Plan and Play

1. Set Your Budget

Establishing a clear budget is the first step in your playground project. Playground costs can vary based on the size and complexity of the equipment. A standard commercial-grade playground typically costs around $8,000, but if you’re aiming for a smaller selection like spring riders, slides, or monkey bars, the price can be much lower. The breakdown of your budget will help ensure you make the best investment. If you're looking for additional financial support, explore our resources on grants and fundraising strategies.

2. Assess the Community Needs

When designing your playground, it's important to think about the children who will be using it. Different age groups require specific play areas that are tailored to their abilities. Understanding the demographics of your community is key to ensuring that the playground is safe, enjoyable, and accessible for everyone. This includes considering foot traffic, potential hazards, and how the space will serve children of varying ages and abilities. Don’t forget to plan for accessibility features such as ramps and ADA-compliant swings to ensure that all children have an opportunity to play.

3. Evaluate the Space

Selecting the right location for your playground is essential. The site should provide adequate space for the equipment and be free from potential hazards like standing water, traffic, or difficult terrain. While natural features can enhance the play experience, they should not compromise safety or significantly increase your project costs. A professional site assessment can help determine whether your chosen location will work for the playground and if additional preparation is required.

4. Define Your Timeline

Your project timeline will impact both the overall cost and scope of the playground installation. A rushed timeline may result in additional costs or compromise the quality of the final product. Typically, an installation project can take several months, so it’s important to plan ahead. Begin with your desired opening date and work backward, accounting for design, procurement, and installation. If you’re on a tight schedule, we also offer Quick-Ship playground structures and DIY installation options to help speed things up.

5. Select the Right Equipment

Choosing the right equipment is one of the most exciting, yet challenging, steps in planning your playground. It's important to balance creativity with safety. Depending on the age groups and community needs, you'll need to choose equipment that’s safe, durable, and suitable for various abilities. We offer a variety of equipment options, including:

  • Play Structures: These serve as the focal point of your playground, incorporating slides, ramps, climbing walls, and other interactive features.

  • Swings: A playground staple, swings appeal to children of all ages and can be designed to meet specific age or accessibility needs.

  • Independent Play Items: Smaller play items like climbers, spring riders, and musical instruments can be added to enhance the experience and offer unique play opportunities.

6. Plan for Delivery

Proper delivery planning is critical to ensure your equipment arrives safely and on time. Most playground equipment ships via freight and is carefully packed into crates for delivery. Standard structures usually ship within 1-2 weeks, while custom designs may take 6-8 weeks. When your equipment arrives, it’s important to have a team ready for unloading and setup. Whether you have a trusted team of volunteers or need to hire professional assistance, we’ll guide you through the process to ensure everything runs smoothly.

7. Choose Your Installation Method

The installation process can vary depending on the complexity of your project and your budget. There are three primary installation options:

  • DIY Installation: This cost-effective option allows you to handle the setup with the help of a volunteer team. However, proper tools and expertise are essential to ensure safety.

  • Supervised Installation: This option provides the best of both worlds. A certified professional will oversee the project, guiding your volunteers through the process and ensuring the installation is done correctly.

  • Full Professional Installation: If you prefer a hassle-free experience, professional installation is the way to go. Though it’s the most expensive option, it guarantees that your playground will be built according to safety standards and specifications.

8. Establish a Maintenance Plan

Ongoing maintenance is crucial to extending the life of your playground and ensuring it remains safe for users. Regular inspections should be scheduled to address potential wear and tear. Some tasks, like trash collection and surface cleaning, need to be done frequently, while others, such as hardware checks or component replacements, can be performed annually. Having a solid maintenance plan in place will help avoid costly repairs and keep your playground looking new. For more detailed guidance, consult our comprehensive maintenance resources, or check out our video tutorials.