Planning the perfect school or community playground can be a fun and relatively easy task when you have the right tools and an experienced playground contractor to partner with. You can let your imagination soar about what all you would like to include in your new play space. However, there are a few things every playground should include.
Shade
Texas. Is. Hot. Shade structures can be a huge asset in protecting children from excessive sun exposure during the extended Texas summers. These shade structures can be a built-in part of the play structure or a free-standing shade structure that covers the entire playground. Not only will they extend the time that children can spend outdoors playing, but also help to protect the playground from the elements. Playgrounds under shade structures stay looking new longer than those exposed to the sun.
Surfacing
Playground surfacing is something that can often be overlooked when designing a playground. However, the availability of different surfacing materials, colors, and patterns allows you to be really creative and pull the whole look together. With great options like wood for a cost effective, natural feel, or recycled rubber surfacing that comes in a variety of fun colors and patterns, the possibilities are endless. Also keep in mind, the various surfacing materials require different depths to be compliant with safety standards, so make sure to check with a knowledgeable playground contractor.
Rest Areas
Rest areas such as picnic tables and benches may not be the most exciting part of the playground but they are important. They give children areas to rest and parent’s places to sit and watch their children play.
Amenities
Amenities such as trash receptacles are another part of the play area that can often be overlooked. Properly placed, playground trash cans and recycling containers enhance the beauty of your setting by providing visitors a way to dispose of trash. You can choose a color and material that will match your setting or theme.
Safety
Last but definitely not least, before kids jump on that playground equipment, here are few things the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CPSC) recommends.
- Look out for tripping hazards.
- Make sure elevated surfaces, like ramps, have guardrails to prevent falls.
- Check that protective surfacing extends at least 6 feet in all directions from play equipment.
- Make sure play structures more than 30 inches high are spaced at least 9 feet apart.
Ready To Plan Your Next Playground?
For the past decade, fun abounds has been helping individuals and communities achieve their dream play spaces. We offer a wide selection of commercial playground equipment and aquatic play features from the most trusted product lines in the industry. We also carry other site amenities to complete your play area including safety surfacing, shade structures, picnic tables, benches, and more. Call 855-ABOUNDS to discuss your playground project today.
