As Georgia and Florida communities reopen parks and recreation facilities, we've received many questions about cleaning of outdoor play equipment and site furnishings. Based on the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces guidelines, GameTime recommends the following:
Clean Surfaces with Soap and Water
Always clean surfaces of benches, tables, play equipment, and outdoor fitness products with soap and low-pressure water. Use a garden house instead of a pressure washer to avoid damage to the painted surfaces. Routine cleaning with soap and water removes germs lowers the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Use a Bleach Solution to Disinfect
The CDC recommends using diluted household bleach solutions, prepared by mixing:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water or
- 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application. Ensure a contact time of at least 1 minute. Rinse your site furnishings and let them completely dry before allowing them to be used. Note: Bleach solutions may damage wood finishes.
WARNINGS:
- Ensure all cleaning/disinfectant products are not past their expiration dates. Expired products will not disinfect properly.
- Check that cleaning products are compatible with the surfaces to which they are applied.
- Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
- Wear protective gear when applying any disinfectant liquid.
Using the above CDC recommended solutions will not harm your GameTime equipment and your warranty will not be voided.
Observe CDC Guidelines for Public Spaces
It is also important to maintain safe practices that reduce the potential for exposure:
- Post signs with CDC Guidelines in public areas
- Avoid gathering in groups
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time.
- Avoid touching your face
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- When in public, maintain physical distancing of at least six feet
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it away
- Clean your hands with a CDC approved hand sanitizer after touching public equipment
Provide Hand Sanitizer Stations
CDC Guidelines state hand sanitizer is a viable option for cleaniing and disinfecting hands when soap and water are not available. GameTime offers durable outdoor enclosures for hand sanitizer. They're available for pump style bottles, lever dispensers, or touchless mechanisms.
Help Stop the Spread
While no single measure can eliminate the presence of all germs, following the CDC guidelines can help slow the spread of germs and harmful diseases like COVID-19. If you have questions about cleaning and disinfecting your outdoor play and recreation equipment, contact the DRP representative in your neighborhood.
