Getting a playground approved takes more than excitement—it takes a plan that speaks directly to the people involved in the decision-making process on budget and operations. Finance and facilities committees want to know your project is safe, cost-effective, and built for the long run. They’re looking at the big picture: numbers, liability, and how well the proposed project fits the organization’s mission.
This guide walks you through how to justify playground purchase to committee. When the proposal you created reflects the priorities of all stakeholders, including finance and facilities, you won’t just pitch an idea—you’ll present a well-thought-out solution.
Before anything else, you need to shift the conversation. This isn’t just about play—it’s about long-term value. If you position the project as a strategic investment and a long-term solution, you’re already one step closer to getting it approved.
Playgrounds bring more than joy to a space—they boost curb appeal, signal that your organization values the well-being of children, promote their physical fitness, encourage physical activity, develop social skills, and actively support community health and human services.
Schools benefit from enhanced student engagement and education. Urban development, HOAs, municipalities, and cities also benefit by gaining a more vibrant, family-friendly community space (which parents appreciate) and raising property value.
If you’ve got local stats or examples from similar communities, include them. Even a few lines connecting this project to your organization’s mission—whether that’s child development, family connection, or quality of life—can go a long way.
Committees don’t just want big ideas—they want real numbers. Show them where the money goes: roughly 60% for play equipment, 18% for installation, 9% for delivery, and about 13% for surfacing and landscaping. If you’re estimating based on use, budgeting around $1,000 per child served is a solid baseline.
Point out how durable materials like poured rubber or rubber mulch save money over time by cutting down on upkeep and replacement.
Better yet, get actual quotes if possible. A detailed cost breakdown paired with a maintenance plan, considering useful life, shows you’re thinking about both the short-term ask and the long-term responsibility.
Worried they’ll push back on cost? Be ready with options to receive funding, like grants, fundraising, and community partnerships and programs, which can help cover a chunk of the expense. You can also propose building in phases—start with the key areas and essentials, then expand later as funds allow. Modular playground equipment is designed for this kind of growth.
This tells your committee you’re not just throwing out a number—you’re offering smart ways to make it happen.
If your playground proposal doesn’t scream “safe,” it’s going to be a tough sell. Decision-makers are going to want to know about your focus on safety, from new playground equipment standards to fall prevention.
Make it clear that your design meets—or beats—all the relevant safety guidelines by state and local government agencies, including those from the CPSC, ASTM, and IPEMA, where applicable. You’ll also want to reassure them that your playground is fully ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, designed to provide access for children of all abilities, and offering inclusive accessibility features.
This part shouldn’t be a guess. Ask your vendor for documentation on specifications that confirms compliance, and include it with your proposal.
Every year, more than 200,000 children in the U.S. end up in the ER due to playground injuries. Nearly a quarter of those are related to poor maintenance, and over 80% involve falls.
That’s where your plan makes a difference. Show how using certified equipment, quality surfacing, and a maintenance routine can dramatically reduce the risk. Surfacing like poured-in-place rubber or engineered wood fiber not only cushions falls, but it also shows your organization is committed to doing everything it can to prevent injuries.
When you frame safety as a smart investment—one that can help your organization avoid costly legal issues down the line—it’s easier to win support.
Strong warranties and certified installations and implementations aren’t just nice to have—they're key. Reputable manufacturers often back their products for years, decades even, and working with experienced installers ensures the equipment is set up right and covered properly.
Including warranty info in your proposal gives your committee added confidence in the plan’s long-term value.
It’s one thing to build a playground. It’s another to maintain it for the next 10 to 20 years. Your proposal should reassure facilities teams that you’re ready for both.
Modern playgrounds are built to last—but only if they’re maintained. That means regular inspections (daily, weekly, yearly), clear documentation, and a plan for prompt repairs. This isn’t just about safety—it’s about protecting your investment and keeping warranty coverage intact.
Even if it’s just a draft, include a sample maintenance schedule. It shows you’re not just planning the fun part—you’re preparing for the real work that follows.
How the playground gets installed depends on your team’s resources. A fully professional install may make the most sense. But in some cases, a supervised build or a safe DIY approach, where community members can participate, for smaller features, can reduce costs while building local engagement and collaboration.
No matter the method, explain how it fits your budget and staffing capacity.
And don’t forget design fit. Whether you’re building for preschoolers, school-age kids, or a mix of age groups, the layout and features should reflect their needs. ADA compliance is non-negotiable, but beyond that, show how your choices make the space more inclusive, fully accessible, and engaging for all.
Once you’ve covered the budget, safety, and logistics, bring in the extra value that can help seal the deal.
If your project uses recycled materials or supports broader sustainability goals, call it out. ESG initiatives matter, especially in public and nonprofit sectors. A beautiful, well-placed playground also improves the look and utility of underused outdoor areas and public parks.
These design choices often align with community beautification goals and make the space more inviting to families.
Don’t be shy about referencing industry resources; it would even drive home that you've really put effort into research. Many respected vendors and organizations offer detailed guides for planning, surfacing, maintenance, and safety. Citing those shows that your plan follows best practices, not just best guesses.
A well-prepared playground proposal does more than make a good impression—it earns trust.
When you back your plan with clear numbers, safety strategy, long-term planning, and community benefit, your committee won’t just see play structures. They’ll see smart infrastructure. They’ll see foresight. And they’ll see the value of what you’re proposing—not just today, but years into the future.
So go in with confidence. You’ve got the plan, and now you’ve got the language to make it count.
But if you ever need help, don’t hesitate to contact us and get your free consultation from our experts. We’ll help you every step of the way!
The founder and CEO of https://www.aaastateofplay.com/, Nic Breedlove has made waves in the commercial playground equipment industry. Nic’s passion for playgrounds and commitment to excellence has helped to make AAA what it is today. He enjoys sharing his keen insights into the playground world in an effort to make play easier and more accessible to all kids.
