Playground Planning 101

PLAYGROUND PLANNING 101

TABLE OF CONTENTS Playground Planning

Playground Build

5. Assessing Needs and Budget

41. Get it Together!

9. Location, Location, Location!

44. Be Prepared

14. Let's Rally the Troops!

47. Tips for a Successful Playground Build

16. Choosing a Vendor 19. Managing Your Event 22. Prepare for the Future

Playground Sustainability 51. Maintenance and Supervision 53. Special Events

Playground Funding

55. Programming the Playground 60. Promoting Your Playground

25. Finding the F-U-N in Fundraising 27. Three Grant Writing Wishes 30. 10 Ways to Ask for Funding

Playground Design 33. Seeing is Believing 35. A Deeper Look

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ABOUT THIS GUIDEBOOK Take the Guesswork Out of Playground Planning Planning a new playground should be exciting, but with so many moving parts, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. From funding strategies to preparing for build day, there are countless details that might not cross your mind, even with careful planning.

That’s why we created Playground Planning 101 - a single, easy-to-use guide that covers everything you need to know from start to finish. With this guide, you’ll move through every stage of your playground project with confidence - making the experience just as fun and rewarding for you as it will be for the children who enjoy it!

Playground Planning Made Easy For your convenience, Playground Planning 101 is organized into five easy-to-navigate key sections: Plan: Assess needs and budget, choose the right location, gather community support, select a vendor, and create a timeline for success.

Fund: Explore funding options, apply for grants, and develop effective fundraising strategies.

Design: Create a master plan and design spaces that meet a variety of needs.

Build: Understand the building process, coordinate the moving parts, and plan for a successful build day.

Sustain: Develop maintenance and supervision strategies, organize special events and programs, and promote your playground for long-term community engagement.

Using these sections as a roadmap takes the guesswork out of the process - making it easier, more organized, and more fun to bring your dream playground to life!

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PLAYGROUND PLANNING

5. Assessing Needs and Budget 9. Location, Location, Location!

14. Let's Rally the Troops!

16. Choosing a Vendor 19. Managing Your Event 22. Prepare for the Future

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ASSESSING NEEDS AND BUDGET Plan Your Play Space You want to build a playground. Great! Now what? Let's start from the very beginning and assess your needs and budget.

Step 1: Assess your needs and budget.

This is the big question: How much does a commercial playground cost? And, knowing that good, long-lasting, high-quality playground equipment can costs can start between $20,000 and $50,000, how much can your community (or school, or daycare) afford?

In order to determine your priorities and how much money you will need to raise, there are some major factors to consider. Our play experts can help you determine what your playground should include -- and what will work within your budget. Here are 11 questions to ask when you're planning a playground.

What playground equipment should I choose?

Choosing the right equipment is an essential factor. If you don't create a fun, inviting, exciting playground, kids won't use it -- and for kids, play is vital. Play increases a child's self-esteem and develops social and cognitive skills necessary for daily adult life.

Playground design has changed over the past few decades. Playground equipment you might remember from your childhood has been redesigned with safety and inclusion in mind. Looking for a traditional merry-go-round? We have some -- we call them whirls -but we also have more inclusive options for all kids to enjoy. Do you want to add some monkey bars? We don't call them monkey bars anymore, but you can find tons of overhead climbing options. Overhead climbers are a great way to help kids remain active and get in daily exercise -- all while having fun, learning new skills, expanding imaginations, and building social skills necessary for life. We have lots of slides, too, and a customer-favorite, industry-first parent-child swing, called the Expression Swing.

The goal of planning a great playground is simple: create a space where a child can be active and their imaginations soar.

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Should I keep or replace existing playground equipment?

If you have existing equipment on-site, you'll need to have that playground equipment evaluated to make sure it's in good condition and meets current safety and accessibility standards. Our playground experts are happy to help you with that. If it no longer meets the needs of your community, or if it isn't compliant with modern standards, you will have to arrange for it's removal. Our local representatives and certified installers can assist with the removal and site preparation for new equipment.

How do I make sure my playground is right for kids of all ages?

Another thing to keep in mind is the age-appropriateness of the equipment. Activities should provide appropriate challenge levels and promote a developmental progression of skills as children gain confidence and coordination through beginner, intermediate, and advanced activities. For example, you'll probably want to include multiple slides -- 3', 4', and 5' slides for children aged 2-5, and an 8' slide for children aged 5-12. We also offer multiple climber options and ground-level activities for kids of all ages and abilities.

Why is an accessible and inclusive playground important?

Accessibility and inclusion have become increasingly important things to consider, as well. In order to meet basic guidelines for access, there is a ratio of ground-level to elevated activities to be met. Our playground experts are here to help you understand inclusion and accessibility to ensure your playground addresses the needs of the whole child, the whole environment, and the whole community.

How much does a custom playground cost?

