The construction of a playground is a responsible task that requires thoughtful decisions. One of the most important aspects is choosing the right manufacturer to provide safe, durable and attractive equipment. In this text we will share our experience to help companies, institutions, local governments to choose a reliable and credible partner.
What should characterize a good playground manufacturer?
Are you facing the need to build a playground? Wondering which manufacturer to choose? Here are some key steps to help you make the right decision:
Experience and references - the foundation in the playground industry
The manufacturer should have a proven track record in the industry. It is worth noting how long he has been in the market and what kind of projects he has implemented. Feedback from other customers, references and a review of previous implementations, will provide you with invaluable information on the quality of services and products.
Hint: every company likes to brag about its achievements. You're sure to find success stories, inspiration or photos of completed projects on your website or social media. Their absence should give you food for thought!
Certified manufacturer
Every playground must meet certain safety standards (primarily EN-1176). When selecting a manufacturer, it is essential to make sure that its products have the appropriate approvals and certificates that confirm compliance with the regulations. Important: approvals have their "expiration dates".
Hint: make sure the testing is up to date. Certified playgrounds are a guarantee that the equipment will be safe for children (and for the investor).
Quality of materials used
The materials from which the equipment is made should be durable and, above all, weatherproof. Wooden elements must be properly impregnated, metal protected against corrosion, and plastics resistant to UV radiation and mechanical damage. Learn more about materials and corrosion protection in the article "An overview of the most popular materials and anti-corrosion coatings for a public playground?".
Hint: be sure to check whether the manufacturer offers a warranty on its equipment and whether it has replacement parts that wear out during natural operation.
Customized playground design - equipment can be personalized
Each playground should be tailored to the needs of the local community. A good manufacturer offers the possibility to modify designs or create unique solutions that will take into account the available space, the target audience and the investment budget.
Hint: pay attention to whether the equipment offered by a particular company has modules that allow individual configuration or modification. Modern playgrounds guarantee wide room for expansion. An example of a device with wide possibilities for individual configuration are carousels. This is discussed in detail in the article "Configuration of carousels - how to build an expandable carousel?".
Comprehensive service
When selecting a manufacturer, be sure to pay attention to the range of services provided. Check whether a particular company offers consulting, design, transportation and installation? Ask if it also deals with maintenance and service? Comprehensive service will significantly facilitate the entire process of your investment.
Hint: not every trustworthy manufacturer has to directly handle the installation of its equipment. However, it certainly has a base of reliable companies and installers who will gladly accept such an order.
Price meets quality
Price is an important factor, but it should not be the only selection criterion. Solutions that are too cheap can be associated with low-quality materials and a short lifespan of equipment. Compare offers from different manufacturers, taking into account value for money and long-term maintenance costs of the playground.
Hint: too low a price for playground elements should raise suspicion in the investor. Of course, there are bargains or sales, but the fact is that "top-shelf" products will cost more than shoddy imitations made of questionable quality raw materials.
Recommendations and opinions
Before making a final decision, contact other local governments, institutions or facilities that have already worked with a particular manufacturer. User reviews and their experiences can significantly help you avoid potential problems.
Hint: he who asks does not wander. Don't be shy about calling a school or municipality that uses a particular company's equipment. Also look for reviews on the Internet. People are eager to share their impressions of product use and service.
Choosing the right manufacturer of an approved playground is a key step in making this type of investment. By betting on a proven supplier that meets all safety standards, offers high-quality materials and comprehensive service, you can be sure that the playground will be safe, durable and attractive to children for many years to come. And for you, as an investor, it will provide peace of mind that in the event of an accident you are protected by the standards and certifications that the playground meets.
Public children's playgrounds - which playground accessories to choose?
In this section we will tell you how to identify products that meet the highest standards? You may find that a manufacturer of great quality equipment is not advertised online or does not have many reviews. Should you bypass such a company? Not without checking the workmanship of their products!
