Guide to buying playground equipment

Buying playground equipment can feel a rather daunting task, but with a little guidance it can be much easier than you think. Selecting the right playground equipment for your space doesn’t need to be a tough decision and getting it right is simply a case of planning, and ensuring you have a professional company on your side throughout the process.

Here are just a few steps to help you purchase the right playground equipment for your school.

Plan the playground

When it comes to selecting the right playground equipment, it pays to put the planning in place. Whether you’re looking to add to your current line up of playground equipment or want to add a brand new playground from scratch, having a good idea about what you want and who you want it for is essential to ensuring you choose the right equipment.

Plan your budget

To know exactly what you need, you’ll first need to look at your budget. How big is it? Can you add to it through fundraising? Can you apply for local grants?

Consider the space

Once you know the budget you have to work with – whether that’s all your own, what you’ve raised or even what you’ve been given through local sponsorships – you’ll then need to look at your space and what you have to work with.

Without knowing the space you have to work with, you won’t be able to choose the right equipment that will fit your chosen area. Remember, it’s not simply a case of forcing in each and every item you can afford that will fit. It’s so much more than that. You’ll need to consider a multitude of things from zoning to accessibility.

Design the playground

Once you’ve figured out your budget, the space available and who your playground is for, it’s time to start selecting your equipment. To do this, you’ll need to consider a few different factors:

Zoning

Playgrounds are usually designed in zones. An active zone, an imaginative zone etc. How you design your zones will be down to you and who you want to use it. You can create zones through different coloured flooring, fenced off areas or by using playground markings to create patterns and designs on playground floors.

Imagination

Ensure your playground equipment includes areas that will actively encourage little ones to use their imaginations. Can you provide building blocks? A play ship? Outdoor kitchen areas?

Active

It’s important to keep little ones active too. Climbing frames and other similar equipment are particularly good for this as they allow children to stay active through play. They’ll get the exercise they need without even realising it.

Accessibility

Ensuring all equipment is accessible isn’t just down to zoning and providing enough space to approach the equipment from all angles, it’s also about selecting accessible equipment i.e. equipment that can be accessed regardless of abilities. Ensure you have truly accessible equipment within your playground too.

We know it can all feel a little too much, especially when you’re selecting equipment for a playground that you’re designing from scratch, however, there is help out there. Sovereign Early Years design playground equipment for children in early years and beyond, and provide an incredible design and installation process.

All you’ll need to do is tell us what you’re looking for, the space you have and the budget you have to work with. Then, with our incredible design and installation team, we can make it happen. If, however, you’re simply looking for a little guidance, our team will be more than happy to help.

Call Sovereign Early Years today on 01702 804198