Every great playground starts with a blank space and a big idea. What happens between those two points may sound complicated, but we’ve done it enough times to make it simple. The AtoZ Recreation team has helped communities all over Colorado and Wyoming put their playground plans into place, so we’ve created this commercial playground installation guide to show you how it works and what to expect along the way.
The Pre-Installation Planning Stage
Long before the first piece of equipment is unwrapped, there’s the prep work. The site will need to get evaluated for things grading and drainage so the ground can support decades of play. There are permits and approvals that come into play of course; every community has its own rules, but it’s best to get those squared away early. This is also the stage where you finalize the design and actually order the playground equipment.
Site Preparation
As the planning comes to a finish, the physical aspect of the commercial playground installation is ready to begin. Crews clear and level the land, ensuring there’s a safe and even space to build on. Utilities are checked so no one accidentally digs into pipes or wiring. Depending on the design, there may also be borders, drainage, or concrete footings installed. It’s the “dirty work,” but it’s imperative for a strong playground that lasts.
Equipment Delivery & Assembly
The most exciting day is when the playground equipment finally arrives. Trucks unload the pieces, installers stage them, and before long, the first structures begin to take shape. Our team follows all manufacturer guidelines and safety standards to make sure the equipment is anchored and secured exactly as it should be. Piece by piece, a playground begins to appear where there was only empty space before.
Safety Surfacing
No playground is complete without the right surface underfoot. Rubber mulch, engineered wood fiber, turf, or poured-in-place rubber are among some of the options you can choose from. Some, like poured rubber, need a little extra curing time before kids can use it, but the wait is worth it. Safety surfacing also makes play areas accessible, so we make sure it meets ADA standards to welcome children of all abilities. This is one of the first steps in the commercial playground installation process once the equipment has arrived.
Safety First
After the structures are in place and just before the ribbon is cut, the site will be inspected inside and out. Everything is reviewed against ASTM, CPSC, and ADA guidelines, and sometimes clients choose to bring in a third-party inspector for an added layer of assurance. Fall zones, equipment spacing, and anchoring are all tested so parents and kids can play with confidence in the equipment’s safety and stability.
After the Tools Are Packed
Once the commercial playground installation is complete, there's a walk-through with the client to make sure everything is as expected, along with training on safe use and maintenance. Warranties are explained so communities know how to protect their investment in the long run.
Keeping It Thriving
Playgrounds need love to last. Routine inspections should be done over time to find any loose bolts or worn surfacing before they turn into hazards. Seasonal weather like icy winters and hot summers entails extra attention in places like Colorado and Wyoming. Many communities plan for the future and leave room to expand with new features as needs grow.
At its heart, a commercial playground installation is about creating a gathering place, a spot where friendships form, families linger, and where those “five more minutes” pleas echo across the space. AtoZ Recreation makes sure getting there is just as smooth as the play that follows.
Contact us today to get started on your next best recreational destination.