Is there a park in your community that would be the perfect location for a new playground? Building a playground can be an exciting project, but for those who have never been through the process, it can also be a bit overwhelming. In this blog post, we’ll break down the essential steps to help you bring your dream playground to life.
Step 1: Build Your Playground Team
The first step in getting a playground built is to ensure that there’s strong support from your community. Start by gauging interest—do your neighbors agree that a new playground would be a valuable addition? Organize a meeting with community members or start a discussion on a local message board. If there’s enough enthusiasm, it’s time to create a dedicated playground team.
Building a playground involves a lot of planning, fundraising, and navigating the application process for grants and permits. A well-organized team can help streamline these efforts and ensure that the project progresses smoothly. By rallying the support of your neighbors, you’ll create a strong foundation for your playground project.
Step 2: Start Designing Your Dream Playground
Once you have a team in place, it’s time to start designing your playground. Playground manufacturers typically partner with distributors who can assist with the planning and construction phases. Companies like fun abounds specialize in helping communities turn their playground visions into reality.
Working with an experienced distributor offers numerous benefits. Not only can they help you design the perfect play area, but they can also guide you through the construction process. These professionals have been through the process countless times and can assist with budgeting, permits, insurance, and long-term maintenance. By partnering with experts, you can ensure that your playground project is in capable hands.
Step 3: Secure Funding for Your Playground
Funding is one of the most critical aspects of building a playground. Community playgrounds are typically funded through a combination of fundraising efforts and grants.
Fundraising can take many forms, from car washes and bake sales to silent auctions and community events. A great example comes from a New York community that raised $130,000 for a waterfront playground and park overhaul. They achieved this by hosting an annual fundraising cocktail party, charging $80 per person, and securing a donated venue for the event.
Another effective fundraising tool is Burke’s Funds for Fun program, which allows individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to contribute to playground projects one donation at a time. This program simplifies the process and makes it easier for communities to gather the necessary funds.
In addition to fundraising, grants are a valuable source of funding for playgrounds. There are several grant opportunities available, such as the AAD Shade Structure Grant Program, which awards grants of up to $8,000 to public schools and non-profit organizations for installing permanent shade structures. This can be especially beneficial for playgrounds in sunny areas that require protection from the sun.
Step 4: Plan, Build, and Enjoy Your New Playground
Once you’ve secured the necessary funding, it’s time to bring your playground to life. Work with your distributor to finalize the design and begin the construction process. This stage will involve obtaining permits, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and coordinating with construction teams.
When construction is complete, your community will have a brand-new playground to enjoy. Not only will it provide a safe and fun space for children, but it will also serve as a gathering place for families and neighbors, strengthening community bonds.
Need Help Planning Your Playground?
For over a decade, fun abounds has been helping communities achieve their dream play spaces. We offer a wide selection of commercial playground equipment, outdoor gym equipment, and aquatic play features from the most trusted brands in the industry. To complete your play area, we also provide safety surfacing, shade structures, picnic tables, benches, and more.
Ready to start your playground project? Contact fun abounds today to discuss your vision and see how we can help you bring it to life.
