Fall is perhaps the best season for using playground equipment, when picnic areas are not overheated by grills and children can play for hours without overexerting. However, as the weather cools and the days become shorter it’s tempting to spend more time indoors. On the other hand, less intense heat means that it is possible to spend more time outside with less risk from sun exposure.
Fall is a great time for using playground equipment…as long as you do these few things:
It is simple to make playground equipment or park space more inviting during the fall months. General maintenance will be more intense as the leaves fall and clean up will become a more regular occurrence. While keeping your site free of debris certainly improves the aesthetic appeal of your site, keeping your space clean can also prevent injuries. Leaves can hide obstructions in the ground, like divots, rubbish or branches, and cause people to trip. Leaves also trap moisture and as they decompose, become slick causing people to slip and fall.
You will also want to monitor your playground equipment site to be sure that no areas are retaining water. Small puddles, a natural result of weathering and traffic, can form over time. As the weather becomes cooler, these damp patches can become frozen over and become slick. Filling in any depressions and generally evening out your surface will help keep your playground or park space safe and enjoyable for years to come. Remember it’s much easier to keep up with these tasks than it is to play catch up.
Most importantly be sure to take time to enjoy the space yourself. Whether at a school, park or church, outdoor spaces should be enjoyed by all members of the community. Spending time in the space yourself will help you identify areas of need and stay on top of general playground equipment maintenance.
A playground timeline includes everything from planning and installing. To better understand how much time the entire process takes we have review our outline of the basic phases of playground planning and installation. We discuss how long each phase typically takes, as well as the various factors that may influence your project timeline.
Playground Timeline Phases
Phase 1 – Design
The entire process begins with a detailed conversation. Your playground specialist ask you for details on your playground location, how many children will use it, and what you have budgeted. Also, know what types of activities are important to you. Suggest potential components for structure based on the ages and developmental abilities of the children who will use your facility. They will also ask you to provide measurements of your space as well as photographs.
All of this information is relayed to a playground designer who creates renderings depicting your proposed playground. Your playground specialist will review the design with you and relay any changes you require back to your designer. During this phase you will also review color options and customized signage. Once your plans are perfect, your finalized playground design is sent to you for review and authorization.
There is about a week of related planning that’s needed before placing your order. Your project manager will work with you to map out utilities, confirm color selections and iron out a firm timeline. Typically this entire process takes about 7 to 10 days.
Your city or state may require special permitting before your playground can be installed. Generally, your project manager requests that permits placing the order. They will help guide you through the process. Obtaining permits can add about 4 weeks to your project timeline.
2 – Delivery
It takes approximately 6 weeks manufacture and deliver a custom structure to your site. Customers in a time crunch can work with their playground specialist to choose an in stock, pre-designed playground. Or design a playground comprised of stock parts to reduce the delivery time if necessary.
Any reserved orders are typically held for up to 60 days. Anything longer than that and your freight costs may change or you may be charged a warehouse fee. Many locations choose to simply have the equipment delivered and stored at their facility until they are ready for installation.
Phase 3 – Installation
Your project manager establishes the installation timeline before placing your order. You should have a good idea of how long your individual playground will take to install. Most playgrounds can be substantially complete within one week of groundbreaking. Substantial completion means that your playground will be ready for use. However, it may require small cosmetic repairs before being considered finished.
As with any construction project, playground installations are subject to weather and occasionally equipment related delays. If you plan to host a grand opening or need to have the playground available by a certain date, you may want to give yourself a few extra days past the estimated completion date.
Phase 4 – Playground Timeline Future Factors
Weather can certainly impact your installation. During the summer months there is a rush for equipment manufacturing and installation We recommend ordering equipment for summer installations no later than April to assure that your project can be completed on time. During the winter installers aren’t as busy and you may find some really good deals on equipment. However, if you live in a colder climate, your equipment will need to be anchored below the freeze/thaw line.
Equipment installation during the winter months is installed deeper than normal to prevent the footings from loosening as the water evaporates from the ground. This can add a little extra time to bigger installations and may slightly increase the price.
Once your playground installation is complete, you’ll meet a staff member at the site for a final look. Together you will go over the playground and review any concerns that you may have. Noticeable damage of equipment or any installation issues are corrected at that time if possible. On the off chance something needs to be replaced, your issue will be documented and you will be contacted by your project manager to schedule the fix. This typically occurs within one week. In total, most playgrounds are complete in just 8 weeks.
Contact BYO Playground 800-853-5316 for more information about your playground timeline!
