Commercial
Playground Equipment

What is Commercial Playground Equipment?

We define commercial playground equipment as play equipment that is designed for use in public areas like a park or high use areas like a school, church, daycare, or HOA.

At Actively Play, we specialize in commercial playground equipment, and it's a passion that drives us daily due to its numerous advantages. Playgrounds not only provide a safe environment for children to have fun but also encourages them to be active, helps develop social skills, and brings communities together.

Types of Commercial Playground Equipment

In order to cater to the diverse needs and abilities of kids, there is a wide variety of commercial playground equipment available. Let's explore the different categories and structures available.

Age Categories for Playground Equipment

First, let’s take a look at the age categories. A piece of commercial equipment typically has one of four age range designations to help ensure that the playground is appropriate for the target age that it serves.

• For infants ages 6-23 months, there are specialized outdoor playground equipment structures that focus on sensory development and exploration. These may include play systems with interactive panels, low-level slides, and simple climbers.
• For children ages 2-5 years old, the level of physical challenge is increased while still remaining accessible for the age group. For playground structures, the deck height will increase which allows for taller climbers and slides. While the height does increase in this category, there is often still a focus on ground level components for the younger kids in this range.
• For children ages 5-12 years old, playground equipment is at it’s most challenging to provide an engaging play experience for this age group. Decks are taller on play structures to allow for big slides and climbers. There are also many low level play features that are classified 5-12 like net climbers and overhead climbers.
• For children ages 2-12 years old, playground equipment is intended to be engaging across a wide age range. Free standing equipment like swings, seesaws, and some spinners fit into this category. Playground structures have play elements that are accessible for younger kids and more challenging elements that are engaging for older kids without increasing the challenge of the structure too high for younger kids.

Playground Structures

Playground structures form the central part of most commercial playground areas. The playground structures we offer fit in these categories:

• 3.5-inch Post Structures: These structures use 3.5 inch main posts and are the most affordable playground structure option. They are a great choice for small to medium sized areas.
• 5-inch Post Structures: Structures with 5 inch main posts are capable of the largest and tallest decks, slides, and climbers. They are an excellent choice for medium to large areas. They are frequently used for inclusive playgrounds, public parks, and school playground equipment. 
• Obstacle Course Structures: These structures are designed to challenge children's physical abilities through a series of obstacles such as balance beams, monkey bars, climbing walls, and overhead events. Playground obstacle courses encourage agility, coordination, and problem-solving skills. They are typically compact with a high density of play features for the area they require.
• Themed Structures: Themed structures add an element of imagination and playfulness to the playground. They can be designed to resemble castles, ships, forts, or even natural environments like forests or jungles. These commercial playground sets often include interactive play panels and themed accessories to enhance the imaginative play experience. If you are interested in a theme that you don’t see represented, please let us know. Our design team can create a custom theme for you.
• Inclusive Playgrounds: These structures utilize ramps so the structure is either partially or entirely wheelchair accessible. There are a lot of creative things our design team can do with inclusive playground equipment and they pair well with inclusive freestanding options.

Free Standing Equipment

Apart from playground structures, there is also a wide range of free standing equipment available. A free standing playground element is a play feature that is on it’s own and is not connected to playground structure. Here are the main categories of free standing playground equipment.

• Playground Climbers: Climbers come in various shapes and sizes such as rock walls, net climbers, dome climbers, overhead climbers, and much more. Adding a free standing climber can be a great way to bring challenge to a playground. They may also be used creatively by older children in playground games like “floor is lava” or tag.
• Spring Riders: Spring riders are a classic playground fixture and very popular among younger children. They are typically shaped like animals or vehicles and bring some personality to the playground.
• Seesaws: Seesaws provide an enjoyable way for children to interact with each other while developing their balance and coordination skills.
• Spinners: Spinners offer a thrilling spinning experience that engages children's vestibular system. There are many different styles of spinners that we have available. This is a category we’ve seen grow substantially over the years.
• Merry-go-rounds: Merry go rounds (also known as carousels) allow multiple children to enjoy spinning together in a safe and controlled manner. We have several classic merry-go-round designs available as well as some ADA merry-go-rounds that install flush with the surfacing to allow a wheelchair access.
• Balance Beams: Balance beams help improve core strength and stability while challenging children's balance skills.
• Crawl Tubes: Crawl tubes provide tunnels for crawling through, adding an element of adventure and exploration.
• Music Equipment: Playground music equipment includes items like xylophones or drums that encourage creativity and auditory stimulation.

Commercial Swings

Swings are an essential component of the playground experience. Kids love to swing! Swing sets are great for a wide range of ages and abilities. Swinging is a soothing activity and also promotes social interaction as kids swing together.

There are many different types of commercial playground swings available. Here is how we break down the categories:

• Arch Post Swings: This style of swing is probably the post common. It’s an arch on either end connected with a top rail. With arch post swings you can add multiple bays for a long row of swings.
• Single Post Swings: Single post swings only have one vertical support post to support the top rail. Single post swings can also support multi bay configurations depending on how many swings are needed.
• Swing Set Accessories: This includes the actual swing that is attached to the top rail. There are many swings available for different purposes like belt swings, bucket swings, ADA swings, and disc swings.

Factors to Consider when Selecting Playground Equipment

When choosing commercial playground equipment, there are several important factors to consider. These factors will help ensure the safety, engagement, and suitability of the equipment for specific age groups and stakeholders. Let's dive into these key considerations:

Age Appropriateness

One of the first things to consider is the age appropriateness of the playground equipment. Different age groups have different needs and abilities, so it's crucial to select equipment that caters to these requirements. For example, younger children may need equipment with lower heights and simpler structures, while older kids might benefit from more challenging elements like climbing walls.

