Are you ready to create a space families will love to visit again and again?
Swings and slides, while important, are not all a park needs to be successful. Building a new playground also involves designing a complete experience for children, parents, and the community. Having the right park amenities can help transform your playground into a welcoming, accessible, and functional space that encourages people to stay longer, play harder, and return often.
At Cunningham Recreation, we help communities design playgrounds that are fun, safe, and thoughtfully equipped. Here are ten essential park amenities you’ll want to consider for your next project.
1. Benches and Seating Areas
Kids might not stop moving, but parents and caregivers need a place to rest! Comfortable, shaded seating helps adults supervise more easily and enjoy their visit. GameTime carries an endless selection of benches in various colors, materials, and profiles. Some are sleek and slim while others have deep seats and backrests. Even themed benches are available to match your playground, such as this unique Music Bench or this nature-themed Bug Bench.
2. Trash and Recycling Bins
Unfortunately, littering is common in public spaces like parks and playgrounds. While you can’t stop all of it, you can deter littering by making disposal easy and accessible. Install durable, clearly marked bins near entrances, seating areas, and picnic spots so that it’s easy to throw away trash.
3. Shaded Areas
Whether it’s a pergola, canopy, or shade sail, protection from the sun is a must. Shaded areas give families a place to cool off and extend their playtime. Cunningham Recreation can help you select the ideal shade structures to match your space, equipment, and climate needs. Whether it’s a small umbrella over a picnic table or a large hip shade covering water features and slides, we’ll guide you to the right solution for comfort, protection, and long-lasting durability.
4. Bike Racks
Installing secure, well-maintained bike racks encourages more people to choose biking as a mode of transportation. Easy-to-use racks give visitors a safe place to lock up their bikes, promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle while also helping to ease traffic and reduce parking congestion. It’s a small investment that supports big community benefits.
5. Picnic Tables and Gathering Spaces
Picnic tables invite families to stay for lunch, host birthday parties, or schedule weekend outings. Designated gathering spots also give schools and community groups a place to meet and engage. Offer a mix of seating, such as benches near the park equipment and picnic tables placed off to the side for socializing and eating. Strategically place these gathering spaces under shade, such as native trees, shelters, or shade structures.
6. Restrooms
If space and budget allow, restrooms can make your playground far more family-friendly, especially for longer visits or larger crowds. Here at Cunningham Recreation, you can choose from pre-engineered structures and customized designs that meet specific requirements. Our restroom facilities are ADA compliant, energy efficient, vandal resistant, and easy to maintain.
7. Drinking Fountains or Bottle Filling Stations
Staying hydrated is important during active play. A water fountain or bottle filler near the play area ensures easy access without the need to leave the site. This can also help cut down on trash from plastic bottles and aluminum cans, as visitors can bring their own reusable water bottle and fill it up with fresh, clean water.
8. Lighting for Safety and Visibility
If your park is open past dusk or located in a dense neighborhood, proper lighting increases safety and usability. It also helps deter vandalism after hours. Options for lighting include post lights, wall lights, path lights, and interactive and motion-activated lights. Opt for sustainable, low maintenance, and energy-efficient options like LEDs and solar-powered lights.
9. Accessible Pathways and Surfacing
ADA-compliant pathways and surfacing aren’t just a good idea—they’re often required. Creating accessible routes to and around the play space ensures all children and families can enjoy the park. Be sure to ask us about GameTime’s PlayTrails that offer trail and nature-themed equipment and activities like tree-like climbers and nature fun facts.
10. Signage and Rules
Clear, friendly signage helps communicate park rules, age recommendations, and contact information. It also adds a polished, professional look to your playground. People who are visiting for the first time will especially appreciate having signage to clearly communicate all rules, regulations, and potential safety hazards. You can also use signage to direct visitors to different parts of the playground, including entrances, exits, and restrooms.
Build a Park That Works for Everyone
At Cunningham Recreation, we believe a well-designed playground is more than play equipment—it’s a hub for connection, wellness, and community pride. From benches to bike racks, our team helps you choose the amenities that make your space more inviting, inclusive, and durable. Ready to design your perfect park? Contact Cunningham Recreation today at 800-438-2780 to get started or complete this contact us form now!