Shade structures are often an overlooked commodity in public spaces. As the summer sun beats down, temperatures are soaring throughout the US. At the BYO office in St. Augustine Florida, it is in the high 90s today and in parts of the country temperatures are well into the low 100s. During heat like this, most people avoid spending any significant amount outside if they can. With summer temperatures frequently above 90°F, it can be difficult to enjoy outdoor activities without overheating or burning. Adding reliable shade to public spaces greatly increase the amount of time people can comfortably spend outdoors. We have all the facts you need to determine if a shade structure is right for you.
Commercial Shade Structures Q&A
How effective your shade structures?
Shades block up to 97% of UV rays and lower the temperature of shaded areas up to 30°F.
I already have a playground, can I still install a shade?
Absolutely! Shades can be installed for most structures over almost any surface. Thanks to their versatile designs, shades can frequently be installed in small spaces.
Aren’t shade structures just large umbrellas?
Shade structures work the same way umbrellas, tents and bandstands do but on a much large scale with greater results. Out shades are specifically designed for extended outdoor use and made to provide the most heat relief and the greatest possible UV protection.
Are sail shades less effective than canopy style shades?
Surprisingly, sail shades can be just as effective at providing relief from intense sun and heat as full-sized shades. Designers look at the layout of your facility and orientate the shade’s placement and pitch to provide the most protection during peek sun hours. In some instances sail shade are not only the most attractive option but can be targeted to block the most intense sun.
If we will be under the shade do we still have to use sunscreen?
It is necessary to apply sunscreen every time you or children in your care go outside and to reapply it at least every two hours. Combining sunscreen, shade and protective clothing is the best way to prevent sun-related skin damage.
Why aren’t they waterproof?
The fabrics used in our shades are designed to primarily provide UV protection and reduce temperatures, not to act as a roof. Our shade fabrics feature a specially designed, breathable weave that allows hot air to flow freely from the top of the structure, greatly reducing temperatures. Despite the open weaving, the fabric still up to 80% water repellent.
Where can I use a shade?
Shades can be placed virtually anywhere and are great wherever you expect people to gather outside. The most common places we install shades are: Playgrounds, outdoor seating/dining areas, over bleachers, dugouts, band stands and near public pools.
How durable are they?
Our fabric is designed to withstand wind gusts up to 90 miles per hour, are resistant to mildew and rot and feature a special Lockstitch technique to prevent fraying and unraveling.
We occasionally experience severe storms? How do we protect our shade?
Whether your area experiences severe wind from storms and hurricanes or gets heavy snowfall, you can still have a shade. All shades can be removed and we offer an optional, quick release feature that enables you to quickly and easily remove and reattach the shade. Many customers choose to remove their shades during the winter and re-install them during the warmer summer months.
How hot is too hot?
Generally, temperatures between 30°F and 80°F are considered comfortable with appropriate attire. Temperatures over 80°F are uncomfortable and caution should be used during temperatures over 90°F. Understanding what temperatures pose a risk to health can help you decide if a sunshade will add extra value to your site.
Do you have your own questions about Shade Structures?
Contact an agent and get detailed answers about adding a shade structures to your space.
Playground surfacing is often the last thing people consider when clients describe their playground concept; in fact, many customers have not considered playground surfacing at all. However, choosing a surfacing is one of the most important decisions you will make during the planning and design process. There are two basic types of surfacing: loose fill and unitary surfacing. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding how they installation and what sort of maintenance they require are fundamental to making an informed purchase.
Playground Surfacing Basics
All playground surfacing is designed to provide a stable play surface and prevent injury by absorbing impact from falls. The ability of a surfacing to absorb force is called impact attenuation. There are tests designed to measure impact attenuation of surfacing and as certain types of surfaces age. They may need to replacing after years of use and exposure to weather. The higher children can climb on equipment, the more shock absorbing the surfacing surrounding it must be. For this reason there may be several different depths of surfacing throughout a given playground.
Loose Fill Surfacing
Loose fill playground surfacing absorbs impacts like packaging peanuts and requires some excavation beneath the playground to create an adequate depth to absorb impact. Redistribute loose fill surfacing from time to time as it scatters away from equipment when children play. Replenished natural products yearly to compensate for natural degrading.
Engineered Wood Fiber
Engineered wood fiber surfacing.
