Young or old, everyone smiles when they discover a playground.
Playgrounds enhance surroundings and benefit communities. The activities they encourage improve physical health and sharpen young minds. They are proven to increase property values and rank highly in terms of desired neighborhood features.
With so many products to choose from and variables to account for, it can be difficult to know where to begin. This Playground Planning Guide explains the most important factors to consider as you take the initial steps towards crafting a shared play space.
If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. At AAA State of Play, there’s always someone available to help playground enthusiasts achieve their goals.
As most of the playground equipment offered on AAA State of Play is designed for the needs of specific age groups, it’s very important to learn how old your space’s future visitors will be.
Figuring out age ranges of your primary users will help you later when you’re selecting products and arranging the grounds. For example, young children will need equipment with shorter elevations and safer fall heights, while older children typically require larger, more physically challenging structures to stay engaged.
To help manufacturers build and consumers obtain safe play products, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) identified three main age categories and created corresponding guidelines.
It’s also beneficial to consider other factors tied to your playground’s target demographic(s):
• How large will the groups be who visit your site?
This will influence which pieces of equipment you select based on child capacity as well as potential additions like independent play items and site amenities.
• Are all children likely to have the same level of physical ability or will you need ADA accessible items?
Making special accommodations for differently abled kids can positively affect venue reputation and help ensure an inclusive experience where fun is had by all attendees.
Knowing user demographics will help you create memorable play experiences that will keep kids entertained and help them grow. At AAA State of Play, you’re sure to find something for everyone.
Now that you know who you’re building your playground for, it’s time to decide where it will go. The goal is to create a beautiful space that blends with the natural landscape, creates a strong community connection, considers existing utilities and amenities and is accessible to all. On the following page we outline six important factors to consider when selecting a site for your new outdoor recreation space.
Once you assess your audience and location, you can begin to plan a budget. Whether you have just started researching costs associated with outdoor recreation spaces or already have a budget set in stone, we want to provide you with all of the information you will need to make the right investment for your community, business, or organization.
The average basic playground can cost anywhere from $20,000-$50,000. A general rule is to budget around $1,000 per child that will use it. On the following page, we break down all costs associated with designing and building a play space, so that you can decide on the bud-get that works for you.
The chart above shows the typical breakdown of the cost of a playground, and shows what percentage of your total budget you can expect to spend on your project.
Playground structures are the crown jewel of any outdoor play area, and choosing eye-catching, fun equipment is vital. Play equipment including large playsystems and smaller free-standing, independent play equipment will make up a majority of the costs. All of the other costs will center around the equipment that you select.
AAA State of Play offers three choices for you to install the playground. A cost-effective option, you may install the playground yourself. For an additional cost, you may have it fully assembled by one of our CPSI certified installers or we could send a representative to super-vise you and help guide you through the process.
Shipping is not included in the cost of your new equipment. However, AAA State of Play staff are very experienced at searching for the lowest freight and delivery options to help reduce costs. Supplemental services to help unload the equipment are available for an additional cost.
Choosing the right surfacing is important as falls account for a majority of playground injuries. We offer surfacing that complies with the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
Whether you select loose-fill materials such as rubber mulch or unitary surfaces like poured-in-place rubber, you can be rest assured the surfacing meets national safety standards and ADA accessibility requirements. Put the finishing touches in your playground by placing trees, bushes, and plants to liven up the venue. Add benches, tables, seats, or shades so adults and children can sit and enjoy the scenery.
Maintenance costs will continue after the playground is completely installed. The equipment, venue size, materials, use, and location will determine how frequent the maintenance checks will occur. Creating a proper plan and schedule can help keep your playground looking like new.
Preparing a budget will help you determine the amount of money that needs to be raised while also helping to keep track of unexpected expenses. Combined with a timeline, this can help keep you on track towards your fundraising goals.
We have compiled a variety of resources that can help you raise money for your dream play-ground. We also offer financing to help you start the building process. Head over to www.aaastateofplay.com for more information.
Now that you’ve considered all of your options and prepared the perfect site for your new playground, it’s time for the fun: selecting your play equipment.
Selecting the right equipment for your play area is an essential step. If you don’t select pieces that create a fun, exciting and engaging space, kids won’t want to play there. AAA State of Play offers an abundance of options to fit any theme, age-group, or ability level.
Playgrounds are so much different from what you may remember playing on as a child. Modern playground equipment has been reimagined and redesigned with safety and accessibility as the main priorities.
While the designs and names of some playground staples have changed, the end goal is the same: create a space where children can be active, social, use their imaginations and PLAY!
Play systems are often the centerpiece or focal point of any playground so this is a great place to start. Play structures are generally the largest piece of equipment and are constructed of raised decks with slides, climbers, ramps, and other play events attached throughout. Many of our designs incorporate a fun theme or unique color scheme that could help inspire your overall design.
Swings are a favorite of children of all ages and a staple of playgrounds all over the world. Including age-appropriate and ADA accessible swings is a simple way to make your playground truly inclusive and appealing to all age groups and abilities! We offer all types of swing frames and seats including belt, bucket, and even tire swings.
Independent play items can be added to fill in gaps, make a statement, or put the finishing touches on any outdoor recreation space. This can include elements like climbers, spring riders, free-standing musical instruments, merry-go-rounds and more. Independent play items are also an easy way to upgrade existing spaces with fun new challenges, while adding variety and broadening the appeal of your playground.
All children benefit physically and socially from play. Diverse play options should be seriously considered for any new playground. Catering to varying abilities can be accomplished by incorporating the following:
If the entrance and exit of a play element is at ground-level, it can be considered a ground-level play component. Examples include freestanding slides, spring riders, and swings. This is not a solution for all children but can be a great first step to becoming more inclusive.
Given that children have varying abilities, ramps and transfer stations provide a way to enter and exit elevated structures. Including ramps on play systems provides wheelchair access and transfer stations to help children navigate an element without the use of a mobility device.
Innovative materials like poured-in-place rubber and engineered wood fiber make playgrounds capable of being more inclusive than ever. Appropriate surfacing allows access to play equipment by wheelchair or mobility device. Compare your surfacing options below:
A full professional install is not included in the price of equipment but guarantees a hassle-free experience led by knowledgeable industry experts. The cost is well worth the security of knowing your playground is being taken care of under professional supervision.
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A supervised install saves the buyer thousands of dollars by hiring a CPSI certified installer to coordinate the project and offer expert advice to volunteers along the way. This is a great option if you have capable volunteers who may just need some guidance.
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This option is the most affordable but requires that volunteers have the proper tools and installation knowledge to efficiently construct a playground. Consider a team meeting about installation early on and make sure your volunteers are prepared and have everything they need.
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Your playground has been installed and the project is complete! We are sure you’re eager to open it up to the community. But don’t forget that a commercial-grade playground is an investment. Just like a car or home, it needs proper care and maintenance to extend its life and ensure safety. Now is a great time to finalize your maintenance schedule. *Download a free maintenance guide at www.aaastateofplay.com for more information.
