Transforming Outdoor Play: Crafting Safer, Engaging, and Eco-Friendly Playgrounds

At Grounds for Play, we believe every child deserves a playground that sparks joy, fosters growth, and nurtures their innate curiosity. For over four decades, we've dedicated ourselves to revolutionizing outdoor play spaces, creating environments where safety, engagement, and environmental responsibility converge. Our journey began with two visionary PhDs in Early Childhood Education who recognized the profound impact of well-designed play spaces on child development.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to build and design outdoor play environments that are not only safer but also encourage a diverse range of skill development — and, of course, are fun! We understand that playgrounds are more than just equipment. They're the backdrop for countless childhood memories, the breeding ground for social skills, and the canvas for imaginative adventures. Each swing, slide, and climbing structure we create is a stepping stone in a child's developmental journey and overall health.

Grounded in a research-based understanding of child development and play, we recognize the pivotal role that outdoor play serves in a child's physical, cognitive, and social-emotional growth. Our experts, including Certified Playground Safety Inspectors and our parent company PlayCore's CORE research, constantly update our knowledge base to ensure we're at the forefront of playground innovation and safety.

In this guide, we'll explore our multifaceted approach to transforming ordinary outdoor spaces into extraordinary playgrounds. We'll delve into our innovative outdoor commercial playground equipment design, holistic approach to creating engaging play spaces, and unwavering commitment to safety and environmental sustainability. From the initial concept to the final installation and beyond, we'll show you how Grounds for Play is reshaping the landscape of childhood play.

Let’s dive in.

At the heart of every great playground lies thoughtfully designed equipment that captivates children's imaginations and helps them grow mentally and physically while prioritizing their safety. We take pride in our research-driven approach to commercial playground equipment design, ensuring that each piece not only meets but exceeds industry standards. Let's explore this a little more.

Research-Driven Design Philosophy

Our design process begins long before the first sketch is drawn. We immerse ourselves in the latest research on child development, motor skills, and play behaviors. This foundation of knowledge informs every decision we make, from the height of a climbing wall to the texture of a slide.

In the past, we collaborated with child development experts, educators, and safety specialists to ensure our equipment aligns with children's developmental needs at various stages. For instance, our toddler play areas feature low-to-the-ground structures with soft, rounded edges to encourage safe exploration, while our equipment for older children includes more complex climbing structures that challenge their developing motor skills and problem-solving abilities.

This research also extended to material science, where experts investigated the latest innovations in durable, safe, and environmentally friendly materials. This commitment to following this research allows us to stay ahead of the curve, consistently offering playground equipment that safely meets the evolving needs of children and communities.

“When examining the lives of non-players, comparing them to play-fulfilled individuals, research has been able to show how play itself contributes to getting along better with ourselves, (play as a good antidepressant) and certainly provides the tools to better get along non-violently, cooperatively and innovatively with each other.”

- Dr. Stuart Brown, National Institute for Play, CORE Research

Prioritizing Child Safety

Safety is non-negotiable regarding playground equipment. We go above and beyond industry standards, implementing our own rigorous safety protocols. Each piece of equipment undergoes extensive testing to ensure it can withstand the enthusiastic play of children day after day, year after year.

Our commitment to safety extends to the materials we use. We select durable, weather-resistant materials that maintain their integrity even in challenging conditions. For example, our recycled post and deck material looks like wood. It is splinter-free, UV-resistant, and impervious to insects and fungi, making it ideal for all climates, including coastal areas.

Every detail is considered through the lens of child safety, from rounded edges to non-slip surfaces. We use stainless steel hardware to prevent rust and ensure longevity, and our plastic components contain anti-static inhibitors to reduce the risk of static electricity buildup. Anti-static inhibitors also ensure the safety for children with cochlear implants.

Our Diverse Range of Equipment

Children are as diverse as their imaginations, and our playground equipment reflects this diversity. We offer a wide array of options suitable for different age groups, abilities, and play styles. From toddler-friendly low platforms to challenging climbers for older children, our equipment is designed to match and grow with your community.

