Deciding to build a new playground or renovate and update a current one is an important decision and one that can seem overwhelming at first. Many don’t realize that this process starts long before the first shovel of dirt and that most of the planning is done behind the scenes in conjunction with playground specialists to ensure the best equipment for your community, school, daycare, or facility. Depending on available funding this process can take anywhere from a little over a month to a couple years, so working with a trusted playground specialist is an important factor in this process. Below is a brief step-by-step guide to show you what to expect along the way.

Step 1 – Design

The planning process will start with a detailed conversation with a playground specialist to determine the best equipment types and styles for the project and community being served. During this conversation, the specialist will gather information about the user groups and the goals of the equipment. Playground equipment is designed to meet different needs. For instance, many manufacturers have introduced fitness-based play systems to help combat childhood obesity and encourage movement. Other pieces of equipment focus more on sensory skills and development and feature music, texture or activity panels. Each type or piece of playground equipment is designed in a way to develop and showcase age-appropriate abilities. Pieces are designed in a way to encourage fine and gross motor skill improvement through play in areas such as balance, climbing, jumping, twisting, moving, and running. The combination of these developmentally appropriate obstacles for varying age groups is measured as play value. To view the motor skill development as applied to playground equipment for individual age groups view the below chart from the U.S. Consumer Safety Commission.

Play value may mean different things to different people, but in terms of playground equipment, it is a reference to equipment that has multiple uses and involves both independent and cooperative play. Equipment can grow with the users, promote social growth, and can be used as an aid in development. Many organizations and groups looking to purchase playground equipment want to spend their budget in the most efficient way possible, and therefore choose equipment that has the highest play value as defined above.

During the initial discussion with the playground specialist, certain details will be gathered to match the most appropriate equipment for the project. These details include:

• Location: Where will the playground be located? What is the available square footage for play?

• Population: How many children daily will be using the equipment at one time? What is the normal age range of this population?

• Budget: What do you currently have budgeted for the project, or what do you anticipate being able to spend?

• Equipment: What elements are important to your community and user population such as swings, slides, play panels, etc. Are you interested in a themed playground, such as a natural looking playground or themed equipment?

• Timeline: What is your installation or project timeline?

After this conversation the playground specialist can put together a rendering of some potential playground layouts to include the equipment selected and a budget estimate. This is an open conversation so edits to the equipment, colors, or site amenities can be made, and the community can be involved in determining which equipment best fits their needs and wants.

Beyond the actual equipment, facility managers will need to consider playground surfacing. Surfacing levels and type must be in accordance with playground safety guidelines to help minimize the impact of a fall. The most budget friendly option is engineered wood fiber; however pour-in-place surfacing is growing in popularity — even though it is more expensive — because it is more accessible, lower maintenance and can contribute to the overall theme of the play area. Some options for playground surfacing can be viewed in the chart from the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Step 2– Ordering and Delivery

Once the design is finalized and funding is secured, the equipment can be ordered. Once ordered it can take 2-12 weeks to arrive to the site, so having a project timeline is important. To assist customers on a time crunch, many manufacturers offer “quick ship items” that are pre-designed in-stock structures.

Going with this option eliminates the ability to customize the structure but can be a good option for a rush delivery. Equipment can be delivered directly to the playground site or to a storage area within the community until it is installed.

Step 3 – Installation

The playground specialist will establish and discuss the installation timeline before placing the order and will consider delivery timelines and weather as it relates to the project. As New England is seasonal, installations are done March-November most years. The specialist also will be able to discuss how long the playground will take to install once started. Most projects are completed in 1-2 weeks of groundbreaking, depending on the installation method and surfacing materials chosen. If the community wanted to host a grand opening or needed to have the playground available by a certain date, build in a few extra days past the estimated completion date to allow for any material or installation delays. As they say in our business—get use to expecting the unexpected!

Installation can be done by a playground specialist, by a local construction company or in the form a community build. The method that bests suits a specific project is determined by budget, resources, and project timeline.

Step 4- Have Fun

Adding a new playground to a community is exciting, so don't forget to have fun with the process. Get creative with the colors, try new pieces of equipment to make the facility space stand out, and involve the community as much as possible. Involving the community will help them take ownership of the project and help cut down on vandalism. Complete the project with site amenities such as benches, shade elements and trash receptacles.

It is true that the playground process can seem a bit daunting at first, but the right professionals supporting the project will ensure a successful project, a happy community, and an amazing playground.

Premier Park & Play has over 25 years of industry experience and is a family-owned and operated playground equipment supplier for schools, parks, childcare centers, campgrounds, apartments and more. Our projects can be viewed throughout New England. See our project portfolio. With this experience comes the ability to ensure that all projects meet industry safety standards and customer expectations. Premier Park & Play is a proud member of MHEC and is excited to be able to offer discount equipment prices and maximize member savings. Our contract number is MC15-B14.

Contact Premier Park & Play to discuss your pending or upcoming projects.