Finding the best options for your school can be challenging. Will the kids be safe? Will they get the physical activity they need for good health? And most importantly, is it fun? Don't fret, we've got your back. Here are the best playground equipment types for your school:
Different age groups have different needs, and it's crucial to ensure that the playground equipment is suitable for the students who will be using it.
Toddlers (6–23 months): Safety should always come first, especially for little children. Playground equipment designed for toddlers is usually low to the ground and secure, such as high-back bucket seats for swings.
Preschoolers (2–5 years): Imagination is key at this age. Provide opportunities for the kids to climb, explore, and develop their fine motor skills.
School-aged children (5–12 years): Elementary school is a crucial time for kids to grow and develop. Provide opportunities that foster social engagement, encourage movement, and promote sensory play.
Concerned about fall injuries? The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (US CPSC) mandates protective surfacing. Consider these options when choosing playground surfacing:
Playground Wood Chips: The cheapest approved surfacing material. While popular due to its low initial cost, it requires regular maintenance.
Recycled Rubber Mulch: Made from recycled materials, this surface is safe, non-toxic, offers superior shock absorption, and requires less maintenance.
Kids' Outdoor Rubber Safety Mats: These mats reduce maintenance requirements for wood chips and rubber mulch, preventing displacement and adding safety.
Playground Safety Mat Tiles: For hassle-free maintenance, choose safety mat tiles available in various thicknesses for different fall heights.
Poured Playground Flooring: The most durable, safe, and nearly maintenance-free playground surface. It can even feature your school logo.
Artificial Grass: Research shows that greening schoolyards positively impacts children's physical activity and socioemotional health. Artificial grass provides a safe, soft surface that contributes to overall health.
“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten” is a quote made famous by Stitch in the animated film “Lilo and Stitch.”
Let's embody this sentiment by following the accessibility guidelines for play areas set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to state and local government programs and services.
Handicap-accessible play equipment is commonly available today thanks to the ADA. Examples of inclusive playground equipment include seat options for wheelchair users, play systems with ramps, and ground-level play areas. Poured playground flooring can also accommodate wheelchairs.
One of the first things we tend to remember about school playground equipment is the swing .
Swing sets can be enjoyed by all ages, making them an easy choice for playgrounds.
With a wide range of swing seats, you can easily accommodate toddlers and children with disabilities , ensuring everyone can have fun.
Playing alone on a seesaw is almost impossible, making it a great opportunity for kids to make friends.
Seesaws enhance balance, strength, and trust as kids work together to keep the seesaw moving smoothly.
Remember the thrill of wind on your face as you slide down? Kids love that sensation.
Running up and down a slide is one of the most rewarding activities for children, providing an adrenaline rush and teaching patience as they wait their turn
If you want to give children the challenges they crave, climbers are a great option.
Climbing equipment can enhance physical strength as kids spend time hanging and climbing. They also improve problem-solving skills with varying levels of complexity.
Encourage imagination and social skills by combining various play elements into one thematic structure.
Play structures keep kids active by incorporating climbers, slides, bridges, tunnels, and interactive panels.
Choosing the best playground equipment for your school involves more than just ensuring fun for the children. We want our children to be safe, active, social, happy, and smart.
Consider age appropriateness, accessibility, and a variety of play options to create a positive and inclusive environment.
Swings, seesaws, slides, climbers, and play structures each offer unique benefits that enhance a child's physical development, social interaction, and imagination.
Safety should be the main concern, and selecting the right playground surfacing is crucial. Proper surfacing can significantly reduce the risk of injuries, giving you peace of mind while children play.
School playground equipment is not just a place for fun and physical activity, but a community space where children can learn, grow, and create lasting memories.
Consider reading about popular types of playground equipment for more school fun!
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Find more about the author: Kim Hart
