Choosing a Playground For Sale

Kids have a lot of energy to burn, and playgrounds offer them a fun way to exercise. They also learn new skills that they can use in the future.

Playgrounds for children 6 months to 23 months feature smaller equipment and sensory experiences that engage them. They can also practice their coordination and balance on structures like merry-go-rounds.

Age-appropriate

When choosing playground equipment, it is important to consider the age range of kids who will use it. Playground equipment that is not age-appropriate can cause children to become frustrated and may prevent them from playing altogether. It can also increase the risk of injury. Age-appropriate playground equipment is crucial for maximizing the benefits of play and helping kids advance intellectually, physically, socially, and emotionally. Age-appropriate playground equipment can be found at many schools, child care centers and community areas.

Playgrounds for toddlers should include tunnel mazes, activity panels that stimulate sensory and motor skills and small structures like playhouses for make-believe and role-playing. This equipment will help toddlers learn about their world and develop physical coordination and balance. It is also important to have multiple entry and exit points around the equipment. This will reduce crowding on platforms and enable children to move around more freely.

For children ages 6 to 23 months, playgrounds should commercial playground include small climbing structures, low balance beams and crawl tunnels. Children in this age group have limited upper body strength, and they cannot hold themselves up on belt swings. They also do not have enough balance to walk over higher equipment. Playgrounds for this age group should include a variety of climbing activities, such as ladders and rungs.

For children ages 5-12, playgrounds should include high and mid-rise structures with slides. They should also have a variety of other elements that challenge children’s gross and fine motor skills, social interaction and problem-solving abilities. They should also offer open spaces to run and play ball.

Durable

Many playgrounds require a lot of use, so they need to be durable. This is especially important in commercial settings, where playgrounds are used by many children. Durable equipment avoids the need for repairs and replacements, saving money and time. It also looks better than worn and faded equipment. Durable commercial playgrounds should be rust-resistant, sturdy and have coatings that prevent corrosion.

When choosing a playground, look for metal structures that are made of galvanized steel with multiple layers of protection against corrosion and chipping. They should also have a textured surface and be coated with non-porous paints or non-penetrating stains. Wood structures should be treated with a wood preservative that is child safe and is rated for outdoor use.

A good choice for a playground is cedar, which has an oil that naturally resists decay and pests. It is also durable and can last as long as 20 years. Other choices for playgrounds include pressure-treated pine or cypress, which are both rated for outdoor use. Look for “Premium Preserved” pine or cypress to be sure you are getting top quality materials.

Plastic is a popular choice for playground equipment, and can be safe when it’s properly maintained. However, it’s important to note that if plastic is exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of time, it may require resurfacing or replacement. In addition, it’s important to regularly inspect the equipment for any splinters or cracks.

Easy to clean

Playgrounds are meant to be fun, but they also need to be safe. This includes the surfacing underneath playground equipment. A good surfacing material is easy to clean, and one that won’t introduce new toxins into the environment. It should also be durable enough to withstand the high levels of wear and tear that a commercial playground will experience.

Loose-fill playground surfacing materials like wood chips, sand, and rubber mulch can be difficult to maintain because they often become covered with dirt, leaves, and insects. To help prevent this, playground borders can be used to keep these loose-fill surfacing materials contained within the boundaries of the playground area. These can be made of wood, bricks, or pre-made molded plastic borders, such as those offered by Creative Playthings.

Poured in place rubber is another good choice for playground surfacing. It is a unitary surface that doesn’t require seams and joints like rubber tiles, and it can be installed at a depth of up to ten feet. It is also extremely cost-effective.

Although it is not as inexpensive as rubber mats, engineered wood fiber (EWF) is a popular option for affordable loose-fill surfacing. It is commercial playground a manufactured wood product that does not contain any twigs, barks, or natural debris, and it can be found in many different color options.

Safety first

When choosing a playground for sale, safety should be your first consideration. Ensure that the equipment is age-appropriate and that there are no sharp edges or protruding objects. The right spacing between pieces of equipment will also help keep kids safe as they play. A safe playground will also have the right surfacing and be free of tripping hazards.

Adult supervision is the best preventative measure to reduce the number of injuries on a playground. Studies have shown that lack of adult supervision is linked to nearly half of all playground-related injuries. Children can put themselves in dangerous situations even when under supervision, so having a responsible adult nearby is crucial. This will also allow the adult to take quick action if an injury occurs.

Make sure to have a first-aid kit on hand that includes wet wipes, adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment or cream, topical ibuprofen, tweezers and scissors. This will come in handy if a child gets a splinter or is bitten by an insect.

Regular safety checks and audits are also essential to keep your playground safe over time. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance, and have all of the necessary tools on hand. A tape measure, level, twine and ground stakes will all come in handy during the installation process.