While there’s no shortage of fun outdoor activities for all ages in Colorado and Wyoming, many families take the simple route and head for the closest playground instead. Kids can burn off just as much energy there, and won’t ask “Are we there yet?” every five minutes.
Playgrounds offer plenty of benefits beside convenience. They provide children with a safe place for physical activity and social interaction, promote cognitive development, and serve as a social hub, bringing families and neighbors together and promoting a sense of community pride.
Sure, you’ll need commercial playground equipment that appeals to a wide range. But swings and slides only represent part of the equation. Incorporating other elements into your commercial playground design will help you create a fun and community-oriented space that helps improve the overall quality of life.
Basic Factors in Commercial Playground Design
Commercial playground design requires input from a wide variety of people. You’ll need to work with designers, landscape architects, and safety consultants, among others.
It’s important to get feedback from children and families, as well. Ask them what they would like to see in a playground and use this information as a blueprint to get started.
Basic factors to consider include:
- Safety. Safety is the most important factor to consider when designing a playground. All commercial playground equipment should comply with safety standards and guidelines, such as ASTM F1487 and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) regulations. Don’t overlook proper surfacing; choose impact-absorbing surfaces like rubber tiles, engineered wood fiber, or rubber mulch to cushion falls and reduce the risk of injuries.
- Accessibility. Commercial playground design should focus on accommodating children of all abilities. You can ensure inclusivity by incorporating features like pathways, ramps, sensory-rich play elements, and ADA-compliant equipment such as swings with supportive seats.
- Target age range. Your playground should be designed for the specific age range of the children who will be using it. If you expect a wide range of users, you may want to segment the playground into zones for different age groups (e.g., toddlers, preschool, school-age) to help ensure the playground is safe and challenging for all users.
- Location. Take into account the desired size of your playground, as well as any future expansion plans, when determining a suitable location. Evaluate the environmental impact of your proposed site, and consider amenities like shaded areas, comfortable seating, water fountains, trash cans, and access to restrooms.
- Budget. The cost of your playground depends on its size, materials, and features. Set a budget before starting the design process so you’ll know exactly how much money you have to work with, and can make adjustments as construction proceeds.
Choosing the Right Commercial Playground Equipment
Naturally, commercial playground equipment will be the centerpiece of your space. Kids aren’t going to choose to play there because there’s a place for them to throw away their empty juice boxes (though mom and dad might)!
Most importantly, you’ll want to select a variety of play structures that cater to different age groups and abilities. In addition to time-honored standbys like slides, swings, and climbing structures, include elements such as interactive play panels and outdoor musical equipment.
Themed playgrounds are a popular trend in Colorado and Wyoming commercial playground design. You can choose commercial playground equipment to create fun and whimsical themes that spark the imagination and encourage play. Animals, nature, space, castles, pirates, and dinosaurs are all the rage these days.
Looking for additional inspiration in your commercial playground design? The A to Z Recreation team can help! Our president, Brandon Smith, earned a degree in Industrial Design and spent much of his career as a playground designer before founding the company. Brandon’s background, and the experience of our sales representatives, ensures we’ll pay close attention to detail when designing playgrounds for communities throughout Colorado and Wyoming. Contact us today to get started!