What to Do When Your Playground Contractor Lets You Down

So, the installation should’ve been finished by now. The budget’s nearly gone, the play area is still fenced off, and no one’s picking up the phone.
Sound familiar?

Sadly, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a council parks officer, school site manager, or local contractor, dealing with a problematic playground supplier can be one of the most frustrating — and expensive — experiences in public works.

Here’s what to do if your playground contractor has let you down.

1. Document Everything

If your contractor:

• Missed key deadlines

• Delivered substandard work

• Stopped responding

…start by gathering your records. Take dated photos, record calls, and keep a file of emails and contract terms. This creates a clear trail for dispute resolution or, if necessary, legal action.

2. Check the Terms of Your Contract

Most reputable contracts will include clauses around:

• Timescales

• Quality expectations

• Termination conditions

If these have been breached, you may be able to terminate the contract and appoint a new supplier without further financial penalty.

3. Get an Independent Inspection

Bring in an external playground inspector to assess:

• What’s been completed

• What’s non-compliant or unsafe

• What needs to be redone

This gives you a neutral view and a reliable basis for the next steps — whether that’s pursuing the original contractor or starting fresh.

4. Don’t Be Rushed Into a Quick Fix

It’s tempting to say “Just get it done” — especially when pressure is coming from parents, headteachers, or councillors.
But rushing into another contractor without checking credentials can compound the problem.

Instead, look for an experienced, reliable playground installer who:

• Works to BS EN 1176 and 1177 standards

• Has experience rectifying partial or failed installs

• Can provide references from other councils or schools

5. Choose a Partner Who Knows What They’re Doing

The best fix is avoiding the problem in the first place. Whether you’re starting fresh or course-correcting after a difficult experience, choose a partner who understands the stakes.

At Playworks, we’re trusted by schools, councils, and contractors to install playgrounds that are safe, compliant, and built to last — no shortcuts, no drama.

If your last supplier let you down, we’ll help you move forward with confidence. And if you’re at the planning stage, we’ll make sure you never end up in that position.

Final Word

A failed playground install is more than frustrating — it’s a risk, a waste, and a reputation issue.

If you've been let down by a supplier, it's not the end of the road. With the right support, you can recover your project, protect your investment, and still deliver a great space for play.

At Playworks, we’re known for doing things properly — whether we’re stepping in to resolve issues or starting from scratch. Our team works closely with schools, councils and contractors to ensure every install is safe, compliant, and built to last.

📣 Need help getting a project back on track — or want to get it right from day one?

Contact Playworks to speak to our team of playground installation specialists.