What defines an awesome playground? The answer has to be how much safe and secure fun children can have while playing there. If you build it they will come – and hopefully have a fantastic time while they are playing. There are, however, a number of key components that should be considered before you get started.
If you are thinking about creating and maintaining a playground, read on to find out more…
How do you make an awesome playground?
Once you know you want to build a playground, and where you want to build it, there are several elements that should be taken into account. Not all children are alike and will like the same things, and not all areas are set out in the same way. However, if you consider these steps you should be well on your way to creating an awesome playground for any child to enjoy.
1 – Consider different types of play
A big push has been made in the last few years to understand the different ways that children learn and play. Some kids are all about visuals, others sound, and others like to create or imagine instead. Your playground should try and incorporate as many options as possible, to entertain the most children. Here are some of the main ways to play and how you might represent them:
- Active play – space and equipment for running, jumping, spinning and climbing.
- Imaginative play – playhouses, ships, kitchens where you can play a role.
- Manipulative play – sandboxes, blocks, water systems for pouring, sifting, stacking etc.
- Creative play – musical instruments/ items that make noises, places you can draw and paint.
- Sensory play – things you can touch, smell, hear, and that you can explore for yourself.
- Reflective play – places where you can relax, be quiet, and reflect like a quiet bench in a garden.
2 – Think about the elements you enjoyed the most
While not all playgrounds have to have the customary swings and slides, there is a reason they tend to remain in most areas. Kids love them, and they are good for various ages and games. One tip is to avoid overdesigning the space. If you have a perfect idea of what your playground should look like, and how it should be played with, you aren’t looking through the eyes of a child.
Remember that children don’t always play the way we expect them to, so try and avoid too many specifics. Yes, the slide may be a slide to you, but to a kid, it could be a snake or a rainbow instead. Stick with bold colours and leave the specifics to their imaginations.
3 – Remember where you are
It is wonderful to have a theme for your playground, but often you will want it to fit in with or reflect your local area. Using a boat or undersea theme for a playground by water, for example, would absolutely class as awesome.
Ideally, you should aim to fit your playground in with the spirit and style of the community. If you go for a playhouse, base it on the way houses are built where you are. If you have a shop, go for a local brand, and so on.
4 – Go with the flow – but don’t forget a few surprises!
Playgrounds should have a natural flow, going from the swings to the slide, from the monkey bars to the see-saw. There should be spaces to run, to enjoy the trees and plants, to have an adventure. When you are setting up your space, think about how this flows and how to make sure it is natural and makes sense.
That being said, kids will always do something unexpected, and they like the unexpected too! Throw in some different textures, some handles to turn or buttons to press. A hidden mural or different perspective can make the children feel like they are in on a secret, and they are sure to love it even more.
5 – Don’t forget the basics!
As well as the so-called basics of what you would expect to play on in a playground such as the playing equipment itself, remember all the important components that perhaps aren’t so glamorous. These include:
- Shade – kids (and adults) need plenty of shade in their playground to shelter from the sun.
- Toilets – always a good idea!
- Water – a drinking fountain or similar can really make your playground feel more welcoming and thoughtful than one without.
- Bins – people are going to make a mess, and having bins encourages cleanliness.
- Soft flooring/ protective coverings – there are many types of cheap flooring, but a good playground will have some sort of protective flooring. This could be bark, sand, rubber tiles or Astro-turf.
- Adult seating – it’s tough enough being a parent without the occasional rest, so make sure you put in a few benches for them as well.
How do you maintain a playground?
Now that you have your playground, it is essential to maintain it correctly. You need to:
- Keep it clean
- Watch for hazards
- Refresh or check the ground material
- Check that safety rules are up and visible
- Check all equipment and so on.
As you can see, this is hugely important and not easy or really possible to do by yourself. The best option is to hire an experienced playground maintenance and renovations company. They will make sure that your playground is as safe and maintained as it can be at all times.
What are the most common hazards in playgrounds?
Some hazards in a playground are hard to prevent. It is likely that at some point, a couple of children charging around will bump into each other, for example. The key is to prevent what you can and minimize the damage from what you cannot. Some of the major common hazards in a playground are:
- Broken or damaged equipment
- Uneven walkways
- Lack of protection underfoot
- Sharp or pointed surfaces
- Insects nests or hives
- Rusted or worn-away parts
Final thoughts
With so much to think about even after you have designed and created your ideal playground, it is understandable why so many people look to the experts to help out. By hiring a competent and reliable maintenance company to check over and repair your playground, you are doing all you can to keep your playground safe and hazard free, the way it needs to be.
