Designing or upgrading a playground is one of the most impactful investments a community can make. Whether you’re planning for a school, park, HOA, or early childhood center, thoughtful planning can stretch your budget further without sacrificing quality, safety, or long term performance. At Cunningham Recreation we help communities make the most of every dollar by pairing smart design strategies with high quality GameTime equipment and evidence based best practices.

Here are practical ways to maximize your playground budget and bring more value to your project.

1. Start With a Clear Vision and Priorities

Before selecting equipment, define the goals of your space. Are you focused on inclusive play? High capacity structures? Fitness and physical activity? Unique themes? Establishing priorities early helps guide design decisions and ensures investments support your community's needs.

Tip: Create a “must have” and “nice to have: list. This helps your playground consultant adjust options if budgets tighten, without disrupting your core vision

2. Choose Equipment With High Play Value

A playground doesn't need endless components to offer big experiences. By choosing high play value equipment, you provide more opportunities for climbing, sliding, swinging, balancing, and imaginative play in a compact footprint. GameTime structure and freestanding elements are designed to engage multiple age groups while encouraging active, social, and cognitive development.

High play value favorites include:

  • Rope and net climbers
  • Hybrid towers
  • Multi user spinners
  • Expression Swing® for intergenerational play
  • Slides and climbers that serve multiple age ranges

These options maximize fun for square foot, and per dollar.

3. Be Strategic With Surfacing Choices

Safety surfacing is one of the largest line items in any playground project. Choosing the right surfacing for your usage level, maintenance resources, and accessibility requirements can significantly influence your budget.

Cost effective surfacing strategies:

  • Use poured in place (PIP) rubber in high wear zones for durability
  • Combine PIP with engineered wood fiber (EWF) to reduce cost
  • Incorporate turf or rubber tiles for aesthetics and low maintenance
  • Use graphics or mounds strategically to add visual impact without major cost increases

Our team helps you compare options to maximize safety, longevity, and budget alignment.

4. Optimize Your Space With Smart Layouts

Thoughtful layouts reduce installation time, limit the need for extensive site work, and make better use of your available area. Grouping equipment intentionally creates natural play zones and reduces unnecessary surfacing costs.

Examples:

  • Placing swings on the perimeter
  • Using shared fall zones between climbers
  • Combining play pockets for different age groups

5. Explore Cooperative Purchasing and Grant opportunities

Cunningham Recreation can guide agencies and schools through cooperative purchasing programs that streamline procurement and ensure competitive pricing. We also regularly share funding resources, grant opportunities, and PlayCore educational initiatives that may support your project goals.

6. Choose Durable, Low Maintenance Products

Investing in high quality equipment pays off over time. GameTime’s proven durability, premium finishes, and industry leading warranties reduce long term maintenance and replacement costs. Prioritizing quality upfront ensures your playground continues to service the community for years with minimal upkeep.

7. Partner With a Trusted Playground Expert

Working with an experienced team like Cunningham Recreation ensures your project is designed efficiently, priced accurately, and delivered with long term value in mind. Our consultants provide complimentary site evaluations, 3D renderings, budget planning, and turnkey installation services tailored to your goals and budget.

Let’s Build More Value Into your Playground Project

Maximizing your budget doesn’t mean compromising your vision. With the right planning, smart product choices, and expert guidance, your playground can deliver outstanding value and meaningful impact for your community. Ready to get started? Contact us today!