damaged furniture enhance the aesthetics of your park, but doing so will also prevent accidents from happening. Be sure to inspect your park furniture regularly to allow you to be able to replace it at the first sign of damage. Always purchase durable, high-quality park furniture from a reputable vendor.
Carry Sufficient Insurance Coverage
Because parks are recreational spaces that host numerous visitors throughout the year, accidents are more likely to happen. A runner may trip over debris and fall. A child may get burned on playground equipment that gets hot to the touch on a very warm day. Insurance coverage helps parks remain prepared to settle accident cases before the case goes to court. Paying the injured party is generally the less costly option when compared to the prospect of hiring attorneys and going through the lengthy litigation process. Speak to an insurance broker to learn more about the types of coverage you will need for your park.
No one wants to think about accidents that can potentially occur in a park setting. Nevertheless, it’s important for parks to remain prepared. Civil laws in most states require parks to take actions to keep visitors safe from reasonably foreseeable hazards. If the park does not invest in proper maintenance, supervision, and risk management, the park may face a lawsuit. In addition to the legal ramifications, visitors may also be reluctant to continue to visit the park after learning that an injury occurred on the park’s premises. By staying on top of potential hazards and properly warning the public, parks can protect themselves from lawsuits and ensure a safe space for everyone to enjoy.