Customization and theming are great ways to make your playground unique, but the more custom options you add, the higher the price. The effort is well worth it, though. A themed space can allow you to maximize your community's history or add fantasy elements. You can add a castle! You can add a pirate ship! Our Landmark Design team will help you design the playground of your dreams.

What other features should I include on my playground?

Other things to keep in mind are whether you want to include freestanding equipment - like swings, climbers, or the exhilarating new TriRunner® -- and site amenities. Adding benches and shade is great for keeping parents cool and comfortable while they supervise kids. Bike racks are another option to include that promotes community health and wellness.

How do I build a natural playground setting?

Do you think you'll want to incorporate natural elements, like plants, shrubs, and trees?

Such details help naturalize the space. Our parent company, PlayCore, worked with the Natural Learning Initiative and NC State University to develop the NatureGrounds program - a guide to designing and retrofitting a play environment with natural elements.

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What playground surfacing should I use?

Don't forget playground surfacing. Surfacing is an essential part of the playscape. It offers impact attenuation properties that help cushion inadvertent falls from playground equipment. There are lots of surfacing options to choose from, too -- poured-in-place rubber, engineered wood fiber, recycled bonded rubber, recycled loose-fill rubber, recycled rubber tiles, and turf. Our playground experts are here to help you determine the best playground surfacing for your community. You can also request a copy of our informative surfacing guide, Strong Foundations, to learn more about surfacing options.

Can I build my playground in phases?

The final detail to consider is phasing. You can ask your local rep to illustrate phasing options, showing how your playground can be built and improved in multiple steps.

Phase one could be built within your available budget, and phase two or three could come a few years later when you have raised more money. Seeing phase one being built will often rally participation from the community.

How much should I budget for a playground?

Playground budgets are usually determined by how many kids you expect to use your playground. A good rule to follow is about $1,000 per child. This means if you expect your playground to accommodate 50 kids, plan for $50,000. It's not always that simple, though -- if you add ramps to make your playground accessible for people who use mobility devices, or if you want to incorporate custom elements, the price will go up.

The United States Access Board, as part of the Play Area Accessibility Guidelines, developed a formula to help you estimate how much the whole project should cost: Cost of playground equipment (x) + Cost of installation (.30x) + Cost of surfacing (.12x) + Cost of design fees, grading, landscaping, and other expenses (.10x) Total project cost or budget There will be wide variations within this model, though -- for example, if you choose a professional installation over a community build. Surfacing can also make a huge difference -- Engineered Wood Fiber (or woodchips, or mulch) might be cheaper, but it involves more long-term maintenance, whereas Poured In Place Rubber (PIP) is more expensive upfront by requires far less maintenance.

ProTip: Choosing a level site with good drainage, no underground utilities, and easy access will help control site preparation costs.

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How long does it take to build and install a playground?

One of the most common questions we get asked is how long it takes to install a playground. And that, like everything else we've mentioned here, really depends on the complexity of the site. You need to check with your local government to determine what approvals and permits you need, and how long it takes to obtain those. You'll also need to enlist the help of certified installers (or a supervisor, if you go with a community build).

You'll need to make sure the landscape is prepped. Your local playground expert is a great resource for setting up a realistic timeline.

Get in touch with your local rep and let us plan your playground for you.

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LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Play Marks the Spot Now that you have decided on what kind of playground you need and have a better idea of your budget, it’s time to figure out just where your playground should go. If you’re thinking, “Well that’s the easy part, I’ve had the site picked out for years!” then don’t think you can skip right over this post. There are plenty of other things to consider (like creating the right topography and planning around utilities, did you think of that?), and we will walk you through them all.

Here are nine areas of planning that you should consider when choosing your playground location.

Deciding on your playground site Creating the right topography for your play space Evaluating the land and soil Creating the strongest community connection Beautifying your area with trees and planting pockets Considering the climate Careful planning of utilities Planning for accessibility and inclusion Being thoughtful about liability

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LET'S GO INTO MORE DETAIL ON EACH OF THESE AREAS: Where is the best place to build a playground? - Deciding on your playground site Maybe you already own land to build on or you’ll be building on land that belongs to someone else. If you’ll be working with someone else’s land, then the first step is to meet with the owner. Since they own the land, you’ll need their sign off for each step. Their permission is required for things like: Volunteer Worker Release Forms Any schedules involving the play site Any major construction decisions If you don’t have a site in mind, it’s a great idea to ask others in the community for their input on where they would like to see the playground built. You can start by contacting places like: Community Parks Park and Recreation Departments Schools Recreational Facilities Other organizations that offer play and recreation opportunities for children Sharing experiences and insight with those who already focus on creating safe and fun play environments will be a great benefit to helping you plan your play space. Admit it, you can’t think of every single thing on your own, but with the help of more people, you can ensure that potential issues are not overlooked and that local priorities are brought up. It’s always great to have more people on your team to show the community that this is a united effort for the good of all. More about this in step four...

Can I renovate an older playground?