Unlike landscaping mulch, engineered wood fiber (EWF) mulch is made from natural wood. However, it’s not the same as mulch you use to prevent weeds in your home garden. EWF must meet certain size standards and is subject to a special milling process. This process causes the fibers interlock to form a relatively firm and smooth surface after use. Unlike garden mulch EWF isn’t treated with anything that may be harmful to children and will only experience minimal splintering.
Rubber Mulch
Blue rubber mulch playground surfacing.
Rubber mulch works much like EWF but is more durable. Unlike earlier incarnations of this product, rubber mulch now features a coating to prevent color transfer and is free from wires and metal remnants. Overall, rubber mulch works much like its wood counterpart; individual pieces lock together and form a stable walking surface. Unlike EWF, which naturally degrades over time, rubber mulch will last almost indefinitely. Moreover, it should stay in the playground area thanks to its design which prevents it from floating or blowing away.
All loose fill playground surfacing is mobile in nature and must be contained into your play area using existing barriers, such as sidewalks or specially installed playground borders. Over time, even well protected loose fill options may wash away and need to be replenished.
Helpful Hint: Manufacturers place stickers indicating the minimum fill depth of loose fill surfacing onto playground equipment. Playground borders often have a fill to line stamped onto the inside rim. If you can see the fill to line, you don’t have enough surfacing due to compaction, decomposition or washing away.
BYO does not recommend, sell or install pea gravel, wood bark or sand as a playground surface. These surfaces do not provide adequate shock absorption or protection from falls. Additionally, sand is not ADA compliant, regardless of the equipment installed there.
Unitary Surfacing
Unitary playground surfacing comes in three basic styles, rubber tiles, playground turf and poured in place surfacing. These surfacing options have the highest upfront cost but are more durable, have lower freight costs and higher impact absorbency. Whereas loose fill surfacing is out of the way in impact zones, like the bottom of slides and directly beneath swings, unitary surfacing slowly wears in these areas and may very rarely require patching or replacement. The regular use of impact mats in these areas will virtually eliminate this problem. After several years of use it may be advisable to have an impact absorption test on your playground by a certified playground safety inspector.
Rubber Tiles
Interlocking rubber tile surfacing.
The use of Rubber tiles have changed a lot since their introduction. Contemporary tiles lock together to form a smooth surface over top yet more rubber impact surfaces. Thanks to new technology, today’s tiles don’t bend or split like earlier editions and are extremely durable. Like other rubber products, tiles come in a variety of colors that form a combination of fun patterns. If you plan to move your playground at a later date or relocate facilities entirely, rubber tiles are a wonderful option. You can easily install, remove, and relocated rubber tiles without compromising safety.
Poured-In-Place
Custom poured-in-place surfacing.
Poured- in-place surfacing is poured and troweled into place in a process similar to laying concrete. Poured-in-place surfacing is available in virtually any design or pattern you can imagine. Customizations adds play value through creative, imaginative patterns or built in hopscotch or 4 square courts. It also has the highest impact absorbency and is simple to repair should it become damaged.
Playground Turf
Artificial turf surfacing.
Playground turf, is probably the most unique and most attractive surfacing option on the market today. Turf handles impacts every bit as well as poured in place at a comparable cost per square foot. It’s also lighter in weight than any other option, greatly reducing shipping costs. Additionally, repairs are simple should it be damaged by misuse or vandalism. There are several versions of turf on the market for use in playgrounds and many are antibacterial and antimicrobial.
Compare Your Options for Playground Surfacing
Determining which type of surfacing is best for your playground is a very personal decision. Due to their mobile nature, loose fill surfaces, despite their relatively low upfront cost, will have to be ‘topped off’ periodically. Over the years the maintenance cost of loose fill surfaces, as well as the commitment to regularly redistribute mulch is an important factor that eliminates this option for many locations.
Unitary surfacing may be the only option when installing a playground at an indoor facility or over an existing concrete or asphalt pad. Although the installation and material costs may be higher at first, the yearly maintenance costs are relatively nonexistent unless the playground is subject to vandalism or some sort of extraordinary circumstance.
The shipping cost of unitary surfacing is also more fixed in general whereas EWF in particular may be impacted by local ordinances and the greater weight of loose fill surfacing may raise costs even higher than unitary surfacing if your location is a considerable distance from a supplier. It is often best to consider several types of surfacing fitted to your location and playground before making a decision.
Dog parks are becoming more and more popular in communities. In fact, according to the ASPCA, there are between 70 and 80 million dogs in the United States. Experts believe that common behaviors, like barking, have evolved in order to communicate with their human owners. With an estimated 33,000 years of cohabitation, it is no wonder that many dog owners think about their pets when choosing where to live, vacation and play. Dog parks are the fastest growing type of outdoor play equipment. Likewise, more new dog parks being established in urban areas than any other type of park.
