Community Based Alternatives to Commercial Playground Equipment

Play is so vital that the United Nations considers it a “right.” Play, on the other hand. It is generally considered a luxury rather than a necessity in today’s culture. Commercial playground equipment can cost tens of thousands of dollars, if not hundreds of thousands. When a school is struggling to pay instructors and purchase textbooks, the hefty expense of commercial playground equipment can deter them from even contemplating constructing a play area. As a result, millions of children around the world are deprived of proper opportunities to play and are unable to reach their full potential. A lack of proper funds prohibits many schools and community organizations around the world from providing safe, engaging locations for their children to play.

Commercial playground equipment is a specialist product only available in certain parts of the world, which adds to the high cost. Playground equipment suppliers are few and far between in many low-income nations if they exist at all. Importing commercial playground equipment is also not a long-term option, as import taxes may sometimes be nearly as expensive as the equipment itself! Furthermore, no matter how well-built the playground equipment is, it will require upkeep over time. Repairing commercial playground equipment generally needs specialized expertise and tools, and if the equipment is not maintained on a regular basis, it can fall into disrepair and become dangerous to play on.

Ideas

Playground Ideas is a nonprofit organization with the purpose of guaranteeing that anybody, everywhere may build a play place using only local equipment, skills, and low-cost, recyclable materials. All of the tools for a community-built playground are in one location, including a suite of playground building handbooks, over 150 DIY designs, a crowdfunding platform, and a 3D playground designer tool. Check out our “Playground Starter Kit,” a design strategy that combines some of our best, time-tested, low-cost pieces into a beautiful place that stimulates energetic, imaginative, sociable, creative, and open-ended play as an alternative to commercial playground equipment.

Providing “loose pieces” play elements in your space is another fantastic alternative to commercial playground equipment. Ordinary household, handcrafted, and natural objects such as fabric, sticks, leaves, beads, clay, plastic bottles, and wires that children can use for play activities are referred to as “loose parts” play materials. If you don’t have the space or budget for a built playground, a loose components play area is an excellent alternative. Even if you already have a playground, adding loose parts to the surroundings will enhance the play experience and allow for greater creativity. Playground Ideas provides a simple Loose Parts Manual that will explain the benefits of loose parts play and walk you through the process of constructing and maintaining a low-cost box of play items for the kids in your care.

Which Play Equipment Is the Best?

PlaygroundEquipment.com has the greatest commercial playground equipment for parks and schools, so you can be sure you’re getting the best commercial playsets and playground accessories that will keep kids safe for hours of play when you shop with us.

What Features Should a Playground Include?

Playground park equipment, first and foremost, should have safety characteristics. This includes safe playground surfacing to cushion falls, as well as secure structures with correct installation. Aside from safety elements, most playgrounds have at least a swing set, slide, and climbing equipment. But your requirements may differ depending on the type of playground you’re building.

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What Are the Different Playground Types?

Themed, inclusive play, freestanding, and natural playgrounds are the most common varieties. Themed playgrounds focus on a certain playstyle or concept, such as a jungle, pirate ship, or castle. Playgrounds that are inclusive have equipment that is accessible to children of all abilities. And may incorporate sensory-friendly and/or wheelchair-accessible features. It’s crucial to remember, though, that any playground may be inclusive! Natural playgrounds, on the other hand, make use of rocks, wooden buildings, and the surrounding nature to create a play space.

What Is the Best Playground Material?

A sturdy metal, such as steel, is the finest material for outdoor playsets. This results in frames that endure a long time, are safe and can withstand rough play and the elements. We choose metal-based items because wooden playsets can deteriorate and attract bees and hornets.

What Is the Best Substrate for a Playset?

Rubber mulch is our favorite surface material to use under children’s outdoor playsets since it protects them from falls. Looks great, lasts a long time, and is simple to install. We also sell wood fiber, rubber wear mats, rubber tiles, and synthetic turf. And poured-in-place surfacing, so it’s not the only good option.

What Are the Ground Rules for Playing Outside?

There are several universal principles that should be enforced on all playgrounds to enable fair, enjoyable play and safe. Appropriate use of commercial outdoor playground equipment. No shoving, climbing up slides, jumping off swings, and other rules to ensure the equipment is utilized properly. It will keep everyone safe and happy for a fantastic playground experience.

How Do You Put Playground Equipment Together?

You’ll need time, tools, and a team of experienced volunteer installers to install children’s outdoor playground equipment. If you’re confident you have the right tools for the job. All you have to do now is follow the directions that came with your new equipment. If you aren’t completely confident in your ability to install playground equipment.

Is It Necessary to Replace Playground Equipment on a Regular Basis?

We prefer metal constructions to wooden ones since they are more durable. For many years to come, you won’t have to be concerned about rust. Wear on your children’s outdoor play equipment!

What Are the Advantages of Having a Playground?

Installing a PlaygroundEquipment.com-sold outdoor playground has numerous advantages for child development. Children’s physical fitness, coordination, and confidence improve as they learn new physical activities. Such as running, climbing, leaping, and sliding on playgrounds. Playgrounds are also excellent locations kids learn teamwork and cooperation while cultivating friendships, social skills, and imagination. Playgrounds have a plethora of advantages!