If you choose to renovate an existing playground instead of installing a new site, be sure to have it evaluated for current standards. GameTime can help direct you to a qualified person to perform an inspection.

How do I create a fun and natural playground environment? - Creating the right topography for your play space Topography is the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area.

To create the best play environment for kids, it’s smart to provide a mix.

For example, utilizing berms (the level space, shelf, or raised barrier separating two areas) with ramped play spaces is a great way to achieve higher deck heights, instead of ramping from level ground. The grade level of the land is one of the most critical elements to consider. Imagine trying to build on uneven land! Choosing a site that doesn’t need major grading will help you save time and money.

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There are always exceptions to the rules, though, right? And there is one exception to the "level ground rule." You can look into planning ramped structures where the topography and strategically located berms can help reach higher deck levels with less expense.

What’s the best land to build on? - Evaluating the land and soil When you start examining potential sites, there are several land issues you need to be aware of before building. Things that will affect your project are: Type of soil Groundwater and seepage Drainage of the land Have no fear! There are experts out there who can help with all this. Your local GameTime representative knows about all this stuff and is familiar with a variety of conditions from their installation experience in the area, and can advise on any special treatment the ground may need. A landscape architect is also a great resource to guide on soil-related issues and drainage. If a soil testing facility is not readily available, you can contact the local Master Gardener or the Department of Agriculture for assistance with your play space.

How do I boost community involvement? - Creating the strongest community connection Creating a playground for the children of the community to enjoy is best if you pick a location that can serve the most kids. A good rule of thumb is to select a site that is within walking distance of the greatest number of families. Choose a site that is close to: Highly populated neighborhoods Schools Entertainment facilities Libraries Trails and outdoor hotspots This can also help in your fundraising efforts. Families who will benefit from the play space are more likely to generate support for it.

What trees and plants are best for playgrounds? - Beautifying your area with trees and planting pockets One of the greatest things about playgrounds is that they’re an extra fun way for families to enjoy the great outdoors. Adding trees, shrubs, or flowers can enhance the play area by providing shade and creating a more beautiful environment. Family-friendly plants also provide opportunities for wildlife enhancement by attracting birds and butterflies. Everyone loves a butterfly bush!

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Another option for creating an enjoyable mix of nature within your play space is by adding planting pockets. These can be installed as individual trees or plant groupings that are outside the equipment use zones within your playground area. *Bonus Tip: The plant database at www.naturegrounds.org is the perfect resource for discovering zone-specific plants that offer great play value!

What other things should affect picking a location? - Considering the climate It’s a given that most people don’t want to spend a lot of time in direct sunlight. The best playground layouts feature shady spots, overlooks, and rain coverings so that the elements don’t take control over your site. Researching the climate conditions where your playground will go should be considered when deciding on the placement of your play space. And guess what? Some people will be able to help you identify the best placement for your playground. Just ask your local GameTime representative! Be thoughtful about the placement of site amenities, so that shade structures are positioned to best screen the sun, and benches and tables are comfortable for the people who will be using them. Including tables designed for mobility device access will help ensure that people of all abilities can utilize this great opportunity to gather and socialize!

Careful planning of utilities It’s easy to plan for overhead power, cable, and other utility lines that you can see, but there are also utilities buried under the ground that must also be evaluated. The good news is, most cities offer complimentary services to help identify the location of buried utilities, which need to be avoided when finding a site for your play space. To ensure all potential utilities are located and marked, it’s a good idea to contact companies that provide services in: Power Gas Cable Phone Water Sewer *Bonus Tip: Before you get to work, ask local utility companies to mark the locations of any underground utilities at the site to avoid running into potential conflicts later.

How do I build a playground that the entire family can enjoy? - Planning for accessibility and inclusion Kids love playgrounds, but there are ways to make sure parents love visiting your play space just as much! Children need adult supervision when playing outdoors, so it’s smart to include benches and picnic tables for the comfort of the adults. Clear visibility from these areas should be planned so parents and caregivers can supervise the play space easily and comfortably. Include shaded seating options at the playground so that visitors have a comfortable place to sit, observe, socialize, and rest.

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Also, be aware that the Department of Justice requires public playgrounds to meet the accessibility guidelines in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). GameTime offers a free ADA Playground Checklist you can download and use in your planning. When selecting a site and laying out your play area, be thoughtful about: Parking Accessibility Water fountains Pedestrian and bicycle paths Shade Trash disposal and recycling options Restrooms *Bonus Building Tip: It’s also a good idea to consider emergency telephones, fences with automatic gates, and other security provisions.

How do I plan for liability when building a play site? - Being thoughtful about liability When you first start thinking about a playground or recreation facility, one of the most important things to consider is the question of liability. From utilizing waivers for volunteers involved in a community build to ensuring that ownership of the playground and any other equipment is passed to the site owner, and everything in between, should be considered.

