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!
