This workshop is an excellent option for current Certified Playground Safety Inspectors (CPSI) looking to renew their certification by way of Continuing Education Units ("CEU") and for park, recreation, community service, public works, and similar professionals looking for a hands-on introduction to playground maintenance and risk assessment.
Note: This training is taking place immediately before an in-person CPSI course and exam (June 2 - 4 , 2026) at the same venue. This is an excellent opportunity for those seeking to renew their CPSI certification by way of Continuing Education Units to earn all 2.0 CEU (1.0 for each Group A and Group B).
In this workshop, PlaySafe, LLC staff will cover lessons on playground inspection and maintenance issues, risk management, and provide practical resources for real world application. Playground safety experts will address topics / issues including:
- Why have a safe playground?
- Common playground injuries
- Playground safety
- What is adequate surfacing?
- Surfacing compliance
- Playground site
- Hazards vs Risk
- Responsibility of an Owner/Operator
- Responsibility of the Installer
- Purchasing new equipment
- Qualifying a Manufacturer
- Choosing a design
Attendees will participate in two activities regarding legal resolution to a playground injury and on playground design. The group will take a brief "field trip" (on foot) to a local playground to discuss compliance and apply the concepts taught in the classroom. This practical component is intended to support attendees with understanding the playground materials in addition to the reasons for the regulations.
This workshop will review and/or pull from the following sources:
- ASTM International Playground Standards, such as F1292, F3313 and F1487
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- United States Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) "Handbook for Public Playground Safety" publication number 325
Schedule:
Monday, June 1, 2026*
Full lunch provided.
8:30 am - 9:00 am ... Check-In
9:00 am - 11:00 am ... Workshop
11:00 am - 11:45 am ... Lunch break
11:00 am - 3:30 pm ... Workshop
*Daily schedule is subject to change.
Instructor: Sam "Butch" DeFillippo, MA, RISC, CPSI, Managing Partner, PlaySafe, LLC
Mr. DeFillippo has more than eighteen years experience working in the recreation field for municipal government. While working in the City of Rio Rancho (New Mexico), he has been in the unique position of working in a department from its creation. He has held almost every position within the department from Lifeguard to Deputy Director. Butch's education includes a Bachelors of Arts in Recreation and a Master of Arts in Recreation Administration, each earned at the University of New Mexico. Butch also has the following certifications: NPSI Certified National Playground Safety Inspector, National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Certified Recreation & Parks Professional (CPRP) and Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI), and Stranco Public Pool Operator Certification.