Here are some very important guidelines for making sure you’re being smart about liability. When starting your project, make sure: All companies that have a hand in designing or building the playground provide references and information about their liability insurance and the training of their representatives All volunteers sign waivers Your site gets regularly inspected, and a maintenance schedule is decided upon *Bonus Tip: You can find even more in-depth information by requesting our free Playground Maintenance Guide or Playground Supervision Guide.

That was a lot of information, but there are always a lot of ideas to consider when still in the planning stages of your play space. It can be overwhelming, but keep in mind that members of your community can be powerful assets in moving the project forward. Be sure to tap into their individual strengths and enlist their help!

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LET'S RALLY THE TROOPS! All In For Play!

It’s been said that it takes a whole village to raise our children. It also takes a village to raise a playground! We have established how important it is to promote play in our communities and discussed a process to determine your needs, budget, and location of your playground. Now it’s time to rally support in order to make this project a success.

Share "The Why" You will need to help your neighbors understand what a valuable resource this playground will be to the community. Play increases a child’s self-esteem and develops social and cognitive skills important for their future adult interactions. Use this fact when you tell others why installing playground equipment is worth the time and effort that they will need to contribute to make it a reality. For more scientific support of the importance of play, request a free copy of “Words on Play: A Treatise on Its Value,” which has insights from scholars who specialize in brain development, inclusion, nature, and more.

A key to successfully getting the ball rolling on your project includes listing key influencers whom you know can help you promote it and generate interest with the general public.

Identify who should be involved, what skills they bring to the table, and how they will help with the planning process.

Here are some questions you should consider when determining who these stakeholders should be: Who will be impacted or affected by a new playground project?

Whose support or involvement do you need to make your playground a success?

Are there key individuals who must be “won over”?

What are the interests, motivations, and perspectives of each individual?

Are the individuals or groups organized? Do they speak with one voice?

What can they bring to (or take away from) the project?

How will the project leaders contact and involve stakeholders?

Is there a role for local media to announce and publicize your new playground?

The first thought many people have is to engage individuals like local politicians and school officials. But these are not the only people you could ask to get involved. Reach out to local businesses and non-profit organizations. By partnering with like-minded organizations such as schools, hospitals, parks, and recreation centers, you may be able to help your project move forward a little faster. They might also offer opportunities to expand the effort and recruit new resources.

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Engage the Community Once you’ve made a list of these leaders you want to help lead the cause, then hold a larger public meeting to inform everyone about the necessary steps to put this plan into motion.

Schedule multiple meetings so influential community members can attend and voice their support for the project. It’s important to realize that everyone wants to make a difference, but may not know how. You have an opportunity to show them that contributing to this project is an essential step in helping their neighborhood grow and providing a place for their kids to develop socially and physically. Work with individuals to find ways that they can help based on their interests and skill level.

A good way to show the community how prepared you are and how much thought you’ve put into the playground is to anticipate some questions and prepare answers in advance.

Here are some questions you may encounter: Why does our community need this?

Is there a better way to spend the money?

How will the playground benefit me, my child, my needs, and our community?

Will the playground address a specific problem in the neighborhood? And how?

What are the long-term effects the project will have on the community? (i.e., attractive to families, promote health and fitness, make the area more livable, etc.)

How high can you swing? (Okay, kidding about that one, but if you can swing high to the sky, that has to be a definite bonus!)

Don't Go It Alone Building a playground is no small feat. But remember, members of your community can be powerful assets in moving the project forward. It’s important to engage your community and help them see how everyone’s combined effort can make a difference in getting your playground built. Plus, you’ll want as many hands on deck as possible, so be sure to tap into everyone’s individual strengths and enlist their help!

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CHOOSING A VENDOR 'Til Play Do Us Part Choosing a vendor to partner with is a lot like picking a wedding planner. You want to choose someone with experience who understands your needs, sees your vision, and knows the best way to execute it. If you’re not sure how to start, you can look at the International Playground Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (IPEMA) Companies with Certified Products website to see which companies are available and that their products meet relevant safety standards. It’s like a background check for your equipment and vendor. Also, ask around. Don’t settle for the first company you speak with (unless it’s us, we will love you forever). Consult several different companies and discuss their areas of expertise. Each consultant may bring different strengths to the table, and it’s good to gauge who may best be able to provide what you need based on things like the size of the playground site, the number of children to be accommodated, any other design requests you wish to incorporate, and who you "just click" with.

What questions should you ask when looking at playground vendors? It may not be as efficient as speed-dating, but here are some topics and questions that you should consider: Experience: How long has the playground manufacturer been in business?

Does the playground company have experience designing to meet ADA guidelines? What about universal or inclusive design?

What experience do they have in designing to promote a continuum of skill development?

Are their installers factory-trained and certified in playground installation?

How many successes do they have with leading volunteers in a community build?

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Products: Do their products meet or exceed applicable standards?

Are their products certified by the International Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA)?

What is their warranty on equipment?

Do they carry product liability insurance? How much is the policy?

What is the response time for designs/proposals?

