Planning a playground people will use
A good playground is more than a collection of equipment. Age groups, needs, space, access and ongoing maintenance should be considered together so that quotes cover a meaningful, comparable scope.
Who will use the playground?
A garden used only by one family differs from a housing development, school, nursery or publicly accessible site. Establish the users before buying equipment. A domestic play tower is not automatically suitable for intensive or shared use.
For a new layout, age groups and the approximate number of children playing simultaneously are useful. Keep successful features where appropriate: a well-used sand area or shaded meeting spot need not disappear without reason. Involve children and carers early.
Complementary activities, not just more equipment
Choose activities that offer different experiences. Age suitability depends on the specific model and arrangement, rather than simply its equipment category.
| Activity | Planning consideration |
|---|---|
| Climbing and balancing | Different challenges, appropriate access and clear movement spaces. |
| Swinging and sliding | Unobstructed movement and exit zones, without main paths crossing them. |
| Sand, water and building | Reachable play surfaces, drainage, cleaning and a water supply where needed. |
| Hiding and imaginative play | Retreat spaces that remain observable and accommodate small groups. |
| Quiet and shared play | Seating and ground-level activities for children with different abilities. |
Allow more space than the equipment footprint
The catalogue footprint is not the full planning area. Equipment also needs appropriate falling, movement and circulation spaces. Benches, fences, walls and neighbouring equipment must not introduce hazards within them. A swing beside the main entrance can obstruct circulation even when it fits inside the plot.
Assess shade throughout the day, gradients, standing water, existing trees, nearby roads and water. Site access also matters: steps, narrow passages and hand carrying change delivery and installation work.
Design the equipment and surfacing together
SN EN 1176 and SN EN 1177 are important technical references for publicly accessible playgrounds. Have their application and equipment suitability assessed professionally. A product marking alone does not certify the complete installed site.
Suitable surfacing depends on free fall height, movement, base construction and installation. Even low equipment with forced movement may need impact attenuation. A simple height-only rule is therefore insufficient. The designer should specify material, depth and required extent.
Include access, shade and comfortable places to stay
A step-free entrance is not enough if all paths then end in deep gravel or sand. Plan genuinely reachable activities and seating areas. Loose impact-absorbing materials and accessible paths serve different purposes; transitions need attention.
An inclusive play space offers different ways to join in, watch and rest. Each item need not do everything. Shade, nearby seats, understandable routes and quieter areas help both children and accompanying adults enjoy the site.
What does playground construction cost?
Regional example checked in October 2026: metal double swing, two seats, CHF 1,850 including fitting and accessible-site delivery around Fribourg. VAT, impact surfacing and earthworks are excluded. This is not a complete playground price.
The total depends on design, equipment, ground construction and site conditions. A percentage added to equipment prices cannot replace an itemised quote. Even a small installation can involve substantial extra work where access or ground preparation is difficult.
- Design and construction. Specify design, equipment, parts, foundations, earthworks, drainage, fitting and delivery.
- Surfaces and amenities. Include impact surfacing, paths, edging, shade, seating and any boundaries.
- Handover and operation. Allow for checks before use, documents, disposal, VAT and ongoing maintenance.
From the initial idea to opening
A site plan, known area and desired activities help the first assessment. You do not need to calculate foundation depth or surfacing thickness for the enquiry. Existing equipment models and instructions are useful; missing details can be checked on site.
- Establish the site and aims. Identify users, equipment to retain, construction access and local requirements.
- Agree the design and quote. Coordinate safety spaces, surfaces, amenities and maintenance; check required permissions locally.
- Finish installation and checks. Open only after completion and suitable inspection, with documents and responsibilities handed over.
Arrange maintenance before building
Public and shared sites need clear responsibility for checks, servicing and repairs. Plan routine visual checks, more detailed inspections and an annual main inspection. Their scope and frequency also depend on use, location and manufacturer instructions.
Loose surfacing moves and needs its level checked and replenished where required. Connections, moving parts, timber and foundations age differently. Record findings and work; keep hazardous areas inaccessible until corrected. A newly built playground is not maintenance-free.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have equipment I already bought installed?
Yes, if a contractor accepts the work. They need equipment types, quantities and available documents to assess suitability. Foundations and surfacing should be clearly included or separately specified.
Do I need to know the free fall height?
No. This depends on the equipment and its use. Provide known models and available space; the contractor handles technical specification.
Is grass sufficient as safety surfacing?
There is no universal answer. Equipment, fall height, movement and actual ground condition need to be assessed together.
Can only part of an existing playground be renewed?
Yes. Serviceable equipment may remain after a competent condition check. New spacing, foundations and surfaces must then suit the complete retained layout.
Is a repair equivalent to a safety inspection?
No. A repair addresses a defined defect. A wider inspection also assesses layout and other relevant elements. Agree the commissioned scope clearly.
