• Top Ten Design Tips for
a Successful Playground

• Completing your Project:
Installation Vs. Community-Build

Top Ten Design Tips for a Successful Playground

1. The Concept:  Get a clear picture of your project, including target age of users and their needs.
   
2. Consider accessibility needs in siting and designing your project.
3. Identify your project budget, including site preparation, surfacing, installation and miscellaneous materials and not just the equipment.
4. Identify the site or location best suited for your project and accessible to all visitors.  Consider topography, parking, proximity, visibility and maintenance.
5. Don’t overlook site preparation and how your playground will be built.  Are you “excavating down” for a flush transition or “building up” onto the existing grade.  There are pros and cons to each option as they relate to aesthetics and budget.
6. Consider the various types of safety surfacing material early in the design process as they significantly impact your project’s budget, future maintenance and your site’s accessibility needs.
7. Determine the method by which your project will be built.  Will it be a community-build or a turnkey installation.  There are also options “in between” and all have an impact on your budget and project success.
8. Select playground equipment to fit your objectives and your site and don’t hesitate to ask kids what they want on their playground.  They’re the ones that will be using it.
9. Prepare a plan for completion of your project, including timeline and the help needed to implement your timeline.  You can’t do it alone!
10. Get some help!  UltiPlay provides free professional consultation and design services for all aspects of your project.  We provide detailed site analysis, site design and layout for all aspects of your project, big or small.  Also contact our references as they’ve been through the process and can potentially provide invaluable information as you move forward.

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Completing Your Project: Installation Vs. Community-Build

When working to fulfill your dream of a new park or playground, the method of installation will have a profound effect on your project’s budget.  The two primary methods to consider would be professional installation and installation as a community-build project with the aid of volunteers.

Professional Installation
UltiPlay is able to complete your entire project as a turnkey effort, complete from conceptual design to final completion.  We utilize our in-house and factory-certified installers and do not sub-contract, ensuring that your project is completed as designed and in accordance with current safety requirements.  Fully equipped, insured and experienced, we can bring your project to life.

Community-Build Installation
Budget-sensitive?  Hoping to build a sense of community and partnership?  Then the installation of your project with the aid of volunteers under our direct supervision may be the answer.  We have completed hundreds of community-built projects over the years in the spirit of the old New England barn-raising concept, and this season’s schedule is filling up once again.  With our community-build supervisions, you’re able to direct the majority of your budget to the equipment itself and also provide a sense of community, pride and ownership in your project.  We certify each project upon completion, ensuring that the installation has been completed in compliance with current safety guidelines and the manufacturer’s specifications.  Most projects are completed in a single weekend.  Contact your local representative for more details.