How are their play systems installed? Are they volunteer-build friendly?

Budget: Are there charges for providing community build tools?

Is there a fee for supervising a community build?

Will they provide a line-item invoice so you know what you are paying for equipment vs. other services, like installation?

Do they charge for design services?

Is there a separate charge for images, top views, and renderings of the play space design?

Service: Will they conduct a thorough and collaborative analysis to determine your needs and priorities?

Can they provide local references and addresses of playgrounds for review?

Will they assist you with engaging community stakeholders and funders?

Can they recommend how many volunteers you will need to install the equipment, if you are choosing a community build?

Do they have the capability to perform a site assessment, site work, and/or remove old equipment?

Resources: Do they offer research-based resources for designing inclusive playgrounds?

Do they offer research-based programs for physical education on the playground?

Do they offer research-based program resources for designing around nature?

Do they offer grant sources and grant writing guides?

What type of maintenance guides/recommendations will they provide?

What kind of supervision, guidebooks/recommendations, will they provide?

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Know the Roles Since we are on this wedding theme (is love in the air?), the next thing to determine is the bridal party - you’ll want to be sure you have the right best man and maid of honor picked out.

Your vendor should be able to help you determine what is expected of a few key roles. And some of these roles may be played by the same person: Lead Project Manager: This person will be the main contact for your project and in charge of design, purchasing, scheduling, and pricing.

Designer: This person will be responsible for looking at your budget and site dimensions and translating those into a playground design that meets your needs and requirements.

Local Project Manager: This person will be in charge of scheduling, supervising information, organization, and delegation of responsibilities to your volunteers.

Customer Service Rep: This person will be responsible for having a thorough knowledge of your project and helping you contact your fellow vendor team members while also answering any questions you may have about the product, warranty claims, and more.

Accounting Manager: This person is your contact for insurance, billing, and accounting questions.

Professional Supervisor: This person will have professional certification in playground installation from the company they represent and be onsite to make sure volunteers follow instructions and ensure compliance of your playground with protocol.

What Type of Build?

The next thing you should consider is whether you want this playground professionally installed or a supervised volunteer-based building effort. There will be plenty of jobs for willing volunteers, whether you install the playground yourself or have it professionally installed for you. If you choose to have a supervised community build, one or more professionally trained installers recommended by the playground manufacturer will come to your site to tell your volunteers what to do, ranging from locating and digging holes to spreading surfacing.

Another option is to use more of the manufacturer’s factory-trained certified installers, who can be contracted to assist in pre-construction planning and the actual installation of the playground equipment.

They can come before construction day to look at your job site and/or remain there to help with the installation. This would be useful because it would ensure that your playground was being installed according to specifications. You may also decide to have it fully installed by professionals. This is a great option if you prefer your volunteers to help with tasks like landscaping or spreading wood fiber surfacing.

A supervised community build is more budget-friendly and helps stakeholders develop a sense of ownership in the project. A turnkey installation by certified installers is more expensive, but can be more efficient and effective if you don't have a good source of volunteers.

Let’s face it, you’re essentially going to be married to your playground vendor for a few months, so you want to be sure that you choose wisely. You’re going to want someone who understands your specific needs (you’re not like just every other catch in the sea) and who understands what type of labor will be required to get the job done in a cost-efficient, timely, and highly professional manner.

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MANAGING YOUR EVENT Let's Do This!

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” ― Abraham Lincoln “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry “Step by step!” ― New Kids on the Block Whether you decide to hire a full team of professionals to build your playground or you rely on volunteers, all you have to do is close your eyes and make a wish. It will all magically go smoothly as silk. Ha! Just kidding. There has to be good organization and leadership for your project to be a success. And lucky for you, we’ve mapped it all out.

Here we go - step by step (oh baby) - your guide to managing your playground event...

Step one - We can have lots of fun (in a planning meeting) Begin your project by organizing a playground planning meeting to discuss goals, timetables, budgets, and confirm volunteers. This meeting is supposed to inform the entire community about your project and make sure they understand it. Getting the word out about it through newspapers, TV spotlights, distributing flyers, and talking to the public will help you reach that goal.

Step two - There’s so much we can do (when we work within committees) It will also be important to discuss the duties and responsibilities of each committee participating in this project. The success of each committee will rely on the Executive Committee, a group of people that should be elected during this planning meeting to fill the following roles: Chairperson Co-Chair Treasurer Head of Design Head of Fundraising Head of Construction Head of Public Relations

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Step three - It’s just you and me (and a ton of volunteer committee members) After the Executive Committee has been selected, you can brainstorm ideas that will finalize the project timetable and committee organizations. Then, volunteers can be assigned roles on different committees based on project needs and the best use of their skills. There may be volunteers who can’t commit to a committee that requires consistent participation. However, they may be able to help when called upon.

Step four - I can give you more (details on this) Here is a breakdown of each committee, its members, and what their goals are for this project: Executive Committee: They represent various committees while also working towards the project’s goals.

