Playgrounds are an important part of any school. They provide an outlet for physical activity and encourage students to socialize and have fun. Research shows that recess improves outcomes beyond physical health. It also gives kids the opportunity to learn how to resolve conflict, apply their imaginations and improve attention and memory in the classroom.
Having a safe, well-maintained playground is the best way to ensure that all students have access to unstructured time outdoors. Whether you're looking to build a new playground or refresh your current structure, here are five design ideas to use for inspiration.
1. GameTime ‘The Stadium’
The Stadium offers a complete obstacle course experience in a compact design, which is great for elementary and middle schools! It features 10 unique challenges in less than 1,200 square feet of space, giving students plenty of ways to stay active and enjoy friendly competition with their peers.
Designed for kids ages 5-12, each element of The Stadium was thoughtfully designed to appeal to kids of all fitness and skill levels. Kids can travel at their own pace and work on advancing their specific skills. The Stadium is also compliant with ASTM standards.
2. PrimeTime Odyssey
Another school playground design idea is PrimeTime Odyssey, a fun and exciting play system with colorful pods and an assortment of climbers, slides and panels. With PrimeTime Odyssey, you can create a themed playground while still benefiting from the same space-saving and economical features.
Popular theme ideas include forests, gardens and outer space. You can also enjoy fast, durable and compliant assembly, allowing you to get your school playground up and ready in no time!
3. Vista Rope
Rope-based play systems might not be the first design idea you have in mind for a school playground, but they actually offer a range of benefits. For example, you can accommodate many children at once, and in a relatively small space. Rope climbing also keeps kids busy for an extended time, hopefully eliminating some playground drama!
Cunningham Recreation offers custom rope climbing play systems that give students a way to stay active, explore the playground and work toward goals. They’re also easy to maintain and come in a variety of colors to match your school. You can also consider a rock climbing wall for a similar experience.
4. Yalp Memo
If your playground is a couple of decades old, it’s probably not accessible to all students. According to the CDC, about one in six kids between the ages of 3 and 17 have a disability. Therefore, it’s important to provide a playground that is inclusive to all students.
One of the best ways to achieve this is by choosing interactive equipment. The Yalp Memo features a playing field and seven interactive play pillars. The pillars have a 360-degree LED touchscreen with arcade-like visual effects. Teachers and staff can use this equipment during recess, gym and other activities. It’s a great way to move classrooms outdoors!
5. Yalp Toro
The Yalp Toro is an interactive sports arena that features sloping corners and four goals on each side. Every player is in motion, and groups large and small can play. Like the Yalp Memo, the Toro welcomes kids of all ages and skill levels. It’s also easy to maintain, durable, resistant to vandalism and continuously updated with new games and challenges.
Find the Perfect Design for Your School Playground
It’s important to keep your school playground safe, updated and inclusive. You want all kids to come home feeling like they had the opportunity to play, socialize with friends and be active during their school day. To discuss the different ways you can refresh the design of your school playground, contact Cunningham Recreation today.
