How To Build an Outdoor Community Playground

Are you considering building an outdoor community playground? These play areas bolster community ties, support child development, and boost the local economy. 

If you want to create a playground that your community will treasure for years, you're in the right  spot. Keep reading to learn how to construct an outdoor community playground that delivers a lasting positive impact.

How to Build an Outdoor Playground: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a detailed look at each critical step involved in creating an outdoor community playground:

Step 1. Create a Committee

Constructing a playground is a significant project that demands a collaborative approach. Assemble a committee with individuals who possess the essential skills for successful completion.

Your team should include:

• A public relations professional to handle community outreach and communication.
• An organizer and fundraiser to manage events and funding efforts.
• A child development specialist will advise on age-appropriate designs and features.
• Construction and maintenance specialists will oversee the physical setup and upkeep.

Assign specific tasks, responsibilities, and deadlines to each member of the committee. This structured team effort will streamline the process, allowing you to complete the playground more efficiently.

Step 2. Set Your Goals

Before engaging with a playground company or purchasing equipment, meet with your team to establish clear objectives and streamline your project. Focus on these essential goals:

• Safety: Prioritize child safety in your design by choosing safe surfacing, appropriate equipment heights, and ensuring good visibility for parents.
• Ease of Maintenance: Maintain your playground's safety and longevity through regular inspections and cleaning.
• Innovative Designs: Discuss innovative and thematic designs with your team, considering features like musical elements, technology, and sustainability if the budget allows.

Define specific milestones based on these goals to guide your project's progress and prepare for the next steps.

Step 3. Select a Playground Equipment Company Early

Choosing a playground equipment company early is essential as they guide you from design to installation. Here's the process:

• Brainstorming: The company collaborates with your team, using research and current trends to develop innovative, child-friendly playground ideas.
• Designing: They ensure each piece of equipment is safe, engaging, and inclusive.
• Manufacturing: With finalized designs, manufacturing begins using durable, high-quality materials.

An independent company representative will assist you through every step, from planning to final installation, reducing your workload and ensuring the playground meets your goals.

Step 3. Ask Questions and Gather Feedback

Use surveys to tap into what types of activities and equipment your community wants in a playground. Take the time to explore local parks to see what works and what's missing, giving you ideas for unique offerings. 

Collect feedback on potential enhancements or new features to ensure your playground aligns with community desires. This process will help you design a playground that truly resonates with the needs and preferences of the community.

Step 4. Establish a Location

After developing a basic plan for your park and deciding on the activities it will offer, begin searching for the right location. The location is crucial as it significantly influences visitor numbers. 

Ensure the chosen site is spacious enough to accommodate the playground equipment, parking, and restroom facilities. Also, consider space for outdoor furnishings and amenities such as picnic tables, benches, trash bins, and shade structures.

Step 5. Hire a Playground Specialist

Consider bringing on a playground specialist to guide your project. They will ensure your playground adheres to safety standards and assist in designing a functional layout. 

Your specialist can address crucial questions, offering recommendations on:

• Choosing the right surfacing
• Managing budget constraints
• Estimating project timelines
• Enhancing inclusivity

Think of them as playground architects, similar to how a building architect constructs high-quality structures. They ensure your playground is safe and enjoyable for the community.

Step 6. Determine Your Budget

During your discussions with the playground specialist, thoroughly review all financial aspects of the playground project to ensure you have a comprehensive budget plan. Your consultant will help identify and map out all necessary expenses from the initial phase to completion. 

Consider the costs associated with various elements such as playground equipment, surfacing materials, shipping, installation labor, landscaping, and additional amenities. Understanding the full financial scope early on helps secure funding and manage expenditures effectively throughout the project.

Step 7. Get the Necessary Approvals

Community playgrounds must follow local building, construction, and zoning codes, which vary by location. Contact your state's department to ensure compliance and meet safety standards set by organizations like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). 

A playground equipment representative can assist in securing permits, checking zoning rules, and preventing disruptions to underground utilities. Proper approvals help avoid legal issues and keep the project on track.

Step 8. Choose a Playground Equipment Manufacturer

Selecting a playground equipment company early helps streamline design and installation. When choosing a manufacturer, consider their reputation, certifications, customer service, and warranties.

A quality manufacturer will assist with:

• Brainstorming: Developing creative, research-backed playground concepts.
• Designing: Ensuring equipment is safe, inclusive, and beneficial for child development.
• Manufacturing: Using durable materials and precise processes to bring designs to life.
  

Their representatives will guide you through planning and installation, making the process smoother while helping you select the best equipment for your community.

Step 9. Begin Fundraising

Playgrounds are a community investment, and funding starts with outreach and planning. Grants from corporations, nonprofits, and foundations can cover major costs without repayment.

Partnering with a playground equipment company early helps estimate expenses, making grant applications more compelling. Other fundraising options include seeking local business sponsorships and community donations. 

Organize fun events like:

• Raffles, bake sales, or car washes
• Trivia nights, talent shows, or sports tournaments
• Silent auctions or community marathons

Engaging in fundraisers builds excitement and encourages more community support for your project.

Step 10. Set a Project Timeline and Deadlines

Work with your playground equipment company to schedule landscaping, shipping, and labor while setting a grand opening date. Break the project into smaller deadlines to track progress and keep everything manageable. 

Tackling one step at a time helps prevent the process from feeling overwhelming. Leave room in your timeline for unexpected delays to keep the project on track.

Step 11. Move Forward With the Installation

With all plans in place, you can begin building your playground. You can either hire a contractor for installation or organize a community build with volunteers to cut costs. 

Installation typically accounts for 25%-45% of the total budget, but a volunteer-driven approach can help reduce expenses. Some communities combine both methods, using professionals for complex tasks while volunteers handle simpler work.

Step 12. Celebrate and Promote Your Playground

Once your playground is complete, invite local officials, media, and community members to a grand opening event. Share photos and updates on social media to generate excitement and encourage visitors. 

Take time to celebrate your team's hard work and the positive impact your playground will have on the community. After months of planning, enjoy the moment and be proud of what you've built!

Tips to Maintain Your Community Playground

Keeping your playground in top condition ensures safety, longevity, and continued enjoyment for families. Here are five key maintenance tips:

• Regularly check equipment for wear, loose bolts, or structural damage to prevent safety hazards.
• Ensure impact-absorbing surfaces like mulch, rubber, or sand remain even and free of debris.
• Wash playground structures to remove dirt, bacteria, and graffiti, keeping the space welcoming.
• Fix broken or worn-out equipment quickly to avoid accidents and costly replacements.
• Organize volunteer clean-up days to keep the playground safe and strengthen community pride.

Build Your Dream Outdoor Playground with Park N Play!

Building a community playground takes planning and teamwork but is completely achievable. With community involvement, organization, and a focus on safety, you can create a lasting and enjoyable play space for children.

If you're ready to bring your vision to life, Park N Play can guide you through every step—from planning and design to installation and maintenance. Contact us today to create a safe and engaging play space for your community!