Adding a dog park is a great way to bring members of your community together and increase socialization. Dog parks can even improve security in your community by encouraging neighbors to get to know one another. The good news is that dog parks are less expensive to set up and maintain than you would expect. Specialty equipment is simpler to install and generally subject to fewer restrictions than equipment for children and adults.
Selecting a Dog Park Space
You will want to choose a large, well drained space; dog parks are generally at least a quarter acre in size. The area will need to be fenced in to allow off leash play and close attention should be paid to the lay of ground. Smoother fields will be the simplest to layout, the easiest to fence and require little to no earth moving before installation. Larger parks may benefit from a variety of terrain as long as there are no dangerous elevations or pits. These obstacles could might injure an adventurous dog or owner.
Keeping pets in the park should be a top priority and given careful consideration. Fencing should be at least 4 feet high but some breeds may be able to jump fences up to 6 feet. Providing double gated entries are a simple precaution to help prevent lost pets. Visitors enter through the first gate, latch it and unleash their pet before opening the second gate. This prevents pets from rushing through the gate as it opens.
Basic Dog Park Amenities
The best way to ensure your park space stays orderly and clean is to have clearly posted rules to assist visitors. Just like a humans only park, your dog park should have regularly placed trash cans to help prevent littering. To prevent a buildup of pet waste in your park, include pet waste stations throughout your park. Pet waste stations are very effective at encouraging owners to pick up waste. In fact, many communities are adding them to other pet friendly public spaces like jogging paths and barbecue spaces.
All dog parks should be designed to be ‘off leash’ play spaces but many pet owners don’t realize that leaving a pet leashed around other pets can quickly spell disaster. Prevent accidents by clearly postings signs that remind owners that all pets must be off leash in the dog park space. Providing leash holders by the entrance is a simple way to reinforce the rules while offering guests a convenient place to store leashes up off the ground. Hydration is important to both people and pets. Water fountains with spigots for both people and dogs built into the design are becoming increasingly popular in all park spaces. Many dog parks also include amenities like park benches and shades that encourage human guests to stay longer.
Bonding With Your Canine Through Play
Devoted dog owners may be looking for a better way to bond with their pets and encourage exercise. Adding an obstacle course to your dog park is a great way to encourage pets and their owners to engage in a healthy lifestyle while bonding through training.Dog park equipment does not require special surfacing and is generally simple to install. A wide range of specialty equipment is available to provide engaging exercise for all breeds. If your park will be welcoming dogs in a wide range of sizes, select adjustable equipment that allows the pet owner to select the appropriate level of difficulty.
If you choose to set aside an area of your dog park for small dogs and puppies or are installing equipment in a community that only allows smaller dogs you may wish to select specialized equipment designed exclusively for small and toy breeds. You may also choose to place obstacles closer together than you would in a park that allows dogs of all sizes. Be sure to only use equipment that has been specifically designed by use for dogs and not to use any human playground equipment.
The Bark Park line has been designed to be safe for use around people and pets and features canine coat thermoplastic coating which is designed for outdoor use in all weather and is both slip and urine resistant. BYO Recreation sells and installs Bark Park dog park equipment because we care about the comfort and safety of pets and their owners.
Planning on purchasing a commercial swing set for your playground? It’s important to understand how to maintain them. We’ve compiled a guide to help you understand what goes into a swing set and how to maintain yours. Remember that nothing replaces your own common sense. Should you ever believe that something is wrong with any playground equipment contact a professional for assistance.
Basic Anatomy of a Swing Set
Swing sets com in a variety of styles but many components are universal. Understanding the basic components will help you maintain your swing set more efficiently.
Chains
Next, chains are typically made of galvanized steel and coated in plastisol, providing a softer gripping surface and preventing pinching. Always replace any chains showing signs of excessive wear, twisting or pinching
Hangers
Hangers are the component that attach the chain to the beam. These vary depending on the style of your swing. Inspect hangers yearly to ensure they are tightly attached and replace if they appear corroded or worn thin.
Pendulum
Pendulums and other moving parts are susceptible to wear more than any other part of swing sets. Inspect them closely and replace if any portion has worn thin or if the part stops moving smoothly.
Connectors
A variety of connectors on commercial swing sets are attach the frame and swing together. Inspect these annually, tightening any loose bolts and closing any S Hooks that have become bent out of shape.