Our range includes:

Climbing structures that promote strength and problem-solving: From basic ladders for younger children to complex rope structures for older ones, our climbing equipment challenges kids at every level.
Swings that enhance balance and spatial awareness: We offer traditional swings, adaptive swing seats for children with disabilities, and innovative group swings that promote social interaction.
Sensory panels that stimulate cognitive development: These interactive elements engage children's senses with various textures, colors, and sounds, supporting cognitive growth and fine motor skills.
Inclusive playground equipment that ensures play opportunities for children of all abilities: Our inclusive designs, such as wheelchair-accessible merry-go-rounds and transfer platforms, allow children of all abilities to play together.

Each piece is designed to offer age-appropriate challenges, fostering skill development while providing a sense of accomplishment. We believe in creating equipment that encourages children to push their boundaries safely and builds confidence with each play session, which also covers the following pieces:

Promoting Motor Skill Development

Our equipment is carefully crafted to support the development of both fine and gross motor skills. For instance, climbing walls challenge upper body strength and coordination, while manipulative play panels enhance fine motor dexterity. Balance beams and stepping pods improve equilibrium and spatial awareness.

We understand that motor skill development is a journey, not a destination. That's why our equipment offers varying levels of difficulty, allowing children to progress at their own pace and continually challenge themselves. For example, our modular climbing structures can be configured to create easier or more difficult paths, accommodating children as they grow and develop. We also offer equipment based on different age groups (6-23 months, 2-5 years, 2-12 years, 5-12 years) as skill sets grow as children do.

Fostering Creativity and Social Interaction

Play is a child's work, and our equipment serves as the tools of their trade. We design open-ended play structures that fuel imagination and encourage creative play. A simple platform can become a pirate ship, a space station, or a medieval castle —the possibilities are limited only by a child's imagination.

Many of our play structures are designed with social interaction in mind. We create spaces that encourage cooperative play, fostering critical social skills like communication, sharing, and teamwork. From buddy swings to multi-user spring riders, our equipment brings children together, helping them forge friendships and develop crucial social-emotional skills.

We also incorporate elements that facilitate dramatic play, such as playhouses, talk tubes, and steering wheels. These features encourage children to engage in imaginative scenarios, developing their language skills and social understanding as they act out different roles and situations.

Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

In an era where environmental consciousness is more important than ever, we take our responsibility to the planet seriously. Our commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of our production process, from material selection to manufacturing techniques. Take a look.

Made in the USA

We're proud to manufacture our equipment right here in the United States. This supports local communities and significantly reduces our carbon footprint by minimizing transportation distances. It also allows us to maintain strict quality control over every piece of equipment we produce, ensuring that each component meets our high standards for safety and durability.

Eco-friendly materials

We prioritize the use of recycled and recyclable materials in our production process. Our commitment to sustainability includes:

Posts and decks made from 90% recycled content, giving new life to materials that might otherwise end up in landfills.
Steel components made from 30-50% recycled content, reducing the demand for new raw materials.
HDPE panels crafted from 30% recycled content, combining durability with environmental responsibility.
Ensures that the majority of our playgrounds are recyclable at the end of their lifespan, promoting a circular economy.

We use environmentally friendly, non-toxic materials that are safe for both children and the planet. Our powder coating process, for example, uses materials that ensure that our equipment is safe for children and the environment from production to installation.

Sustainable Production Methods

Our manufacturing facilities employ energy-efficient processes and waste-reduction strategies. We continually seek ways to minimize our environmental impact, from using water-based paints to implementing recycling programs in our factories.

Our powder coating process provides a durable, attractive finish and allows for reclamation and reuse of overspray, minimizing waste. We've also implemented the practice of using recycled or recyclable components in as many ways as possible. Overall, our commitment to environmental responsibility means that each playground we create is a step towards a cleaner, greener world for future generations.

In dedicating ourselves to sustainability, we have achieved several industry certifications. They include:

GreenCircle Certified: Our vendor who supplies our recycled lumber is GreenCircle Certified. This certification verifies a commitment to using recycled materials in our products.

ISO 14001 Certified: One of our manufacturing facilities is ISO 14001 ("Green") certified by the International Organization for Standardization. This certification demonstrates our Environmental Management System's effectiveness in controlling and reducing environmental impact throughout our manufacturing process.

