Growing up, most of us had ample opportunities to play outdoors. Based on the results of independent studies, playgrounds rank high among children’s vital environments away from home. Playgrounds are where children grow in numerous ways and develop their social skills.
All children have benefited from greater access to playgrounds. A playground improves kids’ physical activity largely due to its presence. Safe playgrounds allow children to express themselves and be themselves in a fun, energetic way.
Over the years, playgrounds have evolved considerably. Planning a playground can be a daunting task if you don’t know where to begin. Throughout the planning process of a playground, several factors need to be kept in mind.
Playground planning: Things to consider
In addition to creating a social space, a playground is a great way for a community to exhibit its unique character. When planning a playground, it’s important to set clear goals at the beginning and then stick to them because planning a playground, from selecting an area to installing it, has never been so simple.
Consider what kind of playground this will be, as well as where it will be located. It should be appealing and accessible to all children. If you’re unsure of planning a playground, consider the following factors.
Start with a vision
Playgrounds can be used for years to come and complement a community’s character. You should take a moment to ponder about what are your ultimate goals for your outdoor space. Thus, your vision is crucial for creating the best design to ensure a safe and enjoyable playground.
Examine the site
Playground design is greatly influenced by the site characteristics, which include the combination of natural and artificial features. It is also important to think about the location when it comes to the utilization of the playground and the ease of accessibility for the community. An expert landscape architect can assist you in the site analysis.
Design
Understanding the playground’s purpose is essential, and once you understand it, you can start considering the design of the playground. At this stage, prepare a design for the playground you want.
Playground users
Choosing the right equipment for the playground depends on the intended audience. The development levels of children vary with their ages, as do the way they play. Several playgrounds tailored to kids under the age of 4 will not be appealing to teens aged 13 and older and aren’t necessarily the right size.
Number of children
In addition to playground users’ ages and abilities, planning your playground should also take into account the number of children who may use it at any given time since the playground can be flooded with children during school hours or can be used by fewer people.
Availability of space
Consider the space available for the playground when planning one. It can be a large area or a small space set aside for the playground. The area where slides and swings are usually surfaced tends to be larger.
Adding to or starting from scratch
You should also consider whether you are planning a playground from scratch or repurposing existing equipment before beginning or feature-enhancing while maintaining the old one. In a constrained space, it might be difficult to add to a playground.
Duration of completion
Haste makes waste. Planning and installation is a big deal which often takes more time than people anticipate. So, when planning to build a playground, consider the best time to open it. For monitoring progress, set small deadlines.
The budget
The playground budget will affect what you can and cannot do. To make your playground plans fit within a given budget, you will need to customize them. Plan your budget by keeping everything in perspective as there are numerous expenses linked to playground planning. Fundraising may be the best alternative if you can’t get financing.
Playgrounds that are well laid out and designed with safety and efficiency in mind can provide a beautiful and fun place to play. Their maintenance and care are crucial as a lot of effort has gone into its planning and creation. Maintaining it properly can prolong its life.
Taking the recommendations into account is essential for the care and repair of playground equipment. Regular testing is also necessary. Aside from this, to keep the playground and its surrounding park well-maintained, it can be beneficial to have weekly events like cleanliness drives.
Free play on a playground is a great way to encourage children to participate in healthy activities. Kids can develop and sharpen a variety of skills on playgrounds which includes a combination of physical, social, and emotional factors as it benefits not only your child but also your entire family. So, why just stay at home? When you can introduce your kids to outdoor games and participate in outdoor activities with them.
