Start with the vision 🌱
Before choosing equipment, colours or surfacing, it’s important to think about what you want your outdoor space to achieve. There isn’t one ‘perfect playground’ that works for every school or nursery. The best play spaces are those that are designed around the children who will use them, the setting they are in, the space available and the budget.
Start by considering the children who will be using the space and the types of play they enjoy. Think about whether they would benefit most from opportunities for physical activity, imaginative play, exploration and discovery, or perhaps a combination of different play experiences. It’s also important to consider how the space can be made inclusive, with a variety of activities and features that allow children of different ages and abilities to play, explore and enjoy the space together. Creating a balance of these elements can help make the playground engaging, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.
It’s also important to consider what the school or nursery wants to achieve from the space. Maybe you’re looking to completely transform an unused area, create a more natural outdoor environment or simply add new features to an existing playground.
Consider the space you have 🌳
Before deciding what to include in your new playground, it’s important to look at the space you have available and think about how it can be used effectively. Consider the size and shape of the area, as well as any existing features such as trees, planting, slopes or changes in level. Access points and the location of existing equipment should also be taken into account, alongside how children and staff will move safely and easily around the space.
If your existing playground simply needs a little refresh, freestanding resources can be a great way to enhance the space and introduce new opportunities for play without the need for a complete redesign.
If the area would benefit from a full transformation, consider how the space could be divided into different play zones and how each area can be used effectively. Creating dedicated spaces for activities such as physical play, imaginative play, exploration and quiet time can help make the most of the available area and create a more varied and engaging play environment.
Create a balance of play experiences with carefully selected equipment🛝
When choosing equipment for your playground, think about creating a balance of different play experiences. Combining equipment for climbing, balancing and physical activity with opportunities for imaginative, sensory and social play can help create a space that appeals to a wide range of children. Consider how each piece of equipment will work together within the space and choose resources that encourage children to explore, challenge themselves, be creative and play together.
If your outdoor area is limited by space, there are still plenty of ways to create an engaging and varied play environment. Consider incorporating smaller, multi-use freestanding resources that can provide a range of play opportunities without taking up too much room. Equipment that can be moved, rearranged or stored away when not in use can also give you greater flexibility, allowing the space to be used for different activities throughout the day.
Think about safety from the start ⚠️
Safety should be considered from the very beginning of your playground design. As well as choosing age-appropriate equipment and allowing enough space around each piece, it’s important to consider how children will move around the playground and what safety measures are needed to support safe play.
Safety surfacing is an important part of this. The right surfacing can help absorb impact and provide protection in areas where children may fall from play equipment. There are a variety of surfacing options available, so it’s important to choose a solution that is suitable for the equipment, the space and the needs of the children using it.
Make the most of your budget 💡
Creating an exciting playground doesn’t always mean filling the space with lots of equipment. Think about which play opportunities will have the greatest benefit for the children using the space and choose equipment that offers a variety of activities. Multi-use resources can be a great way to maximise your budget, while durable, high-quality equipment can provide long-term value. It’s also worth considering whether your playground could be developed in stages, allowing you to create your ideal space over time as your budget allows.
Think about the future 🪵
When planning a new playground, it’s worth thinking beyond the initial installation and considering how the space will be used in the years to come. Choose durable equipment that can withstand regular use and consider how the playground can continue to support children as they grow and develop.
It’s also worth considering the materials used within your playground. Choosing responsibly sourced, durable materials can help create a playground that is built to last while also considering its impact on the environment.
Bring your playground vision to life ✨
Creating the perfect playground takes careful planning, from understanding your space and choosing the right equipment to considering safety, accessibility and your budget. With the right approach, you can transform your outdoor area into an exciting and engaging space that children will enjoy for years to come.
At Newby Leisure, we can help bring your ideas to life with a range of playground equipment, freestanding resources, safety surfacing and installation services. Whether you’re looking to refresh an existing area or create a completely new playground, our expert team can work with you to create a space that meets the needs of your setting and the children who use it.
