CPSI case studies
CPSI · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Certification is a professional credential offered through the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) for people who assess and help maintain safe play environments. It appears in NRPA's certification lineup alongside the CPRP, CPRE, and AFO credentials, and NRPA maintains dedicated CPSI resources including a "Become a CPSI" path, a CPSI Course Calendar, renewal information, an instructor pathway, a host-a-course option, prep materials, a CPSI Registry, a recertification policy, and FAQs. The CPSI case studies are 5 cases and about 2,277 words.
1Faded Sight Line at a Shade-Structure Retrofit
A city is installing a 4.5 m × 4.5 m hip-roof shade structure beside an existing composite play structure serving ages 5–12. The site plan places one corner post 1.8 m from the end of the slide's exit zone.
534 words, about 3 min2Loose-Fill Depth After a Windy Weekend
A school playground uses engineered wood fiber (EWF) over a geotextile membrane. The equipment includes a 2.7 m high deck with a slide and a swing bay with belt seats.
467 words, about 2 min3The Two-Meter Gap Between Two Structures
A childcare center has two adjacent pieces of equipment: a 1.5 m high climbing frame for ages 2–5 and a 2.2 m high multi-play unit for ages 5–12. The gap between the closest points of the two structures is 2.0 m.
454 words, about 2 min4Swing Bay Seat Height and Chain Wear
A park has a swing bay with four belt seats. Inspection finds: two seats hang with the seat surface 380 mm above the surfacing; one seat's chain shows visible wear and a broken link repair done with a non-original connector; the fourth seat's chain is twisted.
413 words, about 2 min5Slide Exit Runout on a Slope
A neighborhood park installs a 2.0 m high straight slide on a gently sloping site. The slide exit is 280 mm above the surfacing at the exit point.
409 words, about 2 min