Step 4: Selecting your equipment.
Adapted from "Eight Steps to the Ultimate Playground" by Landscape Structures Inc.

Many factors weigh into a play equipment selection. Various equipment styles, manufacturing materials, quality and safety features differentiate your selection possibilities. Also, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends separate play areas for preschoolers from ages 2 to 5 and school-age children between ages 5 and 12. As a rule of thumb, 40% of your equipment budget and space should be allocated to preschoolers and 60% to school-age children. We recommend you adjust this ratio depending on the mix of ages using your playground.

EQUIPMENT TYPES
Most play equipment falls into one of the two types:

    Composite play systems: These connected playstructures offer a wide variety of active and social play challenges. A well-designed structure can accommodate a large number of children in a relatively small area.

    Independent playthings: Swings, climbers and spring riders are typical of independent playthings, which should be located a safe distance away from a composite structure.

The best play areas offer both types of equipment to satisfy the needs of a greater range of users.

PLAY ACTIVITIES
When selecting specific events, we recommend you consider:

  • Developmental benefits
  • Age-appropriateness
  • Liability issues
  • Variety
  • Cost
SAFETY
The CPSC's Handbook for Public Playground Safety and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) Standard F1487 provides definitive guidelines on equipment design, layout, installation and maintenance.

When comparing equipment from several manufacturers, you will want to consider all the details. Not all products are equally safe or durable, even when they comply with government and industry standards. Our area sales representatives will assist you in your assessment.

AESTHETICS
Do you want playground equipment that blends into its surroundings, or do you prefer a structure that makes a bold statement? What shapes will look best on your playground?

MATERIALS
Consider the materials used in the equipment you are contemplating. For example, wood has a natural look but it is likely to crack and contain toxic preservatives. Wood-look recycled plastics may be a better alternative if used properly. Steel rusts quickly in damp or salty area, making aluminium or stainless steel a better choice for structural parts. Vinyl-coated metals offer users protection against temperature extremes. And plastic parts should be made of high-quality resins with additives to prevent colour fading and UV-degradation.

ACCESSIBILITY
The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) reinforces today's prevailing emphasis on mainstreaming children of all abilities. "Equal access" features are important, and so is providing an accessible route of travel to equipment.

The new proposed guidelines for accessible play areas require looking at play areas as a collection of individual play components to determine the minimum amount required to be accessible. Minimum requirements are based on the number of ground level and elevated play components provided.

More complete information on accessibility may be found in the Landscape Structures catalogue or by contacting us.

OTHER ISSUES

When making a final purchase decision, you will also want to consider these important points:

  • Ease of installation (and availability of professional installers, when needed)
  • Follow-up support services available from the local representative
  • Durability of materials
  • Manufacturer's playground-specific maintenance program
  • Manufacturer's warranty
  • Cost of ownership over the life of your equipment
One of the best ways to review the choices is to visit existing playgrounds, both old and new. See how the equipment wears over time, talk to the maintenance crew, and seek references from other parks or schools who have purchased similar equipment.

Your sales representative will give you a list of playgrounds in your area to review.