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Many questions may crop up in connection with the establishment of a playground: How do we design a playground for many children? Is the playground inclusive? And what about safety? We have all the answers, so you can get a step closer towards realising your playground. If you need further advice and guidance, our qualified dealers are always ready to help.
Which playground should we go for?
Which play equipment is usually used for public areas?
How do we ensure that the playground is inclusive?
What have others done?
There are many different types of playgrounds, and just as many playground manufacturers. Therefore, it may help to ask yourselves some general questions to find out which playground is right for you:
The size of the playground and its activities depend on how many children will be using it. If the playground is too small and has too few activities in relation to the number of children, this can lead to unnecessary conflicts. Therefore, it is important to know whether the playground should be able to cater for 10 children at a time – or 70.
It is important that the playground is tailored to the relevant age group(s) so that the play equipment supports and creates value exactly for these children. To accommodate a wide age group, you can combine different pieces of play equipment or choose play systems with several play zones. If you want to know more about how to best arrange a playground, read more on our page playground design.
When, as a housing or homeowners’ association, you invest in a playground, it is important to consider the durability of the materials. Do you want a playground that stays looking good and safe for 15-20 years without having to spend money on maintenance? If so, we recommend low-maintenance materials rather than natural materials such as wood, where rot and cracks can quickly form and pose a safety risk. Using low-maintenance materials guarantees that the playground will be safe for children for years to come. You can also read more about the requirements for playground safety.
The choice of materials also has a bearing on how environmentally friendly the playground is. Among other things, it is important to find out whether impregnated wood is used, whether the materials contain toxic substances, and whether the materials break down naturally or can be recycled. For example, we use the durable material polyethylene, which is 100% recyclable and therefore helps to reduce resource waste while giving old playgrounds a new lease of life.Read more: Quality materials
It is important to stress from the outset that safety surfaces are mandatory at public playgrounds in order for European safety requirements to be met. There are many different types of safety surface, all with different pros and cons. Some of the most popular types are, for example, poured-in-place rubber, rubber tiles, sand and gravel. Moreover, some play equipment is certified for installing on grass. Depending on the area, budget and specific needs, one safety surface might be a much more obvious solution compared to another. We have prepared a detailed guide about safety surfaces if you would like to know more about the various options.
Even though public playgrounds can look very different depending on their location, certain pieces of play equipment tend to be equally popular for playgrounds in green parks or among tall buildings. For example, municipalities like to fit out their playgrounds with swings and play systems, as they can be used by a wide age group. Another advantage is that several children can play at the same time and engage in cooperative activities. This is also why seesaws are popular, as they encourage small groups of children to play together.
In addition, municipalities often choose park furniture for their playgrounds. Tables and benches provide a base for adults while the children are playing, and they can also be used for eating packed lunches. Therefore, it is a good idea to also choose park furniture for a public playground.
An inclusive playground is a place for children with and without disabilities to play together. Not all children need to be able to play with all the activities, just as long as every child can play with some activities and engage in cooperative play with the other children.
If you want an inclusive playground, there are two things in particular that you need to consider: the design of the playground and accessibility. It is important that walking-impaired children and wheelchair users can access the play equipment, and the safety surface is therefore an important factor. Rubber tiles or poured-in-place rubber are the best solutions to ensure that everyone can join in. These safety surfaces can also be used to divide the playground into colourful zones, which can help children with cognitive disabilities.
Play panels, playhouses and sandboxes, which all sit close to the ground, are good choices when designing an inclusive playground. A number of swings, carousels and seesaws are also specially designed to give everyone an exciting ride with lots of thrills. Read more on our page about inclusive play equipment and see selected pieces of play equipment.
In our view, seeing what others have done and hearing about their process can be helpful. Hopefully, the various reference projects we have highlighted can give you the inspiration you need to design your own dream playground. If you would like to see the full overview of our projects, take a look at our reference page.
Go to reference
Do you need advice on playground layout, or do you have any questions about our products? Our knowledgeable dealers are always ready to assist.
