5 Types of Commercial Playground Equipment

Many of us have fond childhood memories that involve time spent on a playground. However, if equipment becomes worn and rusty, it poses a danger to children who use it.

Commercial playground equipment is built to be used by a large number of kids over a long period of time. It is typically more expensive than residential options.

Climbers

Climbers are ideal for school playgrounds as they encourage children to interact and develop their coordination and balance. Climbing also works their muscles, helping them build up strength. Schoolscapes offer an extensive range of climbers suitable for both EYFS and Primary age ranges.

While climbing toys are an excellent way for young children to improve their physical development, it’s important that you provide them with the right equipment to prevent injury. This is why many playgrounds have safety surfaces, which are made from different materials. Some of these surfaces are rubber, which provides excellent traction and is soft on falls, while others are wood or plastic.

The latter is sturdy and easy to clean, but it can be splinters if not properly maintained. Wood is another popular material, but it can be slippery and may not be able to support the weight of some children.

Most climbers need an external support, known as a trellis, to help them grow and stay upright. This can be a wood or metal framework that can be attached to walls, fences and arches. The structure should be anchored with plant ties or twine to ensure that the climbers are growing in the desired direction. However, some climbers, such as ivy and trumpet vine (Campsis), can grow on their own without a trellis.

Spring Riders

Spring riders, also known as spring rockers, provide a fun and engaging way to help children and young adolescents build their strength and balance. Featuring a spring beneath a central flange and 1 to 4 plastic or fiberglass seats, these fun playground toys encourage kids to use play equipment their core muscles while also developing spatial awareness as they move their bodies back and forth on the ride. Some spring riders are designed to accommodate multiple children at once, allowing them to practice social skills while playing together or taking turns.

Spring riders come in a wide range of styles, ensuring that they can easily blend into any playground design. Some feature animal designs, including horses with a natural look and feel to inspire imaginative play. Other spring riders are crafted to resemble popular vehicles, like race cars and rocket ships. This helps kids to connect with their favorite characters while they enjoy the bouncy action of these playground favorites.

For added excitement, some spring play equipment riders incorporate a spinning element into their design. These inclusive spinners help kids with disabilities experience a new kind of movement that challenges their posture and provides an extra challenge that is not available on traditional stationary spinners.

Merry-Go-Rounds

Often called “roundabouts” or carousels, merry-go-rounds are popular with children of all ages. The spinning action helps kids develop their motor, balance and cognitive skills, while it builds up their muscles. It’s a great way to get some exercise in a fun setting, but it can also encourage social interaction as friends climb around and around the revolving platform.

While it’s not quite as dangerous as the old-school Witch’s Hat, this piece of equipment used to spin kids so fast that they got dizzy. While the equipment is still sometimes found on older playgrounds, it’s usually ripped out in newer parks in favor of more safe options.

A merry-go-round works the same as a traditional swing, but it’s designed for multiple kids to sit or stand while adults push it so it rotates. Some models are also equipped with handlebars that help kids control the direction in which it spins.

While they may not seem like a big deal at first glance, commercial playground equipment is carefully engineered to ensure that it’s safe and durable. Playground equipment is inspected and approved by a number of third-party organizations, including ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) and IPEMA (International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association). Choosing reputable manufacturers that comply with these rules and regulations will help you ensure the safety of your playground.

Seesaws

Seesaws are a type of playground equipment that features two seats and a board balanced in the middle. They are popular among children because of their fun and interactive nature. There are a number of ways that kids can use this equipment to improve their balance and coordination. For example, they can play on it with friends or family members or even just by themselves. In addition, this equipment can also help them develop their fine motor skills.

Seesaws come in different sizes and shapes, but most have handles for the riders to hold. They can also be designed to look like aeroplanes, cars or animals to make them more interesting for kids. There are also seesaws that can accommodate more than two people. In such cases, the kids will need to interact with each other and this will help them develop social skills.

While these types of playground equipment might seem harmless, parents should be aware of their potential dangers and ensure that the children are always safe. They should be taught to follow safety measures when playing on a seesaw or any other piece of playground equipment. This will not only help them stay healthy, but it will also teach them to be responsible adults.