There are a lot of things to consider with playground design. Regardless of whether you are updating an old area or developing a brand new one, we wanted to highlight the top 6 priorities. By thinking about each of these areas, you are more likely to create a playground which both intrigues children and withstands the test of time.
1. The natural environment
With budgets constrained and class sizes increasing, it is very difficult for schools to provide the play area they dream of. One way to help with this is to consider using the space and provisions already in place.
For example, if there is a grassy mound, it could have a slide installed down the side.
By using the natural environment to its advantages, schools can save money on groundworks. Products such as EcoSmart, not only create a natural play look, but also require minimal groundworks when being installed.
Understanding what is already in the space available and using it in an imaginative way can help make the play provision more attainable, especially in terms of budget.
2. Inspiration and variety
Playgrounds are a perfect tool for helping children to learn and develop, but to do this they have to be both inviting and inspirational. Choosing the right accessories and equipment can be vital, but you shouldn’t overthink it.
Open-ended equipment and play areas with patterns and shapes provide children with the inspiration to use their imagination.
Using a variety of equipment and designs can help transform even the simplest of play areas into a stimulating environment for children.
3. Choice and versatility
As a communal space, a playground needs to involve as many children as possible – regardless of whether they want to play individually or in larger groups.
Having a play area that is versatile and can be used for multiple types of play, such as a multi-use games area (MUGA) is a very cost-effective solution.
Thinking about the age group you are catering to is also particularly important, especially when selecting equipment/kit – it helps keep things both exciting and safe.
4. Surfacing selection
Patterns and designs within the play area can stimulate a child’s mind, and if aesthetics is a top priority for you, your surfacing selection needs to be a key consideration.
Regardless of this though, choosing the right surface for your play area can ensure the children get the most of it for years to come. The main factors to consider for your surfacing selection are maintenance, exposure to sun or water, any equipment/kit installed and aesthetic requirements.
There are a wide range of surface options to suit any application, and we here at PlaySmart are more than happy to give you advice on what may best suit your requirements and playground design. Alternatively, take our interactive quiz to see which product might be best for your project.
5. Safety
Common sense safety is something key in all playground design – doing the simple things right such as avoiding climbing or trip hazards with any fencing installed in the area. The space should be used wisely – making sure children have space after going down a slide will help keep the landing area clear for the next person.
6. Management and maintenance
The cost of maintaining your new play area should not be left off the list of things to consider. The time and money you are willing to spend on upkeep of equipment and surfacing will help determine what’s best for your playground.
All of our surfacing comes with a product guarantee, and if you choose us to install it, we will also provide an installation guarantee!
And that’s it! We hope this article helped you understand what you need to consider and why when designing a playground. We’d love to hear some feedback and if you think we missed anything off our list, let us know by commenting!