Creating a commercial playground is a big job, so it helps to have a checklist on hand at all times. This way, it’s easier to stay on track with your goals, follow safety guidelines and ensure inclusive playground equipment. Below is a helpful checklist you can follow when designing a commercial play space for children and families.
Define your goals. What do you want the playground to be about? Is it meant to bring the community together? Encourage sports and fitness? Give dogs a place to run around? By knowing what you want the park to do, it’s easier to choose the right features, equipment and playground design.
Determine your needs. What does your playground need to be successful? Consider the space you’re working with, how many children you’re expecting to visit at once and inclusivity goals of your project. Also consider other amenities you want to have, such as playground shade structures, picnic tables or commercial park benches.
Decide your budget. Before you start shopping, create a budget. You know what you need, but there’s more to pay for than just the equipment. You’ll also need to account for safety surfacing, installation and maintenance. Talk to the playground supplier to see if they offer financing or funding resources.
Assess your space. Map out how much room you have and topographic features to account for like hard surfaces or uneven ground. Ideally, you’ll want your playground away from busy streets and buildings.
Create a custom playground design. Now it’s time to design your playground. Refer to your goals and needs to help you select the right equipment. Could your playground benefit from an obstacle course? Outdoor fitness equipment? A dog agility course? Cunningham Recreation has advanced playground rendering tools to help you visualize every detail.
Install and build. Generally, you’ll have two options when it comes to building and installing your playground. You can find a local certified installer through your supplier or consider a supervised community build. A certified installer will get the job done quickly and to the highest standards. A supervised community build is a great option if you’re looking to keep costs down and have a network of volunteers.
Maintain your space. It’s important to be aware of the maintenance your playground equipment will require over the years. This is a big investment that you want to keep safe. Develop a maintenance plan early on so that everything is inspected and maintained on a regular basis.
Cunningham Recreation offers turnkey solutions so that you don’t have to worry about anything. We’ll help you create the perfect custom playground for your community, take care of the entire installation process and even recommend a playground maintenance company. Contact us today for your free quote.
