8 Important Planning Considerations for your Playground Design
Good playground design involves balancing your children’s needs, volume, age distribution, developmental aspects, and site conditions. Assess your present space by drawing a rough diagram. Include the seasonal aspects of your layout including sunlight, wind direction, snow/ice/rain. Observe the following:
- type and amount of natural materials
- small vs. large space
- topographical features, e.g. steep slopes, trees, rocks
- shared spaces with other age groups
- shaded area–either hard shelter or shade structure
You’ll need assess the following site conditions:
1. Measure your site and scale to your drawing. Triangulate your area be placing flags that will act as your measuring points, e.g. pt A, pt B, pt C. You’ll then be able to take effective measurements as triangles. Once you have all sides to a triangle, e.g. A to B to C, you’ll be able to calculate your area. The site can be split into rectangles, triangles and circles as you place your flags.
2. Identify all existing elements on the site: paths, trees, shrubs, fencing, buildings, large rocks, drainage, and swales.
3. Identify the plants and trees present and check that are all nontoxic
4. Note any areas affected by the sun, shade, wind, rain, and snow
5. Locate any underground services, such as sewer, water and gas. Any overhead power or phone lines? Any overhanging roof or tree branches?
6. Indicate any natural slopes or valleys
7. Identify any drainage problems
8. Determine if there’s a connection to water for play activities
Operational aspects:
In addition to overall environment, address the folloiwing:
* How will it be financed?
* What are the zoning requirements? What permits are needed?
* Determine the best source for evaluating, and ordering equipment and materials. KorKat can assist with the initial design and specifications for obtaining quotations.
* Consider your installation method–self-install, community build, turn-key installation
* Who will do landscaping and initial site preparation?
The following was adapted from Tracy Theemes’ “Let’s Go Outside! Designing the Early Childhood Playground”
Don’t forget to reference the Fundraising Resources page on the top right tab, for products and resource to help you with your playground fundraiser. If you are planning a playground in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, or North Carolina and would like additional advice as to making the most of an existing budget, please contact us at www.korkat.com
Related posts:
- The Sensory Rich Playground is For Children of All Abilities
- Playground Design – What you Should Know
- Playground Planning: Include These “7 Zones” To Create a Balanced Playground Environment
- Building Church Playgrounds for Congregation & Community
- 5 Tips to Build the Ideal Playground and Recreational Amenities for Your Apartment Community
For over 7 years, I've been a recreation advocate and playground and park design consultant. Father to 2 little ones, and husband to my wife who is a pediatric Occupational Therapist, I've taken a very personal interest in designing inclusive playground environments to clients looking for a cost-effective, dynamic and challenging recreation environment for kids of all abilities to soar on.
We are considering a play ground, with approximate size of 24′ X 50′ area. Suggestions????
My email, jtm6425@gmail.com
Thank you for your help.
Hi James. Thanks for reaching out to us. Where are you located and do you have a number to reach you? There are a lot of considerations to consider when planning & building your playground. You’re welcome to contact our office @ 770-214-9322 and we can get you in touch w/one of the Korkat design consultants.