Skip to main content

Main menu

  • Playground
  • Surfacing
  • Parks
  • Athletics
  • Aquatics
  • Play
Home
  • Playground
  • Surfacing
  • Parks
  • Athletics
  • Aquatics
  • Play
  • 3 Overlooked Benefits to Building a Playground in Your Community
  • Play Spaces for All Abilities
  • Rules of the Red Rubber Ball Book Review
  • Snow in Fox Lake in February?
  • Planning a Play Space? Evaluate!

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Playground
  3. Construction
  4. Planning a Play Space? Evaluate!

Planning a Play Space? Evaluate!

Construction
May 01, 2007
Profile picture for user Curtis Stoddard
By Curtis Stoddard on
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • envelope
  • print
74
Planning a Play Space? Evaluate!

Planning your new playground effectively will include a play area evaluation process. Various evaluations will need to be taken into account to determine what products, situations, and details will best serve the children in your play area.

Play Site Visit

Begin by physically visiting the location where the play area is to be. Determine how much area you can allot to the playground. Check the area for slope. The best places for play equipment are on level ground, although slope can play an important part in creative designs when it is taken into consideration.

Check for drainage conditions, including the type of soil and city drain water requirements, to determine what kind of drainage system you will need to keep standing water out of the play area. Determine if an architect or engineer will be required on your projects. Simple projects may not need professional design services, while creative and elaborate playgrounds are best served with this kind of assistance.

Play Area Particlulars

Your play area needs to be large enough to accommodate all potential users. Figure an average of children that may utilize the equipment and design with enough equipment to keep all children busy. Also, decide the age range of the children who will utilize the play area. You then need to design age appropriate structures and equipment. The CPSC standard describes play equipment as 2-5 years old and 5-12 years old.

Determine the kind of play area you will be providing. Take into account nature, equipment, themes and community needs. Play areas that can include plants, trees and grass enhance the play experience.

Site amenities are an important part of a successful play area. Benches, drinking fountains, trash receptacles, tables, bicycle racks, and other site furnishings can add to the enjoyment of the park. You may also need to add a rest room if one is not available. People coming to visit the play area will need parking areas for their vehicles. You may also need to provide security to the playground area. It may need lights or fencing to keep unwanted activities at bay.

Are utilities available for water, sewage, and electricity? Are utilities in the way of construction? Can construction crews access the construction area? Forethought to these types of issues can save time and money down the road.

Public play areas are required to be accessible to those with disabilities. Sidewalks, ramps, curb access and surfacing will all need to be analyzed to determine what will work best for children in wheelchairs and walkers to access and utilize the play area.

Be sure to check with your local government for rules and regulations for design and construction of play areas. You may be required to file papers or obtain permits. Evaluating your play area will help your group plan and design a playground that gets used and provides unique and wonderful experiences to children.

Many manufacturers provide documents to help you do a site analysis. Prior planning prevents poor performance, and in the case of evaluating your play area before you purchase your playground, this is especially true. A well thought out and designed playground will become a well used playground for your community. 

Profile picture for user Curtis Stoddard
Curtis Stoddard
Published 15 years ago
Last updated 3 months ago
74
1
min read
A- A+
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • envelope
  • print

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

More About Construction

Mar 01, 2006
Construction

Choosing a Playground Builder

Playground Magazine
May 01, 2001
Construction

Planning Makes Perfect

Curtis Stoddard
Dec 22, 2014
Construction

New Materials Make Playgrounds Even More Innovative

Anne-Marie-Spencer
Sep 01, 2006
Construction

State Regulations for Playground Installers

Playground Magazine
May 05, 2020
Construction

How Much Cost To Build a New Playground In 2020

Gregory Chapman
Jan 01, 2002
Construction

Hiring the Right Contractor

Playground Magazine
Sep 17, 2019
Construction

Tips for Building a Dream Treehouse for Kids

Katherine Perkins
May 14, 2019
Construction

Tips for a Successful Community-Built Playground

Lilian Chifley
Apr 10, 2017
Construction

Rebuilding Community Trust One Playground at a Time

Michele Breakfield
Mar 01, 2006
Construction

Playground Planning from Square One

Playground Magazine
Sep 01, 2002
Construction

Naturally Enjoyable

Playground Magazine
May 01, 2001
Construction

Finding a Way in Bay Minette

Playground Magazine

Construction Professionals

Play By Design
Play By Design
Services
More
Heisler Landscape General Engineering, Inc.
Heisler Landscape General Engineering, Inc.
Services
More
Tatonka Playgrounds
Tatonka Playgrounds
Services
More
LuckyDog Recreation
LuckyDog Recreation
Sales Rep
More
Hansen & Prezzano Builders, LLC
Hansen & Prezzano Builders, LLC
Services
More
M. E. O'Brien & Sons, Inc.
M. E. O'Brien & Sons, Inc.
Services
More
Great Lakes Recreation Company
Great Lakes Recreation Company
Services
More
Miracle Playsystems
Miracle Playsystems
Services
More
Rex Playground Equipment, Inc.
Rex Playground Equipment, Inc.
Services
More
YoungCreek Recreational, LLC
YoungCreek Recreational, LLC
Services
More
A & A Playground Services, Inc.
A & A Playground Services, Inc.
Services
More
A&D Recreation
A&D Recreation
Services
More
Home

Follow Us

Play and playground news and information since 2001

  • instagram
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • pinterest
  • linkedin

Company

  • Playground Magazine
  • Contributors
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Copyright © 2001 - 2023 Playground Professionals, LLC

Footer menu

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Terms and conditions