The members of this committee are listed above.

Role: Lead all teams. They are responsible for final decisions and coordinating teams.

Design Committee: They promote the needs and priorities of the project while staying in line with the budget and timeline.

Members: Site owner/manager/representative, parents, students/children, design professionals (landscape architects or engineers) Role: Organize and coordinate feedback from other stakeholders. Edit and return results of design meetings to the playground vendor. Choose colors and components with assistance from the playground vendor.

Construction Committee: Typically, volunteers with the most construction experience will be responsible for playground maintenance.

Roles: Outline site requirements and address any special needs before installation.

Checks local zoning and building codes. Contact local utility companies before installation. Plan security at the construction site.

Fundraising Committee: They are people in your group who aren’t afraid to network and reach out to people to ask for help.

Members and their Roles: The Corporate Sponsorship Chair obtains sponsorships from local businesses. The Promotion Chair organizes and executes fundraising promotions like T-shirt sales, walk-a-thons, etc. The Special Events Chair coordinates auctions, pancake breakfasts, etc. The Special Funding Chair researches and obtains grants and donations from charitable municipalities and corporate foundations.

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Public Relations Committee: They have the basic marketing, writing, and communication skills to ensure your messages are engaging and well distributed.

Roles: Issues regular press releases. Updates and maintains the website. Maintains and updates fundraising progress signs. Organizes and executes the Grand Opening ceremony. Maintains journal, website, and social media platforms.

Hospitality Committee: They enjoy supporting the playground project by building connections with local babysitters, providing food, and leading volunteer recruitment.

Roles: Lead volunteer recruitment, confirmation, and check-in on construction day.

Set up child care for meetings, Design Day, and Construction Day. Provide meals and snacks for meetings.

Support Group: This team of people who can’t commit to a specific task but still want to help will provide support.

Utilize these people in an ad hoc capacity on any committees that may need it, whenever they can provide the help.

Step five - Don’t you know that the time is right (to plan your playground) There is a place for anyone who may be interested in getting involved. The key to the success of your project will depend on good organization and delegation of roles.

Getting everyone in your community involved will make the playground a more personalized experience worth investing in.

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PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE It's Just So Hard to Say Goodbye.

We've had a lot of fun sharing ideas on planning the perfect playground project. Now, let's talk about what's next to make sure your playground continues to be a successful part of your community!

Your playground is complete, and you’ve done a ton of work: Do a boatload of planning to determine your needs and budget - CHECK Rally the troops and get a ton of people on your side - DONE Figure out where the playground will be - AFFIRMATIVE Choose the vendor of your dreams - I DO Use the inspiration of NKOTB to plan and manage your event - WORD Now you can enjoy the fruits of your labor, but first, we need to make sure you promote the actual use of the playground. Sure, it will sit there and look pretty, but it will be so much happier when tons of people are there to enjoy it and have fun. If you’ve got it, flaunt it! You certainly do, and here are some ways you can do just that.

Family Parties & Events Ain’t no party like a playground party! This play space is a fun and engaging place to host parties and family gatherings. Think of ways to make this space comfortable for groups to gather. The addition of tables, benches, strategically placed grills, and trash receptacles will be essential for families who may want to picnic or grill out at a space close to where their kids can play. Offering shaded options like a shelter with tables underneath should also be considered - that can be a lifesaver in August! Having a space where multiple generations can gather and interact is important for building relationships that are vital to a sense of belonging, whether for families or members of the community. Planning should also include proximity to parking and restrooms for maximum comfort and usability. People will be impressed that you thought of all those little details.

Programming & Learning The world is your classroom, and your playground falls into that category. Playgrounds can provide both fun and educational opportunities for children to gather. Groups like camps, before/after school activities, and school field trips can use these outdoor spaces to promote not only physical activity but also social engagement and interactive outdoor learning. Teach your children basic math skills by asking them to count the number of slides on the playground, or about gravity by dropping a ball from the top of the play space. You can also take advantage of the easy access you may have to nature to teach them about the seasons as the leaves change colors. Of course, you have to do all that in a totally non-annoying way.

Sneak that in in a fun way, which the playground naturally provides.

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Community Specific Events A lot of communities have events they would like to provide, but currently can’t because there is no space to host them. Super Playground Hero to the rescue! (That’s you, by the way.)

Getting feedback from community leaders in the planning process (which you did) will help them feel more involved and more likely to use and engage the space once it is complete.

Does your community want to host more family-friendly, outdoor fundraisers? As we mentioned before, the addition of shelters with tables and easily accessible bathrooms would be a great addition to your playground area for that very reason.

Management, Maintenance & Supervision You’ve already proved to be a great planner, so let’s keep that fun going. The long-term success of the playground will be determined by the amount of management and maintenance involved before, during, and after its construction. The site manager will need to make regular maintenance inspections, implement risk management strategies, maintain expenses related to upkeep, and develop a response strategy for potential issues that may come up. Request a free copy of our playground maintenance guide to help with this.

