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Playground Construction Guide

Site Preparation and Construction Checklist

Let's Build the Perfect Playground 

Building a new playground for your community is an exciting event! Our network of certified installers help make the process fast and easy, but we know customers often have questions about building a playground. This construction guide and checklist will help ensure everything is ready for the big day!

 

If you have additional questions, contact the GameTime playground expert in your community. They can assist with planning, building, and maintaining your play and recreation spaces.

Blue, green, and orange play systemBlue, green, and orange play system

Site and Access

Ensure there is an unobstructed path to the site that will not present any damage to the surrounding area.

  • If earth-moving equipment is required, ensure the space will accommodate such a machine with a minimum access width of 8-feet.
  • Identify trees and landscaping that may need to be removed.
  • Contact your local municpality and request all utilies located and marked prior to construction. 
  • Identify areas of that require leveling or present drainage issues.

Playground Equipment

  • Provide the specific location where playground equipment will be installed.
  • Determine the finish grade floor for top of playground surfacing.
  • Identify and prepare a staging area for construction items and playground equipment that is waiting for installation.
  • Provide access to water and electricity.
  • Determine routes of travel and access for construction crews and equipment.
  • Ensure all buried utilities are clearly marked.
  • Dispose of all waste materials.
Larger blue, green, and orange play systemLarger blue, green, and orange play system
Larger blue, green, and orange play systemLarger blue, green, and orange play system

Surfacing

Loose Fill Surfacing

  • Prepare staging area for several truck loads of surfacing materials.
  • Clean and prepare area where surfacing will be installed.
  • Finish grade the entire area with borders.
  • Ensure proper drainage of the playground area.

Unitary Surfacing

  • Prepare staging area for surfacing materials and installation equipment.
  • Clean and prepare area where surfacing will be installed.
  • Finish grade the entire area with borders.
  • Ensure proper drainage of the playground area.
  • Provide security during overnight hours.
  • Dispose of waste materials.

Shade Structures

  • Ensure there is access for a luil and enough space for maneuverability.
  • If there is existing equipment, identify the highest point and the layout of the equipment. Ensure the installers are able to manuever around installed items.
  • Be mindful of underground utilities and ensure they are marked. Shade footers are very large (8-feet by 8-feet on average) and could be as deep as 8-feet.
  • Provide an area for soil dug from footers to be collected and removed.
  • Shade installation is a slow process. Allow plenty of time for the installation.
Larger blue, green, and orange play systemLarger blue, green, and orange play system
Larger blue, green, and orange play systemLarger blue, green, and orange play system

Permits

  • Property owner must provide site plans with setbacks noted.
  • Site plans must be signed by the owner of the property.
  • Permits may take an extended period of time to acquire, depending on your municipality. Inquire with your local permit office for details.
  • The cost of permist can vary depending on your location. The final price is often unknown until the permits are ready to be picked up.
  • When permits are involved, inspections on site will be necessary. This may cause the project to be suspended for periods. Prepare a securtity plan to protect the project site in case of delays related to permitting.
  • At conclusion of work, a final inspection will be required before opening.