Here are some easy ways to ensure that your schoolyard stays safe and functional through the winter months:

• The Drinking Fountain needs to be turned off and the lines drained for the winter. We recommend turning it off around mid-November (though it’s been a warm winter) and leaving it off until all danger of freezing conditions has past, usually by early April. If it does freeze with water in it, it will break the drinking fountain.
  • For replacement parts in case your fountain does freeze and break:
    • If you have older site with a concrete fountain, it’s a Pro Concrete, Aquarian model, Type “D”. Pro Concrete can be contacted at (718) 657-9131
    • If you have a newer playground site with a metal fountain, it’s from Most Dependable Fountains, Inc. You can reach them at (901)867-0039 or Info@mostdependable.com  

• Color Seal, the sports markings and art on the ground, can last several years if treated properly. The greatest damage to color seal is done accidentally during snow removal. Please observe the following to best protect the surface:
  • Do not use chains on snow plow tires on the color seal area
  • When it is necessary to use a plow, cover the sharp edge with a cloth or rag to prevent scraping of the color seal.
  • Avoid excessive salt use (Please note excessive salt use can also damage concrete curbs); NYC DPR recommends sand or calcium chloride not rock salt.

• Turf fields cannot be plowed, snow must be allowed to melt on them. This is important as it keeps the turf from being damaged, allows the Green Infrastucture to capture stormwater, and leaves snow for vital Igloo Building programs. 😉