One of the things that young children enjoy almost more than anything else is the time they get to spend at the playground. What they do not realize, and for that matter often their parents do not consider, are the elements that go into making the perfect playground. There are different stages that go into the finished playground that many may not realize must all be carefully considered for the fun to come together.
Elements Involved in Playgrounds
There are at least four elements that go into planning a playground and that must be considered after it has been built. These include:
- The Site Planning. This includes finding the location and the attractions that will be utilized.
- The Design. This is the part where an idea of the playground rides and other attractions come to life on paper.
- The Installation. This includes acquiring and implementing the elements specified on the design.
- The Maintenance. This comes after the completion of the playground, and includes ongoing maintenance of the area and equipment.
The Power of a Playground
The power a playground has is the lure of the equipment that has been installed. Children cannot get enough of going down the sliding board, riding on swings, and enjoying other equipment there. However, there are other amenities children do not think about but are a welcome sight to parents, such as the picnic tables or benches. Some playgrounds are almost as exciting for adults as they are for children since they can make a day of being there when they have shelters and BBQ grills to use.
Older Children and Playgrounds
There are some playgrounds that are geared toward older children as well as younger children. These playground often have items like bike racks, bleachers, and water fountains. This makes it a place for a ball game or other sport and since they are older they might ride their bike to play with their friends or team rather than being accompanied by an adult.
Fun and Safety
Playgrounds are fun for children and adults when they have all of the amenities for both. It can be a fun day for the children and a nice day outdoors for adults possibly including lunch at the park. The one thing that can ruin a fun day is if there are safety issues with the equipment. This is why playground equipment should be well maintained and checked often to ensure that it remains safe for all users. Equipment should also be inspected for signs of excessive wear, and worn items should be replaced or repaired promptly.
Playground Locations
Playgrounds are found in many places including:
- City Parks
- Schools
- Religious Institutions
- Sports Parks
These types of locations can vary, depending on the type of park or organization overseeing the area. If you are looking for a park in your area, a quick online search should guide you to the right place. If you are interested in having a playground or playscape installed outside your park or building, contact T.F. Harper & Associates LP, located in San Marcos, TX.
