Playground Maintenance Technician Program (2-Day Program: November 4 & 5, 2026)

Free to Members / non-members $100

A light breakfast, lunch and beverages are provided both days.

REGISTRATION:  In NeoGov Learn Course Catalog, search keywords "Playground Maintenance".  Please note this is a 2-day program.  Registering for the class in NeoGov Learn automatically enrolls you in both days.

For over a decade, the comprehensive Playground Maintenance Technician (PMT)program has trained over 4000 participants in nearly 30 states and internationally. The PMT focuses on practical playground maintenance practices, inspection principles and best practices in making repairs.

This two-day program does not focus on theory or memorizing standards. Course modules explore the maintenance challenges associated with the common materials found in playgrounds. Through videos and case studies, participants learn about the types of playground inspections, how to repair damaged equipment and associated legal considerations. A virtual playground offers participants the opportunity to apply newly learned skills.

It teaches systems, processes, and best practices in proactive maintenance, equipping boots-on-the-ground staff with the knowledge, skills, and practices to most effectively prevent incidents and minimize liability.

Using the Playground Maintenance Diamond of Care, you will learn the steps to inspect play components by asking yourself:

What existing KNOWLEDGE do I have about the equipment?

• Learn about common problems with equipment and surfacing.

Which areas need INSPECTION?

• As a group, practice where to look for problems and prevent future issues.

What CORRECTIVE ACTION needs to be taken?

• Discuss ways of preventing hazards during the maintenance process and how to correct common issues.

What should be DOCUMENTED?

• Use inspection forms to practice documenting repairs.

PARTICIPANT BENEFITS

Learn by doing! Hands on demonstrations and activities which combine discussion and virtual environments to understand playground maintenance tasks.

Learn about materials! Learn how to maintain playground equipment made of metal, plastic, wood and concrete.

Learn about safety! Understand how to take damaged equipment out of service safely, keep proper records, and identify potential legal issues related to playground maintenance.

Learn about surfaces! Learn how best to maintain unitary and loose-fill surfaces as well as fasteners and connectors.

Resources to take back to your office! Receive a 250-page textbook and workbook.

Continuing Education! Receive continuing education units that can be utilized to support the CPSI recertification process.

Keep your playground equipment aesthetically appealing to your community! Improve playground user safety and prolong the useful life of equipment.

 

TARGET AUDIENCE:  Anyone who performs hands-on playground safety inspections and maintenance, along with those who supervise playground maintenance staff should attend the Playground Maintenance Technician Program. Participants with or without their CPSI certification and/or experience ranging from just a few weeks up to 30 years, find the two-day course practical and informative.

 

PRESENTER:

Bill Hooker, ARM - Property/Casualty Program Special Projects Supervisor

Bill Hooker is the Property/Casualty Program Development and Improvement Supervisor for the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA) and has worked for PDRMA for over 28 years. Bill facilitates, designs and delivers training programs and resources. He has also presented to numerous park/recreation state associations, risk pools and universities. In addition to his training responsibilities, Bill provides risk management consultation and accident investigation to PDRMA members and assists in risk management/legal/claims resource development.

For over 34 years, Bill has provided training, safety, risk management, human resources, and accident investigation services to public sector parks, forest preserves, cities and schools. Previous positions include the Safety Coordinator for the Wood Dale Park District, Safety & Training Manager for the City of Bloomington, IL and Risk Management Consultant for PDRMA.

Bill received his B.S. from Western Illinois University in Law Enforcement Administration and minor in Safety Education. He has a M.S. from the University of St. Francis in Continuing Education and Training Management.

Professional certifications and involvement include:
• Authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer for OSHA 10 & 30 General Industry.
• Associate in Risk Management- ARM certification.
• Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist- CEAS.
• Instructor for the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands (Indiana University) Playground Maintenance Technician Class PMT.