There is a lot to consider when it comes to building a school playground. Once the budget is approved, you may be eager to get going on the construction. But before you dive in just yet, there are a few other steps to consider. Here’s a facilities guide to planning a safe and engaging school playground.
Planning and Design Elements
The first, and maybe the most crucial step, is planning. Brainstorming different ideas can also be fun and exciting. This is the time when you can let your imagination run wild. If you want to build a natural playground, perhaps you’re looking at a location with various logs, stones, and other elements already nearby. Or if you have a theme in mind, like a fantasyland or animal kingdom, perhaps you’re thinking of ways to add fun, interactive elements into the design.
Of course, during this phase, you’ll also want to establish a clear set of objectives. What is the purpose of this playground, and who will be using it the most? What age ranges will likely be at the space, and how can you accommodate their varying needs? Conducting surveys can be beneficial in learning and hearing directly from school facilitators and parents about how to create a design that will please everyone.
During this step, you’ll also want to map out the location for the playground. The layout will directly correlate to the playground’s usage. The activity zone, filled with slides, swings, and monkey bars, should be separate from the quieter area with a sandbox and interactive wall panels. That way, children can move from one section to the next depending on their age and behavioral needs.
Equipment Selection
After you’ve determined the overall theme and location for the playground, you can move on to selecting the commercial playground equipment. There are countless possibilities in terms of the types of equipment you can purchase. Classic choices like swings, slides, seesaws, and merry-go-rounds will delight children and teach them different motor skills. But there are also more modernized options, such as tubes and tunnels, sensory panels, musical elements, spring riders, and playhouses that can further engage little ones.
When selecting equipment, you’ll want to consider different safety standards as well as age appropriateness and durability. In terms of safety, be sure the equipment meets the safety needs of your state or school board. Check what is needed before purchasing the equipment to avoid any delays in approvals. For age appropriateness, think about the age group that will be at the playground most and ensure that kids can grow with the equipment as they age. Bucket swings are great for toddlers in preschool, but kids in first grade and beyond will need to move to regular swings.
From a durability perspective, look for equipment that is made from rust-resistant metal or rot-resistant wood. The last thing you want to happen is the need to replace a piece of equipment after the first year of use. If you’re in a climate with severe weather conditions — either extreme heat or cold — do some research to ensure the equipment will hold up to whatever Mother Nature has in store for you.
Installation
The plan is approved, and the equipment has arrived. Now, it’s time for the installation phase! Watching your initial plans come to life can be exciting, but that doesn’t mean you can take your eyes off the ball just yet. Installation requires supervision, ensuring the contractors are knowledgeable in what they’re doing and positioning the equipment as was originally intended.
It’s best to keep at least a six-foot safety zone around any active equipment. This keeps children safe as they slide down the tall slides or spin around the merry-go-round spinner. Another aspect to consider is pathways and ramps. These are needed to allow children of all abilities to have access to the play areas. Make sure these areas are mapped out while the equipment is being installed to minimize the need to move anything after it’s been nailed in place.
Upkeep and Maintenance
The playground is fully installed, the fences are in position, and the children are rearing and eager to play! Even if you’ve crossed all your T’s and dotted all your I’s, there will likely be something that needs your attention soon after construction. That said, upkeep and ongoing maintenance are important to keep everyone as safe as possible. Establish a regular plan for someone to thoroughly check the equipment and surrounding areas. Doing so can prevent a serious injury from occurring in the first place.
During inspection, equipment should be looked over for damage such as rust, cracks, and loose screws or bolts. The surface area should also be inspected. A tree root popping up under the surface could be a tripping hazard, and a rough spot on a slide could scrape a child’s leg. Another part of upkeep is cleaning and sanitizing. Daily cleaning may be needed based on the number of children who’ve used the equipment during the day. This can help remove germs, but also any debris, dirt, or grime that has built up due to use and weather conditions.
While there is plenty to consider for planning, designing, and installing a playground, the effort will all be worth it when you see the children enjoying their new school playground.
Also Read: Grant Park Community Unit School District 6: A Decade of Excellence in Education
