Building a Playground is an investment. Because of the overall cost of building a playground is somewhat high, it is important that a lot of thought and planning go into it before you begin on the build. One of the most important aspects of the planning process is finding the right location for your playground.
When choosing a place to build your playground, you should consider things like shade, seasonal weather conditions, as well as where the sun will hit the playground at different times of day. No matter if the playground is indoor or outdoor, you will also need to determine the size of the area you want to cover. This article will discuss some of the more important considerations you should make when planning to build a new playground.
Weather conditions, the type of soil, and the availability of water are among some of the first considerations that need to be made. In addition, you should also consider the safety of children who might play on your playground. For example, you may have some hills or changes in topography that could be tripping hazards that need to be leveled out beforehand.
A good location can make your playground into a place where children love to play. They are able to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while being safe and protected by your sound playground design. Having fun is part of life, and childhood should be as enjoyable as possible. When you choose the perfect location for a playground, you will assist in creating memories that last a lifetime!
What to consider:
1) Consider climate
Climate refers to the region with the most similar climatic influences. A site will have four overall types of climates: cold, temperate, hot, and tropical depending on where you are in the world. Considering the type of equipment you install and the material the playground will be made of is an important consideration when it comes to climate. Cold climate sites usually have windy weather, dry seasons (winter months), short daylight hours, and are prone to freezes and snow. Hot climates get very hot during the summer months and sometimes year-round. Temperate climates have both hot and cold but never many extremes. Tropical climates usually have long rainy seasons followed by very sunny periods and quite humid conditions. Choosing a material that is going to be durable and stand up to weather conditions is one of the most important parts of building a successful playground.
2) Consider topography
Topography describes how the landscape looks. It’s an important factor because hills, valleys, cliffs, rocky terrain, lakes, rivers, and oceans affect what plants can grow there. You can see this reflected in the choice of building materials used to construct a playground. Materials such as wood will not work well in topographic areas that experience heavy rainfall because of wood being prone to rot.
3) Consider soil
Soil is the substance around the roots of plants. Different soils provide different amounts of nutrients and moisture, which affects the growth of plants. This means that the soil must meet the needs of the plants at the site before planting takes place. Good construction practices require that soil be tested and inspected before installation to ensure that the soil and foundation is going to be sturdy enough to handle the installation of a playground.
4) Consider vegetation
Vegetation is the natural plant community at a site. Natural plant communities are made up of various plant species that occur together. Often, vegetation plays a significant role in determining land suitability for particular uses.
5) Consider public accessibility
Accessibility refers to a site’s ease of access. Does the playground easily accessible from major roads? Is it easy to get to via sidewalks, trails, bike paths, or other pedestrian routes? If you plan on having a large amount of traffic to your playground, consider creating parking lots for cars and buses so visitors can easily find their way into the park.
6) Look for open spaces!
Open spaces give children a chance to run around safely without worrying about traffic, loud noises, or other hazards. Flat and well-vegetated landscapes allow for safe yet beautiful parks to be constructed. Consider an area surrounded by trees to add even more beautiful surroundings for your playground as well as shade.
Where is the best place to build a playground?
The best places to build a playground often depend on whether your goal is recreation or education. Public green spaces with good visibility and proximity to schools and residential neighborhoods offer the most potential for educational benefits. Schools have additional needs, though, so you should also look at private schools (i.e., those operated by church groups), community centers, recreation departments, and even local businesses. Some city governments encourage the creation of play areas within their boundaries.
What should I keep in mind when looking for a new playground design?
You should do some preliminary research regarding what kind of play equipment best fits your intended goals for a particular location. For example, will you want to incorporate swings, slides, climbing structures, a teeter-totter, etc.? The size of the playground must also factor into how much time and money you choose to spend on it. Depending on your budget and availability of labor, a well-designed and adequately built playground could cost between $50,000 and $150,000. A smaller-scale version might only cost as little as $10,000. Don’t worry too much about cost; after all, kids love playing outdoors and spending time with friends just as much as adults do.
Austin Playground Installation
When it comes to building a playground, thorough planning is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable space for children. At T.F Harper, we understand the importance of creating a playground that not only fosters fun and learning but also meets all safety requirements. As experts in Austin playground services, we have the experience and expertise to guide you through the planning process. Whether it’s selecting the perfect location, considering factors like accessibility and aesthetics, or ensuring compliance with regulations, our team is here to assist you every step of the way.
Explore our website or give us a call today to start creating a well-planned playground that will bring joy to children for years to come.
