What Is a Playset?
A playset is a great way to encourage kids to get outdoors and burn off energy. It can also help develop physical balance and strength, creativity and independence.
Typically, it’s a combination of towers (also called decks), ladders, swings and accessories like seesaws and teeter-totters. It’s also a good idea to add shock-absorbing protective surfacing around the set, such as shredded rubber or wood mulch, to help cushion falls.
Safety First
As parents, we’re all concerned about our kids’ safety. After all, it’s number one on the job description right along with keeping them fed, clothed (mostly) and sheltered. That includes when they’re at the playground. That’s why it’s important to make sure that a playset is safe for our kids to use.
The most common cause of injuries on playground equipment is falling from it, and that’s why the surface underneath your playset is so important. Grass, for instance, is hard on little bodies if they land on it from the height of some pieces of equipment. But sand or gravel can be more forgiving. They’re also relatively inexpensive and easy to come by, and both will absorb impact better than grass or dirt.
Similarly, covering the ground under your playground with wood chips or mulch is also safe for kids to fall on. The key is that you need to make sure that the material is loose enough to cushion children’s falls, and it’s best to use a loose-fill surface 12 inches deep or more. Any deeper than that and the material might become hard-packed and no longer provide the necessary cushioning. You’ll also need to rake it back in occasionally, so that objects don’t get left behind. And remember to teach your kids simple playground safety rules that they should follow both at home and in public playgrounds.
Modularity
A playground set is a piece of equipment erected in a backyard for children to play on and around. Traditionally, these pieces were called swing sets or backyard play centers but over the years manufacturers have introduced more and more options that have come to be known as modular playgrounds. Today, these home playground units can include a wide range of elements like gliders, swings, slides, monkey bars, teeter-totters, jungle gyms and more to give kids a variety of fun outdoor activities to do.
A designated play surface is a safety precaution that should be used when installing playground equipment. This should be playground set made up of sand, pea gravel, mulch or shredded rubber and is designed to cushion falls that might occur while kids are on the structure. It’s also ideal to place the playground equipment on a grass rather than concrete.
Space
A playground set is a play system that includes swings, slides, monkey bars, teeter-totters, jungle gyms and more. These quality sets provide fun for kids of all ages and can help them build strength, confidence, balance and coordination. They also inspire children to use their imaginations as they explore the towers, bridges, seesaws, and other equipment in a safe environment.
While the simplest playground sets feature just swings commercial indoor playground equipment manufacturers and a slide, today’s playsets come in an endless variety of sizes, shapes, features and activities. From freestanding swings to those that attach to a deck, many feature climbing walls, fixed bridges, rope ladders and sandboxes. Some even offer clubshouses, tube slides and a variety of other play opportunities.
In order to keep children safe, most playgrounds require a safety zone around the entire equipment. This area should be at least 6 feet in all directions, and free of hazards such as fences, trees and garden tools. In addition, the safety zone should have a protective surface such as wood mulch/chips, engineered wood fiber, shredded rubber or sand.
While blacktop and concrete used to be popular as playground surfaces, these types of surfaces do not offer much in the way of safety protection if a child falls. Instead, consider using a material that has been tested for shock absorption such as wood mulch, pea gravel, sand or shredded rubber.
Budget
A playground set is a great way for kids of all ages to get exercise and explore their imagination. It can be as simple or elaborate as your backyard allows. The cost of a playset can range from $500 to $10,000. In addition to equipment, you’ll need to include costs for site preparation and safety surfacing. The latter is crucial for kid’s safety, as falling off a swing is an inevitability. It’s also important to consider the number of children you plan on accommodating at any given time. If you are not careful, you could spend a lot more than your budget allows.
If you choose a playground set from a big-name manufacturer, installation will cost an average of $150 to $900. The manufacturer will supply a list of local installers familiar with their products. These contractors can save you money on labor by reducing the cost of the project. However, if you’re planning to DIY the installation, make sure you have the time and energy to take on this project. Playsets are heavy, so you’ll need at least two strong friends to help you out.
Another thing to factor in is the cost of materials, such as pressure-treated lumber or cedar. Also, you’ll need to account for freight rates, which can vary depending on where you live and the size of your order. Finally, don’t forget to budget for yearly maintenance of your play equipment. This includes replacing splintered wood and oiling chains and hooks.