Play Features

The play features offered by the equipment should align with the needs and preferences of the stakeholders involved. This could include a variety of elements like playground slides, swings, climbing structures, spinning platforms, or interactive panels. Having a diverse range of play features ensures that children can engage in various activities that promote physical fitness and social interaction.

Space Availability

The available space for your playground will greatly influence the size and layout of the equipment you choose. It's essential to measure your space accurately to ensure there is enough room for the playground equipment and the safety zone each piece requires.

This is also a great time to think about the space required for other amenities you may want to include like shade structures, bike racks, picnic tables, and trash receptacles.  It's important to make sure all those elements fit well with your playground equipment and don't interfere with safety zones. 

Budget Constraints

Budget is another important consideration. You need to carefully plan your budget to cover not only the cost of the equipment itself but also make sure it can be properly installed with the necessary safety surfacing.

Compliance with Safety Standards

Safety should always be a top priority when selecting playground equipment. Ensure that all chosen items comply with relevant safety standards such as ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) or CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) guidelines. Look for equipment that has been tested and certified to meet these standards, as this guarantees a secure environment for children. The playground equipment we offer meets ASTM and CPSC standards for commercial playgrounds.

Playground Safety Surfacing

The type of safety surfacing used in your playground is another crucial consideration. The surfacing material should provide adequate cushioning to minimize the risk of injuries from falls. Check to see what the highest “fall height” is on your playground and choose a surfacing option that is certified to meet that “fall height”. Options such as engineered wood fiber, rubber mulch, poured-in-place rubber, or playground turf can help create a safe play surface. Keep in mind that the choice of safety surfacing will impact both the overall budget for equipment.

By considering these factors - age appropriateness, play features, space availability, budget constraints, compliance with safety standards, and playground safety surfacing - you can make an informed decision when selecting commercial playground equipment. Remember to prioritize the safety and engagement of children while meeting the needs and preferences of stakeholders.

Why Choose Us for Commercial Play Structures?

Experience and Expertise

We have over 20 years of experience in designing and installing outdoor recreation spaces. Our team has extensive knowledge and expertise in crafting engaging and safe playgrounds that cater to the unique needs of our clients.

Tailored Design Solutions

At Actively Play, we understand that each client has specific requirements. That's why we have an in-house design team dedicated to creating customized play spaces that meet your exact specifications. Whether you're looking for themed playgrounds or a versatile play area for a wide range of ages, our designers will work closely with you to bring your vision to life.

Seamless Installation Process

We take pride in providing a hassle-free installation process for all our clients. With an in-house installation team, we can handle every aspect of your project, ensuring a smooth and efficient installation process. Alternatively, if you prefer a hands-on approach, our experts can guide you through the installation steps so that you can take charge of bringing your play structure to life.

Budget-Friendly Options

We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality commercial play structures regardless of their budget constraints. That's why we offer affordable options without compromising on quality or safety. Our range of cost-effective solutions ensures that there is something for every budget, allowing more people to enjoy the benefits of well-designed and durable play structures.

Superior Quality Materials

Durability is paramount. We work with playground equipment manufactures that use quality materials and manufacturing processes to ensure your outdoor playground equipment stands up to the elements and lasts.

Safety Standards Compliance

The safety of children is always at the forefront of our minds when designing and installing commercial play structures. We have multiple CPSI (Certified Playground Safety Inspectors) on staff, ensuring that our playgrounds provide a safe and secure environment for children to play. With our focus on safety compliance, you can have peace of mind knowing that your play structure meets or exceeds industry regulations.

The Importance of Commercial Playground Equipment

Playgrounds are more than just places where children have fun; they are essential for their physical, social, and cognitive development. Investing in high-quality commercial playground equipment ensures that children have a safe and stimulating environment to explore, learn, and grow. Our commitment to providing top-notch playground equipment means you can trust us to deliver products that meet the highest safety standards while also encouraging imaginative play and fostering social interactions.

So don't wait any longer – give your community or organization an incredible space for kids to thrive. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and let our team help you create a vibrant playground that will bring joy and laughter for years to come!

FAQs

How do I choose the right size of commercial playground equipment?

Selecting the appropriate size of commercial playground equipment depends on various factors such as available space, age range of children using it, and budget constraints. Consider consulting with our experts who can guide you in making an informed decision based on your unique requirements.

Can I customize the design of my commercial play structure?

Absolutely! We understand that every project vision is different. Our team can work closely with you to create a customized design that aligns with your preferences while adhering to safety regulations.

What maintenance is required for commercial playground equipment?

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity and safety of your commercial playground equipment. Always check the manufactures maintenance information for specific maintenance requirements. Here are some general recomendations: Inspect it regularly for any signs of wear or damage, clean it thoroughly, tighten loose bolts if necessary, address any repairs promptly, and check the safety surfacing to make sure it’s in good shape.

Are your commercial play structures ADA-compliant?

Yes, we prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in our designs. Our commercial play structures meet the 2010 ADA Standard. We also have models available that are entirely and partially accessible with a wheelchair.

What safety measures are incorporated into your commercial playground equipment?

Safety is our utmost priority. Our commercial playground equipment meets industry safety standards.

How long does it take to install commercial playground equipment?

The installation time for commercial playground equipment varies depending on several factors such as the size of the project and the complexity of the design. Generally, it takes anywhere from a few days for smaller project to a few weeks for large installations.

Do you offer installation services?

Yes! We provide installation services nationwide. Wherever you are, our dedicated team will ensure a seamless installation process. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and location specifics.