Choosing the right playground for Schools, Churches, Parks and Communities

For commercial use – It is important that you know a few things about your needs before we get started. It is a buyer’s market so there are many different options when looking for a new playground. First, you must have an idea of the age group that the playground must be tailored to. Standard age groups are 2-7, 2-12, 2-5, 5-12, and 8-up. Next you must decide on the area where your playground will occupy – what are the dimensions of the space? And finally, what is your budget for your playground project? Keep in mind that you will have installation and playground safety surfacing as an expense by the time your project is complete.

So on to the fun part – deciding on a design. There are many different pre-designed units that are available to manufacture but more than 80% of people choose to customize their playground. You can start with a simple idea that fills the limits of your project area—then add a slide here and a climber there, and the next thing you know, you’ve created everything that you could ask for in a playground.

It is also important to note that the size of the playground needs to accommodate the number of children that are expected to be playing on it at any given time. You will find that a newer playground—with a good design—will attract a lot of attention, and it would be a shame to have overcrowding on a structure that is likely to become a safety hazard. Overall, you will want to make sure that the playground equipment has at least the basics (climbers, slides etc.). If you have no idea where to start you might also find it useful to ask the kids what they would like. Have them all create drawings of their “dream playground, ” then you’ll know that the final design you choose is based off the ideas of what the children want. After all, the children are the ones that will be using the playground equipment the most – hopefully.

Once you have decided on a design for the playground equipment you will want to make sure that you get an estimate which includes the cost, freight, tax and installation (if needed). The idea is to get all of your possible expenses laid out on paper so you will know the amount of funds you’ll need to buy the structure and have it installed. It is best not to do this in reverse, which would be to get the funds first and then pinch pennies to spend no more or no less than the budget provides. In some cases this is unavoidable but with enough planning, you can arrange to raise the money that you may not have to buy the playground that your community needs. Playgrounds are very expensive but when everything is complete you will create an environment for children where they will have happy memories which will contribute to their well-being now and later in life.

Austin Stanfel
Creative Recreational Systems, Inc.
1 – (877) PLAYSYSTEMS