Swing Set Seats
An example of an accessible swing set seat.
The most common swing seats are belt seats, which are a wide strip of galvanized metal coated in plasticine. Bucket seats are another popular option that provides basic support for young children, both are available in a variety of colors. There are also adaptive swing seats designs for people who can not support their torso, head and neck in a traditional seat.
Additionally, always replace seats when they show signs of cracking, swelling, peeling or extreme discoloration. Also closely check the metal fitting that connect the swing to the chain and any safety straps should be in working order, replace if torn.
Swing Set Use Zone
Finally, the playground use zone around each item is determined and reflected in the final installed playground. Place nothing in the use zone of your swing set, including obvious paths of traffic, trash cans, over grown tree branches or bike racks. Moreover, never install anything on your playground without establishing the complete use zone for all of your equipment. More importantly, no playground is complete without a proper swing set!
Dehydration is a leading cause of emergency room visits during the summer months. Whether you are constructing a park or improving your community’s public spaces, plan to prioritize heat relief.
Dehydration Causes & Prevention
Water plays a huge role in the body’s normal internal functions. Water carries heat away from internal organs and cools the surface of the body through sweat. Improper hydration can lead to heat stroke and even death. The very young and the very old are the most susceptible to heat related illnesses. However, anyone can become seriously dehydrated in a short time during the hot summer months.
As the heat index climbs it’s important for everyone to drink plenty of fluids. After accounting for fluid-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, Harvard experts recommend 4 to 6 cups per day.
Of course, you can’t control how well your guests prepare to for their day outdoors. But you can provide them with plenty of healthy options during their visit. The choice you make will ultimately determine how comfortable and safe your playground or park space will be.
Provide Your Own Water Source
Many municipalities have laws regarding the placement of water fountains. You’ll want to consult your state and local laws before beginning any major changes. Whether or not you are required to place them in your outdoor space, you should consider offering frequent water stations. If your space is pet friendly, including combination pet and people fountains will ensure that all your guests have access to clean water.
Shade Your Playground Equipment!
Excessive sweating and overheating combine to cause heat sickness. A great way to prevent illnesses related to overexposure is to provide plenty of shade. If you are planning to turn a wooded space into a park or playground you can simply plan your site clearing to preserve healthy trees. Shade structures are another excellent way to incorporate shade into outdoor spaces. Proper shade can lower outdoor temperatures up to 30 degrees.
Strategically placing shade, along with water fountains, is a great way to encourage people to stay longer and return to your facility more frequently.
Adding site amenities to your picnic area is a great way to encourage active, healthy lifestyles in your community. Adding a park is simple since most equipment is easy to install, relatively low cost, and requires little special preparation. There are almost endless options for park spaces so creating a solid concept and prioritizing the items you need to make that vision become reality is the key to being successful.
Site Amenities Basics
When you plan a picnic space, you may be overwhelmed by the variety of site amenities to choose from. You can choose from metal, aluminum and even concrete park furniture, each with its own distinct advantages.
Picnic Tables
Metal tables are powder coated, relatively lightweight and, thanks to the perforated bench and table tops, stay cleaner than other options. The powder coating keeps them cooler as well, which is nice. Concrete tables are the go to option for parks and campgrounds that have out of the way picnic spaces because they are the most difficult to move and extra resistant to vandalism. Aluminum tables are the lightest in weight so they are the obvious choice if you plan to move your picnic furniture around frequently.
Park Grills
Once you have selected your basics, you’ll want to add amenities that encourage families to enjoy your park space. Select a mounted, pedestal, heavy duty grill that has removable grates. Commercial outdoor grills come in rotating, dual-grate, campfire rings, and more!
Pet Waste Stations
One of the most important things you can do to keep your park space clean is to include plenty of waste disposal stations. Placing trash cans within easy reach of seating and cooking areas encourages guests to dispose of waste properly rather than on the ground. If your space is pet friendly, you may want to throw in a few pet waste stations as well.
Learn More About Site Amenities
Looking for something grander in your park space? Imagination really is the limit; you can add bandstands, gazebos and even decorative pathways. Reach out to learn what site amenities are right for your space!
Playground planning should be a fun, creative exercise and if you’re working with a professional designer who is certified in playground safety, you can leave the worrying to them and focus on your vision. Whether you’re planning a simple play space for use by a few children or a gigantic mega structure that can entertain dozens of children, we have three tips to help you get started on the right foot.
