Playgrounds should be safe environments where children can enjoy themselves and have a good time. However, if the playground is old and run down it could be a safety hazard to neighborhood children. Playground equipment for the most part is designed for extreme weather conditions, but over time elements like water, the sun and wind take a toll on materials like plastic, metal and wood. Restoring your neighborhood playground might be a difficult task but the result is worth it.

1 Remove any old rotted wood and replace it with new wood planks or boards of the exact size. Replace rusted nails that are poking out with new nails.

2 Spray down any wood equipment with metal bolts or parts with metal prep and conditioner. Read the instructions for the type of metal prep and conditioner you are using to see how long you should let the equipment sit after being sprayed. Once you start to see brown foam you should start to scrub the rust away with a nylon scrub pad. Rinse the equipment off with a water hose and let it dry.

3 Sand the wood equipment down to remove dense fibers and splinters. Add caulking to cracks, joints and seams to prevent water from damaging the wood and causing rot. Let the caulking dry according to the directions from the manufacturer found on the caulk tube. Wash the wood with a hose to dislodge any wood debris or dirt. Let the equipment dry.

4 Add two coats of primer to the wood equipment. Follow the manufacturer directions for application and drying. Apply two coats of Latex paint to the wood equipment. Follow the directions on the primer can for application and drying. The Latex paint will provide the primed wood with a glossy finish and will dry relatively quickly.

5 Sand down the plastic areas that are not worn and are still glossy. This will help the spray paint adhere to the plastic.

6 Mix a solution of one part bleach for every for every nine parts water in a plastic bucket. Use a scrub brush and scrub down all of the equipment. Rinse off the equipment with a hose and let the plastic equipment dry. This helps remove the plastic debris from sanding and any mildew or mold that has developed over time.

7 Apply a thin coat of plastic primer. The primer will act as a base for the paint and help prevent the paint from cracking. Follow the directions on the side of the primer can for drying.

8 Lay down a drop cloth. Stand 10 to 15 inches away from the plastic equipment and spray paint in an even, sweeping motion until the entire piece is covered. Apply a second coat. Follow the drying and application directions on the side of the paint can.