U.S. Green Building Council: Select products we offer meet the criteria for obtaining The USGBC Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating systems. LEED certification rewards sustainable building practices and environmentally responsible material choices, positioning our products as eco-friendly options for green building projects.

Our Holistic Approach to Playground Design

Our design philosophy considers the playground as a whole ecosystem rather than a collection of separate elements and also takes the whole child and their needs into account. We carefully consider how different components interact with each other and the surrounding environment. This holistic approach ensures the playground flows naturally, encouraging children to move from one activity to another intuitively and excitingly. If we examine that more closely, this includes the following:

Integrating Equipment and Landscape

The most engaging playgrounds blur the line between built structures and natural elements. Our designs often incorporate the existing landscape, using natural slopes for slides, integrating boulders for climbing, or creating quiet nooks among native plantings. This integration creates a more visually appealing space and provides a richer, more varied play experience.

For instance, we might design a playground incorporating a natural hill into a slide complex to support rope climbing structures. By working with the natural landscape, we create playgrounds that feel like an organic part of their environment, promoting a connection with nature and providing diverse play opportunities.

Creating Visual Appeal

A well-designed playground should be as appealing to the eye as it is fun to play on. We pay close attention to color schemes, sight lines, and overall aesthetics to create playgrounds that are visually stimulating without being overwhelming. Our goal is to create spaces that draw children in and spark their imagination from the moment they set eyes on the playground.

We use color psychology in our designs, selecting hues that promote different play types and emotional responses. For example, we might use calming blues and greens in quiet areas designed for sensory play while incorporating energizing reds and yellows in active play zones. Our designers also consider the visual flow of the playground, ensuring that sight lines are preserved for safety while creating a sense of discovery and adventure.

Stimulating All Senses

Engaging play involves more than just physical activity. We design playgrounds that stimulate all the senses, incorporating elements like musical instruments, textured surfaces, and planters for fragrant plants. This multi-sensory approach enriches the play experience and supports the development of children with diverse needs and abilities.

Our sensory-rich playgrounds might include features such as:

Musical elements like chimes, drums, or xylophones that children can play with
Textured surfacing or climbing walls that provide tactile stimulation
Planters for fragrant gardens with herbs or flowers that engage the sense of smell
Visual elements like colorful spinners or prisms that create interesting light effects
Water play features that provide both auditory and tactile experiences

These elements combine to create a playground that engages children on multiple levels, promoting sensory integration and providing a rich, immersive play experience.

Read More: Types of Play in Early Childhood

Customizable Playground Solutions

We understand that every community is unique, with its own needs, preferences, and constraints. That's why we offer fully customizable playground solutions. Our team works closely with each client to create a playground that's perfectly tailored to their specific requirements. The process of this is as follows:

Collaborative Design Process

Our design process is deeply collaborative. We begin by listening to your vision, understanding your community's needs, and assessing your site's specific characteristics. Our experienced designers then work hand-in-hand with you to bring your vision to life, offering expert advice and creative solutions along the way.

This typically involves:

Initial consultation to understand your goals, budget, project scope, and site constraints
The creation of a site plan that shows locations for all play equipment and any required use zones, surfacing material selections, and, if asked, suggested landscape and hardscape elements
Design presentation with computer-aided design (CAD) renderings and detailed explanations of cost, installation plan, lead times, and more
Collaborative refinement based on your feedback
Final design approval and project planning, including scheduling the equipment to be manufactured in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility

Throughout our partnership, we encourage input from various stakeholders, including children, parents, educators, and community leaders. This inclusive approach ensures that the final playground design truly reflects the needs and desires of the community it will serve.

Adapting to Site Constraints

Whether you're working with a small urban lot or a sprawling park, we have the expertise to maximize the potential of your space. We're adept at navigating challenges like uneven terrain, limited access, or strict zoning requirements. Our team can develop creative solutions that turn potential obstacles into unique play opportunities.

For example, in a smaller space, we might design a vertical playground that makes use of height rather than ground area. For a site with significant elevation changes, we could create a terraced playground that turns the slope into an integral part of the play experience. Our innovative approach means that no site is too challenging for us to create an engaging, safe play space.

Reflecting Community Identity

A playground should reflect its community. Whether it incorporates local cultural elements, pays homage to the area's history, or aligns with a school's educational philosophy, we can create a playground that resonates with your community's unique identity.