Public playgrounds are places where children develop their motor, social and creative skills. However, to ensure maximum safety for children and comfort in play, it is essential to use equipment of the highest quality. Pay attention to whether the playground equipment has the features listed below.
Solid materials
Equipment for playgrounds should be made of durable materials resistant to weather conditions and intensive use. Popular solutions include stainless steel, treated wood, composites and high-quality plastics.
Hint: children do not spare playground equipment. They will quickly verify the quality of the materials used. If you save on the high standard of products, get ready to spend twice as much on repairs, replacements or, worse, compensation.
Safe playgrounds
Every element of the playground should be designed to minimize the risk of falls, jams or injuries. Surfaces must be smooth and sharp edges properly protected.
Hint: most often, an approval mark is sufficient guarantee of safety, but to be sure, it is good to check that there are no burrs on the metal parts and the edges are sanded. The wood must be smooth, without splinters.
Weather resistance
Very good quality equipment should not be subject to rapid wear and tear due to rain, snow or UV rays. It is very important that metal elements are double-protected (hot-dip galvanized + powder paint), and wooden elements are additionally covered with a layer of protection against pests and mold.
Hint: also pay attention to "plastics". The best ones, e.g. HDPE, do not lose color when exposed to the sun, nor do they crumble when exposed to cold. A lot of people do not pay attention to plastics - after all, plastic is plastic. Don't make that mistake!
Certification and compliance with standards
High-quality products should be certified and meet applicable safety standards.
Hint: the manufacturer always boasts about its certifications and standards met. Look for this information and labeling in catalogs and on websites.
Age- and fitness-appropriate playgrounds and applicable regulations
Even beautifully made equipment with the best quality raw materials may not be suitable for public use if the manufacturer does not meet standards and regulations. In this section we will suggest what formal issues you need to pay attention to before choosing a manufacturer. This is very important!
Adaptation to age
The equipment should be suitable for different age groups, which means different levels of difficulty and heights of construction, as well as appropriate handles or railings.
Hint: to put it simply, other devices will be for toddlers using parental assistance during play, and others for school children, able to handle movement challenges. At a good manufacturer, the devices will have specific age ranges of dedicated users.
Accessibility standards
It is worth paying attention to whether the playground meets accessibility requirements for children with disabilities, such as through properly designed paths, ramps and accessible equipment. A good manufacturer has a range of equipment for inclusive playgrounds.
Hint: there are countries, such as Germany, that require every playground to be adapted to children with special needs. Inclusive playgrounds are increasingly becoming an obligation for investors, so it's a good idea to think about this during the design phase. You can read the detailed requirements of modern regulations for inclusive playgrounds in the article "Equipment in a public playground for children with disabilities in light of regulations in Germany".
Standard EN 1176 and EN 1177
These are the basic European standards for playground equipment. EN 1176 specifies requirements for equipment construction, while EN 1177 deals with fall-absorbing surfaces. For more on this topic, see a separate article: "What conditions should a public playground meet? All about regulations and standards".
The number of standards and guidelines can actually be a surprise to people with no experience in the industry or who deal with the subject occasionally. Therefore, it is worth finding a manufacturer that employs specialists who specialize in the requirements of current regulations. This is really a great added value and invaluable help during investment.
Certificate of Compliance
The equipment should be certified as complying with applicable standards. In Poland, these can be certificates issued by authorized certification bodies.
Hint: look for certification company marks on products, if you don't find one, don't be shy about asking the manufacturer for such a document.
Technical inspections
Regular inspections and maintenance of playgrounds are required by law and should be carried out according to the schedule specified in the regulations.
Hint: although it's more of a post-purchase topic, on public facilities it's important to remember inspections and record them meticulously. In the event of an unfortunate accident, such a document can be crucial for the administrator.
Building codes and local regulations
Depending on the location, playgrounds must meet certain building codes, including distances from roads, buildings or other public spaces.
Hint: make sure what the local building plan is. Each municipality may have its own idea of construction style and even color scheme.
