Since we began selling Park Playground Equipment for state of Minnesota in the early 1980s, we have seen a lot of changes. Commercial park playgrounds are durable and typically found in municipal parks.
Parks are a popular oasis for individuals of all ages seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of urban living. Their grounds provide natural landscaping and beauty and are a great place for peace and quiet, a picnic lunch, or a community event. Park playground equipment is a popular amenity that gives kids a chance to burn off energy while they play.
Park playground equipment isn’t limited to swings and slides (though both are big draws). It includes a variety of structures, devices, and playsets installed in public parks and recreational areas for play and entertainment. The equipment is designed to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for children to engage in physical activity, social interaction, and imaginative play.
Choosing the right park playground equipment can be challenging. Your goal should be to cater to different age groups and abilities to ensure that as many children as possible can participate in activities suited to their developmental stages.
A well-designed park playground will include a diverse mix of equipment. The following play features are most common:
- Swings. Swings are a timeless classic that has appealed to generations of kids. They come in various styles, including traditional swings, bucket swings for younger children, and tire swings.
- Slides. Slides provide an inclined surface for children to slide down. They come in different heights and designs, catering to various age groups.
- Climbing Structures. Climbing structures such as platforms, ladders, nets, and climbing walls challenge children’s physical coordination and motor skills.
- Seesaws. Seesaws allow children to rock back and forth while seated on opposite ends. This helps kids develop a sense of balance and other fine motor skills.
- Merry-Go-Rounds. Merry-go-rounds offer a spinning play experience that engages different muscles, helping children develop balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.
- Spring Riders. Spring riders — typically designed to look like animals or vehicles — not only help spark the imagination; they allow children to rock back and forth, which helps build core strength while promoting balance and coordination.
- Climbing Nets. Climbing nets encourage children to climb vertically or horizontally, promoting physical strength and coordination.
- Interactive Play Panels. Interactive play panels offer a fun and educational experience that promotes cognitive and mental skill development and encourages teamwork through puzzles, sensory activities, and educational games.
- Shade Structures. Playground park equipment that includes shade structures or canopies provides protection from the sun and makes playtime more comfortable.
- Accessible Equipment. Inclusive and accessible playground equipment is designed to accommodate children with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can participate in play. Ramps, adaptive swing seats, sensory stations, and musical play sets are a few examples.
- Outdoor Fitness Equipment. In addition to traditional play equipment, parks might include outdoor fitness equipment for older children and adults to engage in physical exercise. This encourages people of all ages to visit the park, increasing its value to the entire community.
Since we began selling park playground equipment for the state of Minnesota in the early 1980s, we have seen a lot of changes. Commercial park playgrounds are durable and typically found in municipal parks. Park playground equipment is made with industrial strength materials and can last around 20-25 years. Manufacturers are required to follow the American Standard for Testing and Manufacturing (ASTM) rules, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards, and ADA guidelines.
Park playgrounds are an asset for any community; they are essential for children’s development and a great place for kids to get exercise. Park playground equipment can be customized to the specific needs of any park setting. Contact a project manager to get started!
