It's so disappointing when playgrounds become neglected and unsafe, due to lack of attention to identify and maintain proper safety, intention to protect both the investment and children who play on them, and the results often show up in the form of avoidable serious injuries to children playing on them. The longer a playground is ignored or not properly inspected and cared for can get to the point to where repairs are no longer possible, then it's far more expensive to have to replace equipment and / or safety surfacing, to the point that impoverished communities or locations that lack the financial resources are incapable of addressing. 

Some playgrounds can deteriorate or become damaged to the point to where traumatic brain injury (TBI) or death can become more likely, and no parent or caregiver ever wants to experience this. Some forms of injury are serious enough to where their future abilities become limited, requiring special care throughout their lifetime, and this is especially true with respect to TBI or concussions. 

There is no price that can be placed on the life or long-term well being of a child, so the emphasis on mitigating conditions on playgrounds that can result in either of these has to be a priority. No cost for proper selection, installation and maintenance of a safe playground can realistically considered to be too much, for which there are many options (some more viable than others), when it comes to the health and safety of our children, who are our future.