Slides are among the favorite pieces of play equipment for kids. If you’re planning a playground construction project in Austin or need to upgrade/get maintenance on your existing playground equipment, slides are essential. As with all playground equipment, there are several factors to consider before deciding on the perfect slide for your project. For example, all slides should have safety features to keep the kids feel comfortable and safe as they play. The age factor is another issue to consider, as slides are manufactured to meet the needs of kids of different ages. Buying the right equipment for your playground’s demographic will keep them safe and happy. Last, it is also essential to take into consideration your budget, as it’s important to make sure your choice of slide does not exceed the project’s budget when buying equipment for a new or existing playground.
It’s important to consider all of these factors and more when deciding on the right slide for your project. We’ll discuss these points in-depth below.
Age Recommendations
The first step to take so that you can buy the right play equipment for your playground is to check out the age limit. Stick to your playground’s target demographic, and you will get the right slide that will serve your visitors’ kids well. People who manufacture slides know the safety requirement of kids at different ages. You can work with them, and they will help you get the right play equipment that will meet the needs of your audience.
Material Selection
You can most commonly find slides made out of metal or plastic. Always ensure the material selection is safe for your playground’s visitors. The edges should be smooth to avoid incidents where you will end up injuring the kids as they play on the slides. Choosing the right materials for your target age group will keep the kids comfortable and safe when playing. Choosing the right material also determines how much maintenance will be needed on the slide itself when installed at your playground in Austin. The paint applied on the surfaces of the slides should be non-carcinogenic to avoid cases where you can expose the kids to health risk.
Safety Features
Any piece of play equipment should come with the necessary safety features. When it comes to slides, the slope should not be too high to expose kids to injury. Some manufacturers make slides with sharp edges. It is essential to check out the edges and ensure they are smooth enough to avoid cases where you can expose the kids to injury. Getting a unit that is built to be safe for your playground’s age group will be a great way to go about it.
Durability & Intended Use
You can find slides that are designed for use in a commercial playground as well as ones intended for backyards. In a commercial setup, you will need a heavy-duty slide that will hold up to intense use. When several kids use the slide in a single day, there are high chances the slide will wear out fast. Ensure you get a slide that is built to assure you great durability based on the type of use you are about to expose it to.
Size, Shape & Design of Playground Equipment in Austin
Slides can come in several shapes. You can get a sectional, spiral or wave among other types. Make sure you take the time to check out the size and shape options available before choosing one that can work well for the space available in your playground. It is also a good idea to keep in mind the playground’s general theme. Kids will have much more fun and be able to engage their imagination fully if you can find a slide that enhances the playground’s aesthetic and meshes with the rest of the equipment design.
