When you decide to build a playground, one of the most important but often overlooked elements of the process in the early stages is planning a budget that will encompass the entire project. This needs to cover not just the cost of equipment, on-site facilities, site preparation to make it fit for purpose and, of course, installation, labour and shipping. The budget is a crucial starting point when setting up a community, school, or personal playground. An average playground amount varies wildly from a few thousand pounds up. The larger the project, the higher costs can escalate, so knowing who will use your playground, how many children, and how often will provide a clear starting point for budgeting.
Consider Your Equipment
Equipment is the most important part of the playground for the children and parents visiting. Having great play equipment is vital to ensuring a playground is fun and people want to visit over and again. The equipment not only has to be fun for children to want to play for hours, but it also needs to be safe and limit the risk of injuries by complying with safety standards. What it’s made from will also determine longevity. Therefore, a large proportion of your budget must be allocated to high-quality equipment.
Site Facilities
Site facilities are public-use features that hold a playground together and are especially important for parents. These facilities may include benches or places to sit while children play, picnic tables, rubbish bins, toilets, and water fountains. The more facilities in a public playground, the better, as they will help build a family-friendly space that can be used for long periods of time while being comfortable and safe. However, each of these additions can cost, so knowing what you can afford will help in planning.
Site Preparation for Construction
The land chosen for a playground may be uneven, muddy, and generally unsafe to build on directly. Failure to prepare the site properly can pose a danger if the equipment is fitted and kids play on unstable equipment on an uneven surface. It’s essential to clear the area of debris and dirt, the land levelled and drained as required, as all of these will provide safety and playground longevity. Always take expert advice on your specific site and budget according to that advice.
Installation
Installation is the last component that will make or break a playground, as is budgeting for proper completion. Installation can take up a large proportion of the budget when factoring in shipping, labour, and equipment. Most playground sales companies will provide an installation which helps you to have a complete overview of the costs involved, while others add it as an extra. It’s best to ask this question when shopping around.
Contact Sovereign Play Today
Sovereign Design has over 20 years of experience in playgrounds and play equipment. We are proud to offer a complete and exciting range of services, equipment, and designs to ensure your play area is fun and safe for young users for years to come.