Playground Planning Basics
Before any major playground planning can begin, it’s important to know who you’re building your playground or outdoor space for. We’ll cover the basic aspects of your project that need to be established.
Age & Capacity
Playgrounds fall into two main safety categories 2 to 5 and 5 to 12. Both have different safety rules and each group has different developmental needs. Always build for your age group as much as possible to avoid installing equipment that is unsafe or underused.
You should also consider the size of your community and estimate the number of children using the playground at one time. Your professional designer can help you decide how big your structure (or structures) should be, how many bays of swings to install and help you stretch your budget to get the right sized playground.
Prioritize
Regardless of the size of your budget, it’s easy to overspend. As nice as it is to have everything, it’s important to approach the creative process with an idea of what you need. Starting out with a clear list of must haves as well as features you’d really like is a great way to make sure you are satisfied with the end results. Being upfront about your priorities can also help your designer guide your planning. If shade is a must have on your playground, your designer can help you figure out how much you need and the most affordable way to incorporate it.
Free & Low Cost Playground Planning Features
Playground structures are available in a variety of colors, most at no additional cost. Color choice should be as important for your playground as it is for your business or home décor. Even the smallest playgrounds can benefit from the right pallet. Get creative, a brown and red structure over red surfacing can create the impression of a mountain volcano and bright greens over blue feel like a tropical island.
Finding the right age appropriate playground structure can be a challenge depending on what kind of organization you have. Maybe you’re a park who needs to serve a variety of age groups. Or a preschool how needs to serve a toddlers. We are frequently asked why our playgrounds are separated by age and what these separations mean exactly. Finally, here’s everything you need to know about how we determine how to separate playgrounds by age.
Age Appropriate Playground Shopping Tips
When shopping for age-appropriate playground equipment it’s likely that you’ve noticed that manufactures all use the same age ranges. These age ranges divide up play structures, but many people are unsure of why or how. The simple answer is that reputable manufacturers are careful to follow the playground safety guidelines set forth by the U.S. CPSC. These guidelines divide playgrounds into three age appropriate groups: infant to 2 years, 2 years to 5 years, and 5 years to 12 years.
These aren’t just arbitrary age divisions. Playground age ranges are based on the physical abilities and average sizes of children in each group. As children age, they are driven to build specific physical skill sets. Because of this drive, equipment that was fascinating at 2 loses some of its appeal by age 5.
You may have noticed that some structures on our site are labeled 2-12. Typically these structures exemplify the most challenging equipment available within the 2-5 year age range. You won’t find any overhead climbers or challenging upper body activities because they’re just not appropriate for children under 5. The BYO design team always does their best to make equipment as engaging as possible within safety standards. In many instances, these playground are a good compromise. However, they may be a little high for timid younger children and a little tame for rambunctious older children.
Creating a Community Playground
In some ways, schools have it easy, they know the exact age range and to an extent, abilities, of the children using their play equipment. Municipalities, HOAs and churches need play equipment that fits a much wider age range. Luckily, there are many options available to help create a playground that fits each child and every space.
The Two Structure Solution
Frequently, space is the number one obstacle for prospective playground owners. In those rare instances when a playground can be located in a large open space there are several options for creating a playground that suits all ages.
The simplest age appropriate solution is to create two separate structures, each dedicated to an age range. Aside from allowing the greatest creative freedom, this option also channels children into different areas of the playground based on ability. This reduces the risk that a large child will knock down, trample or be tripped by a slower toddler. Optimally, these independent play structures would be separated by a few independent play items to create a buffer between sizes.
One Age Appropriate Structure Solution
If space or budget demands that your age appropriate playground only have one structure, it’s best to choose a structure that meets the safety requirements of the 2 to 5 age range and incorporates a low slide as well as a higher slide. The overall playground can be dressed up with more challenging independent play items, such as monkey bars or rock walls to create a physically challenging and stimulating environment for all children.
Fun for All
Some play items never get old. Here are our favorite independent play items that appeal to all ages.
Animal Shaped Climbers – Maybe it’s the thrill of riding a dinosaur or pretending to slay a dragon but thanks to their imaginative designs and relatively low profiles, these are our number one pick!
Tire Swings– Okay, regular swings are amazing but tire swings are just, the best. While infants can’t ride on tire swings, any child old enough to hold will feel a little more secure. You can even swing with your friends! Because they move in 360 degrees and are accessible to most children, tire swings are king!
Spinners– There are a few different versions of the spinner but they’re all pretty amazing. Because spinners come in so many sizes and styles pretty much any playground can find room for one or two.
