A play area cover is provided with a flexible sheet member that is urged into a generally convex shape over the play area to shed water and debris away from the cover and the play area. Various structural embodiments are provided for defining the convex shape of the cover. Anchoring mechanisms are provided for releasably securing the cover with a base frame of the play area. Safety mechanisms are incorporated within the supporting and anchoring systems to substantially prevent injury to children and animals around the play area.