Building a playground is no small feat (um, hello, obviously). Enlisting the help of others as passionate as you about providing the community’s children with an environment to learn and play will help each person feel like they’ve contributed to a cause bigger than themselves. To sum up: be sure you understand the play space needs of your area, research the materials that best meet those needs, and recruit volunteers to assist your project. This investment will not only benefit your children but many generations to come, and will make your neighborhood a more inviting place to live.

You’re going to feel so proud once you see that first kid take a trip down the slide; that inaugural swing might just bring tears to your eyes. And we will help you every step of the way.

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PLAYGROUND FUNDING (800) 235-2440

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25. Finding the F-U-N in Fundraising 27. Three Grant Writing Wishes 30. 10 Ways to Ask for Funding

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FINDING THE F-U-N IN FUNDRAISING Soliciting funding sources sounds more intimidating than it actually is. If you’re okay with borrowing shoes from a friend for the night or your neighbor’s pressure washer, then asking them for money to build a playground that benefits both of you will be a breeze! And asking strangers is even easier than that! Finding funding sources requires being a little creative. It's an open-ended process that requires diligence and imagination, and a sense of fun and adventure! Below are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing: Donations and pledges Donations and pledges will most likely be the primary funding source for your project.

The good news is it’s relatively simple. Tell a story that will directly relate to your prospective donor and let them know the impact of their individual gift, how it will address specific needs, and the progress you’re making. Many donors will give one-time contributions, but others may pledge a set amount over a period of time.

Special events Another method is through fun special events like bake sales, talent shows, concerts, or carnivals. These fundraising techniques have stuck around because they work. Hands-on activities and events are not only time-tested and proven, but they're also a ton of fun.

You get to interact with community members face-to-face. That gives you a chance to build relationships that could lead to future donations and pledges! And remember how the old saying goes: when life hands you money, build a playground.

Government funding Ask everyone’s favorite rich uncle...Uncle Sam! Projects led by government entities like parks and rec departments, primary and secondary public schools, and the military can take advantage of funding generated by government funds (budget, bonds, internal services) and revenues (user fees, dedicated tax receipts, third-party arrangements).

Naming rights Create a sense of ownership for the project by giving donors the right to name the playground or a portion of it in exchange for their donation. Donor or corporate names can be applied to public signage, playground surfacing, and other areas to acknowledge contributions. This can be an appealing way for businesses to get their name out there and show the community they care about its quality of life.

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In-kind donations and volunteers Though we tend to think of funding as money – cash gifts and donations, funding can also take the form of in-kind contributions – people’s time, talents, goods, and services.

Non-cash contributions that can be assigned a cash value add up and can help reduce the amount of fundraising you need to do.

Also, volunteers can be priceless when trying to raise money. Organizing fundraisers, providing refreshments for meetings, and marketing and supporting the project are just a few ways in which people can practically donate their time or talents to the project.

Partnerships Tag Team! Find a community partner to help you carry the load and support the organization through their network. Take a look at the organizations in your community.

Do any of them have a similar mission and goal to yours? If so, pool resources (money, time, volunteers) to help make your project run smoothly. Unified We Play: Partnership Best Practices for Play and Recreation is a national report developed with the input and expertise of partner-focused park and recreation leaders. This resource has information showing the effectiveness of partnerships and includes some case studies featuring partnerships to create meaningful programs and facilities in communities across the country.

Check for funding options with your playground company Your playground vendor may also have options for lease payments. Although the term lease can be confusing, this simply means you can obtain financing for the play space, paid over a term that is identified by the leasing company. They may also offer matching funds to help you offset the cost of your equipment. You won’t know until you ask.

So get creative! Put the f-u-n into fundraising and it won’t seem like a challenge at all!

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THREE GRANT WRITING WISHES There are many different types of ways you can raise money for your project. Let’s unpack one of the most misunderstood: writing grants. A grant is a sum of “free” money given by the government, foundations, or corporations to groups (typically nonprofits) that go through a rigorous application process against other applicants. Follow our guidelines below, and your “wishes” just might be granted!

Wish #1 - The perfect grant source The best way to find relevant grants to apply for is to look on the Foundation Center’s website, www.foundationcenter.org, where they provide information about philanthropy and a comprehensive database on national grantmakers. You can search for organizations that focus on children’s play and playgrounds, but also think outside the box. Your playground site will promote education, physical fitness, health and wellness, outdoor recreation, and community development. Don’t be afraid to reach out to organizations that cover those topics as well, especially if your project fits their philanthropic mission, vision, and requirements.

Wish #2 - A tailored grant application You have chosen the grant to apply for, now it’s time to set your organization apart from the competition through your application! Do yourself a favor. Do not send the same grant application to every organization. While it may be good to start with a rough sketch of your project’s strengths, goals, and timeline for completion, it’s not good to use the same application for every single organization. You have to understand each organization’s criteria for grant application and write your grant specially tailored to those requirements.