This might involve:

Theming the playground around local landmarks or historical events
Incorporating artwork or design elements that reflect the community's cultural heritage
Aligning the playground design with a school's curriculum or educational focus
Creating custom play elements that represent unique aspects of the community

When considering your community's identity in the playground design, we can create a space that provides play opportunities and fosters a sense of pride and belonging among its users.

Ongoing Maintenance and Support

Our commitment to your playground doesn't end with installation. We offer comprehensive maintenance programs through our sales representatives to ensure your playground remains safe, functional, and appealing for years to come. What does that mean exactly?

Preventative Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to the longevity and safety of any playground. A well-rounded maintenance program includes routine inspections, cleaning, and upkeep to prevent small issues from becoming major problems. This proactive approach ensures safety and extends the life of your playground equipment.

Preventative maintenance services you might consider include:

Regular safety inspections by Certified Playground Safety Inspectors
Cleaning and sanitizing of equipment surfaces
Lubrication of moving parts
Tightening of hardware and replacing any worn fasteners
Inspection and replenishment of safety surfacing materials
Touch-up of any worn paint or coatings

By addressing small issues before they become big problems, we help you maintain a safe, attractive playground while minimizing long-term maintenance costs.

Read More: Preschool Playground Maintenance

Responsive Support

Should any issues arise, we’re always ready to help. We provide troubleshooting advice, replacement parts, and repair installation services to keep your playground in top condition. Our goal is to minimize downtime and ensure that your playground is always ready for play.

Our support services include:

A dedicated customer support line for quick response to any issues
Dispatch of replacement parts when needed
On-site installation and repair services for more complex issues
Warranty information

We understand that a playground out of commission is a disappointment to children and a headache for administrators. That's why we prioritize quick, effective responses to any maintenance needs.

Educational Resources

Empowering our clients with knowledge is an essential component of our mission. We offer educational resources and training on playground maintenance, safety inspections, and best practices for playground management. This ensures that you have the tools and knowledge to maintain a safe and engaging play environment.

Our educational offerings include:

Training webinars for maintenance staff on proper care and upkeep of playground equipment
Webinars for playground supervisors on identifying potential safety hazards
Online resources, including maintenance checklists and best practice guides
Regular updates on changes to safety standards or maintenance recommendations

With these resources, we help you become proactive partners in maintaining the safety and quality of your playground, ensuring that it remains a valuable asset to your community for years to come.

As alluded to earlier, safety isn't just a feature of our work — it's the foundation of everything we do. We understand that when parents and caregivers bring children to a playground, they're entrusting us with their most precious responsibility. That's why we've built a comprehensive approach to safety that goes above and beyond industry standards.

Adherence to Industry Safety Standards and Regulations

We rigorously adhere to all relevant safety standards and regulations, including those set by:

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM): We comply with ASTM F1487, which sets the safety standards for public playground equipment.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): Our designs follow the CPSC's Public Playground Safety Handbook guidelines.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): We ensure our playgrounds are accessible to children of all abilities in compliance with ADA standards.
International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA): As IPEMA members, our equipment undergoes third-party testing and certification.
Other applicable building codes, based on where your project is.

Our team stays up-to-date with the latest developments in playground safety, continuously updating our practices to align with or exceed the most current standards. We participate in industry conferences, workshops, and training sessions to ensure we're always at the forefront of playground safety knowledge.

Rigorous Testing

Using what we've learned from industry standards and regulations, every piece of equipment we produce undergoes extensive testing before reaching a playground. Our quality control process includes:

Structural integrity tests: We subject our equipment to forces far beyond what they would experience in normal use to ensure they can withstand heavy use over time.
Material safety tests: We rigorously test all materials to confirm the absence of harmful substances and ensure they meet our strict safety standards.
Durability tests: Our color processing undergoes accelerated weathering tests to simulate years of exposure to sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations.
Use zone verification: We carefully measure and test the areas around equipment to ensure proper spacing and fall protection.

Additionally, all playground equipment gets a basic use zone based on what it is. We also conduct regular audits of our manufacturing processes to maintain consistent quality and safety standards across all our products. Our in-house team of inspectors oversees these tests, bringing their expertise to every stage of the production process.

