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Inside the School Playground Planning Guide:
Playground Safety Checklist
Detailed points to assess the surface, equipment, and location of your existing school playground.
Getting Started
How to find community members to support your project, create a timeline, and get students involved.
Making the Case
Why school playgrounds are important and how to share that message.
Planning Your School Playground
6 key discussion points to make sure the end result works for all students and can be maintained for years to come, plus a checklist to help determine your needs and build support.
Choosing a Playground Vendor
Researching companies, soliciting bids, asking important questions before you buy, and making a final decision.
Funding Your Playground
Tips for finding grants and cutting costs.
Finishing Touches
Installing your school playground and celebrating with the community!
What Does a School Playground Project Involve?
Playgrounds are among the most expensive projects for PTOs, so it’s important to research your options carefully. If there’s an existing playground at your school, your first step is to give it a close inspection. Grab a clipboard and pen and head on over. Does it need a complete overhaul? Is it in good shape but could use some new equipment and a bit of sprucing up? Take careful notes—they’ll help you build a case for your project.
You’ll need a diverse group of committed volunteers to research, plan, and execute the project. Ideally, your playground planning committee will include the following:
• A member with expertise in construction. This could be a parent who owns or manages a construction company.
• A member with expertise in recreation.
• At least one parent of a child with a disability to advise on accessibility issues.
• A community representative, especially if your playground will be open to the community outside of school hours.
For your project to be a success, you’ll need the support of the school community, school officials, and the larger community. Make the case for why the school needs a new playground and what its benefits will be. Enlist opinions and advice from others so they’ll feel personally invested in the project.
A good estimate for a typical playground project is six to nine months from the start of planning until installation, not including fundraising. Be aware that glitches are not uncommon with construction projects, so keep your timeline flexible.
By clicking “Download free guide”, you agree that our sponsor, Landscape Structures, and School Family Media LLC may call, email, and/or mail you at the number, email address, physical address you entered with reminders, offers, and other information, including the use of automated technology, text, and recorded messages. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Reply STOP to opt out of text messaging. Standard rates apply.