Choosing the right benches, shade structures, picnic tables and trash bins is just as important as selecting the best playground equipment. Park amenities and furnishings offer comfortable areas for parents and caregivers to sit while they watch their children play. By giving these amenities the right attention, you can enhance the playground experience for everyone.
So which park amenities should you focus on? With so many furnishings to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To help you out, we’ve listed out the most important amenities that should be included in your playground design.
Comfortable Seating
First and foremost, you must provide park visitors with comfortable seating like benches and picnic tables. Place them strategically in accessible areas where parents can keep a close eye on their children. Also consider the sun patterns and shade from trees, as you don’t want benches sitting out in the hot sun. This won’t be comfortable for visitors!
Shade Structures
If there’s not a lot of natural shade from trees and shrubs, you’ll definitely need to include at least one shade structure in your park. Choose high quality shade structures that block up to 97 percent of the sun’s rays. Not only do these fabric shade structures provide comfort for parents but also children. When placed over equipment, these structures keep slides and swings cool to the touch. Shade canopies, cantilevers, sails and umbrellas make shading solutions easy for your specific area.
Durable Playground Surfacing
Playground surfacing is a material that lies underneath the playground equipment. These surfaces are often made from rubber or wood and are designed for aesthetics, child safety and accessibility for mobility devices. Cunningham Recreation sells a wide variety of safety surfacing materials such as recycled rubber tiles, poured-in-place rubber and recycled bonded rubber.
Grills and Trash Receptacles
Grills aren’t necessary for every park, but they can be a great feature if you plan on offering water play, picnic tables and multiple playgrounds. Families appreciate this because they can host birthday parties and other special events on a budget. Don’t forget to place plenty of trash receptacles around your park to keep it clean.
Park Pavilions or Shelters
Outdoor pavilions or picnic shelters are the perfect combination of wood and steel to add just the right look to your park design. This type of durable classic construction of outdoor steel structures provides sun and weather protection while beautifying your space. Outdoor park shelters create comfortable places to have a picnic lunch, outdoor family events and community gathering spaces.
Shop for Park Amenities Today
When designing your park or playground, be sure to give attention to the park accessories that will make your space more comfortable and enjoyable. When the parents are happy, they’re more likely to stay longer and visit more often - and isn’t this what you want? Contact Cunningham Recreation to learn more about the park amenities we carry.