Comprehensive Safety Features

If you haven't caught on yet, safety is integrated into every aspect of our playground designs, from the big picture to the smallest details. That approach looks like this:

Fall Protection Systems

We implement state-of-the-art fall protection systems, including:

Impact-absorbing surfacing materials that exceed safety standards: We use materials like engineered wood fiber, poured-in-place rubber, or rubber tiles that provide excellent shock absorption.
Carefully calculated fall heights and use zones: All equipment, whether early childhood playground equipment or ADA playground equipment, is designed with appropriate fall heights and surrounded by adequate protective surfacing.
Guardrails and barriers strategically placed to prevent falls: We incorporate these safety features without compromising the equipment's play value or challenge level.

Other Safety Designs for Equipment

Our equipment is designed to minimize the risk of injuries and accidents and maximize fun. We do that through:

Rounded edges and corners to prevent injuries: All our structures feature smooth, rounded surfaces to minimize the risk of cuts or abrasions.
Entrapment prevention measures: We carefully design all openings to protect against head and limb entrapment, following strict guidelines for gap sizes.
Non-slip surfaces on climbing equipment and platforms: We use textured materials and anti-slip coatings to provide secure footing, even in wet conditions.
Age-appropriate challenges: Again, as noted throughout, our equipment is designed for specific age groups, clearly marked, and designed to prevent children from accessing features beyond their developmental capabilities.

Read More: Safety Surfacing: What to Put Under Your Playground Equipment

Material Safety

One of the most crucial aspects of any commercial playground equipment for outdoor playgrounds and parks is what it's made of. We select materials not just for durability but also for safety, such as:

Non-toxic, splinter-free materials: All our materials are carefully chosen to be safe for children and free from harmful chemicals and splinters.
Heat-resistant materials: We use special coatings and materials that resist heat absorption, preventing burns on hot days.
Anti-static additives: Our plastic components include anti-static additives to prevent shock and the accumulation of static electricity.

Ongoing Safety Monitoring and Education

Our commitment to safety extends well beyond the installation of a playground. Ongoing monitoring, support, and education ensures your playground remains safe year after year. Here's what that entails:

Regular Safety Inspections

Conducting comprehensive inspection services helps to identify and address potential safety hazards before they become issues. A certified playground safety inspector can provide:

Routine safety audits: Regular checks to ensure all equipment is in good working order and compliant with safety standards.
Detailed reports on the condition of equipment and surfacing: Comprehensive assessments that highlight any areas needing attention or improvement.
Recommendations for repairs or updates: Expert advice on maintaining and upgrading your playground to keep it safe and engaging.

Maintenance Programs

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity of playground and playground equipment. A solid maintenance program might include:

Scheduled equipment checks and adjustments: Regular visits to tighten hardware, lubricate moving parts, and ensure all components are functioning correctly.
Surfacing replenishment and repair: Ongoing maintenance of safety surfacing to ensure proper depth and shock absorption.
Prompt replacement of worn or damaged parts: Quick response to any equipment issues to minimize downtime and maintain safety.

Safety Education and Resources

As noted and suggested throughout, knowledge is crucial to playground safety. That's why we recommend the doing the following:

Training sessions for playground supervisors on safety monitoring: Webinars to help staff identify and address potential hazards.
Educational materials on playground safety for parents and caregivers: Brochures and online resources to promote safe play practices.
Resources on proper equipment use for children: Age-appropriate guides to help children understand how to use playground equipment safely and respectfully.

Read Now: Playground Safety Checklist

Build Your Outdoor Play Space Today

At Grounds for Play, we're more than just playground manufacturers. We're memory makers, skill builders, and champions of childhood. For over four decades, we've combined cutting-edge research, sustainable practices, and a passion for play to deliver playground solutions that:

Foster physical, cognitive, and social-emotional growth
Prioritize safety without compromising fun
Embrace environmental responsibility
Adapt to the unique needs of each community

Are you ready to transform your outdoor space into a vibrant hub of learning, growth, and joy? Take a moment to browse our products, processes, and other solutions on our website. If you're ready to begin your project, we're excited to bring your vision to life. Just contact us today to start your playground transformation journey.