Three Ways to Maximize Your Playground Budget

A Lot of Play for a Lot Less

One of the first things people ask when considering a new play area for a school, church or youth center is "how much will a new playground cost?" High-quality commercial playground equipment that is designed to withstand decades of use and environmental conditions can cost between $15,000 and $40,000. A good rule of thumb is to budget about $1,000 per child. For example if you want to build a playground that accommodates 30 children at once, plan on spending about $30,000 for the equipment. (installation, safety surfacing and other amenities or services are not included in this estimate).

When looking at an investment of this size, many customers ask "how can I get the most out of my playground budget?" This is always a good question to ask to ensure you're providing the maximum amount of play and play value within your means. You want to make sure the playground addresses the needs of as many children as possible now and in the future. 
 

Here are three ways to make your playground dollars go further:

1. Select Play Systems with a Smaller Footprint 

Many play systems use large deck platforms to provide maximum capacity in high use areas like city parks. But not everyone needs a playground structure of that scale. Smaller, but no less durable, systems like PrimeTime from GameTime, utilize our patented  DirectBolt® connections for compliant, easy installation, durable steel and plastic construction for long-term use, and an extensive collection of play components that provide a wide range of cognitive and developmental benefits for children of all ages. PrimeTime also utilizes a 36” deck platform that reduces the overall footprint of system designs, resulting in less surfacing required for your play area and a lower overall cost.

2. Use a Combination of Safety Surfaces

Poured-in-place rubber surfacing or tiles are low-maintenance options for a playground, but carry a higher cost for installation. Engineered wood fiber (EWF) is a popular choice for projects with initial budget constraints. EWF provides superior fall attenuation at the lowest installation cost and offers an attractive, natural look. Use a combination of surfacing types to ensure accessibility to and throughout the play area and to lower overall surfacing costs. 
 

3. Consider Freestanding Play

Instead of a single large play system, consider a smaller play structure and using freestanding play throughout your play area to create fun, interactive activities that encourage imaginative and dramatic play, physical activity or social/cooperative interaction. Freestanding play activities may also be added adjacent to an existing structure to add additional play value to a playground.

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