When it comes to creating outdoor play and leisure spaces, the possibilities are almost endless. There is a huge range of great equipment out there, and new options are always hitting the market. There is no doubt today’s playgrounds are more imaginative (and safer) than ever before.
However, the more options you have, the harder it can be to ensure you get the right ones for your space. It’s not about what looks good, what sounds fun, or what’s the latest and greatest. It’s all about what suits your space and the people who will be using it.
If you want to create a long-lasting, highly utilised and fully compliant play and/or leisure area, you first need to consider these five factors.
5 things to consider before choosing outdoor equipment
1. Space
Having a big space is no issue – you’ve got lots of options. But smaller spaces can be harder to plan for. Often, smaller spaces are underutilised because it’s assumed they are too compact to be functional.
But that doesn’t have to be true. With the right equipment and a good design, even compact spaces can be turned into great play spaces. You just need to think outside the box.
Look for equipment that is customisable or specifically designed for compact spaces. Depending on the needs of those using the space, it might also be preferable to build up rather than out, keeping the footprint small but the adventure big.
Some great options for small spaces include play towers and customised bay bridges.
2. Budget
This is one of the biggest hurdles for those looking to update or install equipment. Most schools and businesses don’t have unlimited budgets. But they still need to keep equipment safe and up to date.
If you need to stick to a strict budget, there are a few options available. Some materials and equipment are more cost-effective than others. Creating a smaller play space with less equipment will also reduce costs. Smart designs can mean great play spaces without a huge investment in lots of equipment.
But one of the best ways to maximise your budget is to apply for available government grants. Multiple grants are often available throughout the year across different sectors (including education and tourism) and can be used to upgrade facilities and equipment.
We announce most grants as they become available and often assist in the application process. We regularly notify and support our customers through the grant process – if you’d like to speak to one of our team members on grant application support, get in touch: sales@imaginationplay.com.au.
3. Your community
One of the most important factors to consider when creating a new play or leisure space is who will be using it – and how. This will be unique to every space.
Public spaces will be utilised by a wider range of people and ages – and for a wider range of activities. You’ll likely want to consider more than just play areas and equipment, but perhaps leisure and fitness as well.
Schools will need to cater to children of varying ages and focus not only on play but on learning and development too.
Holiday parks and clubs will be focused on entertaining guests and patrons and will be paying extra attention to safety and insurability.
What will provide the most value not only for you but also for those who use the space?
4. Accessibility
This ties in directly with community and who will be using your spaces. Play is for everyone, and it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that playgrounds are designed to be inclusive and accessible to children of all ages and abilities.
Accessibility can be achieved in different ways. It could mean accessible-friendly design (like ramps and low-to-the-ground equipment) or specific equipment designed to be accessible for those with different needs like this inclusive range.
When planning your play areas, consider the current or potential accessibility needs of children and how they could be incorporated into the design.
5. Maintenance
There is no use going to the effort to budget for, design and install great equipment if it is only going to be usable and safe for a short time. Maintained well, play equipment can last years and years.
Maintaining your equipment is the key to longevity (and to ensuring you continue to meet safety regulations). Different equipment and materials have different maintenance requirements which need to be considered before installation. For example, steel, plastic and natural wood all respond differently to extensive use and the elements. Beware of picking equipment based on price or aesthetics alone!
Create great spaces with expert guidance
Who knew play could be so serious? Fun play and leisure spaces require serious thought. Considering these five factors in your planning process will help you create the perfect space that can be safely enjoyed for many years to come.
Sometimes, you might not know the answers (like what material is right for your environment). Some answers might even raise more questions. This is why it’s a good idea to consult an expert who can audit your space and recommend the most appropriate options. That could be a landscape architect or an equipment provider.
Imagination Play has been creating, manufacturing and installing play and fitness equipment across Australia for over 20 years and we regularly provide design and equipment guidance. Our customisable play and fitness equipment are perfect for any space, budget, and the Aussie outdoors. Above and beyond our equipment we are also an expert source of information on everything from materials to compliance, age-appropriate equipment, grant applications and more. For more information about our range of equipment or design guidance, get in touch with the Imagination Play team.
