Playground 101

There are a gazillion ways to play and even more ways to build a playground. Establishing clear objectives for your project upfront will ensure you make the best decisions down the road. Here are some questions to consider as you outline your project goals:

Your Audience

• What age ranges will your playspace serve: pre-schoolers, school-age children, teenagers, adults, older adults or all of the above?
• Do you want to create a playspace where multiple generations can play together?
• How many people should your playspace serve at one time?
• Are there people with special needs to consider?

Your Site

• Does your site have any space constraints or unique features?
• Will you need to prepare the site (i.e. tree removal, leveling, add a drainage system, etc.)?

Your Budget

• What is your budget for the entire project, not just the play equipment?
• Do you have fundraising goals?
• Are there local sponsorship opportunities you can pursue?
• Are you planning a community build?

Your Vision

• Do you want a traditional playground or one with the latest technology?
• Do you want to create a community gathering place where all ages and abilities have a way to play?
• Is there a specific look you want to achieve – modern, fun, etc?
• Are there specific pieces of equipment you want to include?
• Does your project have special meaning (e.g. a memorial park, a community morale booster)?

Need help defining your vision?
Visit our playspace showcase to read real stories from successful playspace projects from around the world.

Find a playground consultant who you can trust with every aspect of the playground building process.

We've hand selected a global network of consultants to provide you with personalized service. They are local to your area and will assist in every phase of your project. Backed by the entire Playworld Systems team, your local representative will work with you one-on-one to plan, design, and build the perfect playground for your unique school or community. They offer many free services including:

• Site evaluation and inspection
• Custom playground design and layout
• Safety and risk management consultation
• Accessibility consultation and assistance
• Budgeting and fundraising advice

Find a representative

Partners in play
We've also joined forces with the industry's leading non-profit advocates and associations to bring the power of play to communities in every corner of the world. Learn more.

How will you make your playground come to fruition? There are four types of critical resources that go into successful playspace planning.

Your Team
Reach out to local residents, organizations, and professionals who can lend their diverse expertise to different facets of your project. Then organize them into committees around skill sets. Committees can help with fundraising, design, maintenance, and more.

Your Time
Set a timeline that works from the grand opening date backwards, with smaller milestone deadlines—such as design finalization, site preparation, and equipment delivery—built in between.

Your Site
Select a site that has ample space for the play equipment and all of the amenities, like pavilions, parking and restrooms. The space should be relatively flat, have adequate drainage, and be large enough to accommodate both active and quiet play areas.

Your Budget

Realistically account for all your projected expenses—including equipment, installation, surfacing & amenities—then research all the different ways you can raise the necessary funds.

Need budgeting assistance?
Budgeting can be the most challenging phase of your project. Our online Budgeting section can help you make sense of it all. Learn more

Your local Playworld Systems representative will work with you in person to design your very own playground. Using powerful interactive design tools that let you arrange and rearrange your layout in real time, we'll create a playground design that's just right for you. No time wasted waiting for revisions!

When your design is complete, we will provide you with all the support materials you need to lead team meetings, fundraising efforts, and community outreach presentations, including:

• Full proposal and presentation in any format you require, including rich multimedia
• 3D renderings of your playground design
• Promotional materials, including 3D-illustrated posters

Start designing your custom playground
Find the perfect equipment for your playground with our new in-depth product search area. Learn more

It's time to make your playground a reality. Your Playworld Systems representative will discuss various installation options with you, including:

• Professional installation by Playworld Systems
• Playworld Systems supervised installation using your own team of volunteers & installers
• All-volunteer community build

Find out what to expect during your installation, and get handy maintenance advice. Learn more.

Now is also the time to review warranty and maintenance information with your Playworld Systems representative to ensure that your investment will be a source of joy for years to come. Learn more.