Planning a New Playground? Here's What You Need to Know Before You Break Ground

Designing a new playground isn’t as simple as picking out a slide and calling it a day. Whether you’re a school administrator, parks & rec director, or part of a planning committee, there’s a lot to consider before the first shovel hits the dirt.

A well-planned playground isn’t just fun—it’s safe, inclusive, durable, and built for your community’s specific needs. Here’s what you need to know to get it right from the start.

1. Know Your Space and Audience

Take a good look at your site. Is it sloped? Shady? Sitting on a water line? These details affect everything from equipment layout to surfacing. Just as important: who’s using the space? A K–5 elementary school has very different needs than a public park serving toddlers, teens, and everyone in between.

2. Think Beyond the Playground

A great play area is more than equipment. Think about shade structures for comfort, benches and tables for supervision, site amenities like trash receptacles, and surfacing that’s both safe and low-maintenance. Bonus points for adding turf or natural grass areas that invite open-ended play or quiet downtime.

3. Accessibility Isn’t Optional

Every child should be able to join the fun. That means incorporating inclusive play elements, accessible paths, and surfacing that supports mobility devices. ADA compliance isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a chance to build something better for everyone.

4. Don’t Skip the Surfacing Conversation

Playground surfacing is the unsung hero of safety. From poured-in-place rubber to engineered wood fiber and synthetic turf, your choice impacts maintenance, safety, and lifespan. Not sure what’s right for your site? That’s where our team comes in.

5. Plan for the Long Haul

Think 10–15 years ahead. What will wear down first? How will your playground handle sun, snow, or heavy foot traffic? Durable materials and thoughtful layout planning today can save you major headaches (and dollars) down the road.

Need Help Bringing It All Together?

We do more than install equipment—we partner with schools and municipalities to create complete, customized outdoor spaces. From commercial playgrounds to shade structures, safety surfacing, sports courts, turf, natural grass, and site amenities—we’ve got the tools and the team to make it happen.

Ready to get started? Let’s talk about your space, your goals, and how we can bring them to life—beautifully and on budget.