Everyone likes to feel special, including the people from whom you’re asking money. Below are some potential areas you may find in an application, but be sure to include all the sections your application asks for: Background information: The more information you share about your project, the more comfortable contributors will feel knowing how their money will be used. Develop a statement on the history and mission of your organization, including charts, a mission statement, and brief bios of your key staff members. Create a brief description of the current projects you are involved with. This will show your group’s ability to execute programs and provide insight into your current level of community service.

Executive Summary: This is the same as the cover letter in a job application. In it, you summarize all of the key information and convince the reader that your project is worth funding. It should include: problem, solution, funding requirements, your organization and its expertise, measurable outcomes, and partnerships if applicable.

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Statement of Need: You mentioned a problem and solution in the executive summary, and this is where you have the opportunity to unpack that solution with facts and evidence supporting the need for this project. Here are some topics you should cover in a concise and informative statement: Facts or statistics that best support your project Demonstrate that your project addresses the need differently or better than other projects that preceded it.

If you are incorporating design programs from PlayCore, you can see whether your project qualifies as a National Demonstration Site, a model playground program implementing best practices in design. Showcasing your project as a model could be a bonus to its necessity in the community.

Project Description: This is the area of your grant where you can go more in-depth with the details of your project.

Objectives: These are the tangible outcomes of the program that can be measured and achieved in a specified amount of time. Objectives are sometimes confused with more abstract goals. For example, the goal of your playground project is to be good for kids. Its objective, however, is to assist the community’s children to understand the importance of exercise by organizing activities and family programs to educate everyone on the importance of free play.

Evaluation: Understand how your project will be evaluated. Grant funders want to see the long-term financial life span of the project and the nonprofit organization in charge of it.

They will want evidence that your project has a start and ending date, or that it is selfsufficient and/or able to expand into programs that might make money.

Budget: What are your projected expenses? What are your projected support and revenue streams? Include committed contributions and in-kind donations/services to show the financial community support for this project.

Organizational Information: Showcase the need for your project in the community and your organization’s ability to carry it out. Explain when your nonprofit began, its mission, and describe its structure, programs, and special expertise. This information can be shared in a short description or brochure.

Conclusion: This is where you can make a final appeal for your project. Lay on the extras (think extra whipped cream and double cherries on top) to convince them that you are the right person to work with. Make them laugh, cry, and feel special that you reached out to them, while briefly reviewing what your nonprofit wants to do and why it is important.

That is an extensive list of things to include in your list, but what are some things you shouldn’t do in your application?

Don’t be negative in your approach to the problem. If the problem description overwhelms the solution, then it will be difficult to convince your reader that your solution will make a difference.

Don’t copy and paste directly from the foundation’s website or other forms of information.

It is a lazy form of writing and doesn’t showcase how your mission and values align with theirs.

Don’t use acronyms. While you may understand the abbreviations you are using in your grant, you cannot assume that they will, too. Always write out the name or organization.

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Wish #3 - A quick response The next step is the most difficult - the waiting period. The foundation’s decision-making process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, during which time they may ask for more information from you or professional references. It may be agonizing to wait for a response, but hopefully, your genie will grant your wish!

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10 WAYS TO ASK FOR FUNDING Saying please and thank you will take you far on your fundraising journey. It's simple relationship building with potential funders and volunteers is important to the success of your project. So use your manners!

The more personal and sincere you are with the people on your list, the quicker you will be able to make the ask. Talk with potential donors in layman's terms. Make it accessible and understandable; clarity makes people trust your message more because you show that you have nothing to hide. Now that you’ve written out your grants, you can share details of where their money will be going and at what point in the project. When other people ask them about your project, they should be able to express your goals concisely and convincingly.

Laura Fredrick’s book, “The Ask: How to Ask Anyone for Any Amount for Any Purpose,” offers “10 Guiding Principles for Any Ask.” We've adapted them for playground fundraising.

Here are our Ten Rules for Asking for Playground Funding: 1.Be personal and sincere with the people you are talking to. It makes it quicker and easier to make the ask.

2.Treat every potential funder separately and distinctly.

3.Make your gift before asking anyone else for a gift.

4.Ask for a specific amount for a specific purpose.

5.Seek consistent givers. They can and will make larger gifts.

6.Always use “we” instead of “I” in any ask. "We" means that the ask is being done with all the strength and backing of the organization.

7.Coordinate your organization’s planned giving program with all other fundraising programs.

8.Ask for a specific amount, with guidelines on how to fund the gift within a proposed time frame.

9.At the initial ask, stay committed to the ask amount.

10.Follow-through, or the ask, will result in no gift.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! It’s also important to give recognition to the people who have contributed. Saying thank you and providing updates will keep funders engaged and focused on collective success. So thank them, thank them, thank them. Think of ways to make your thank you more personalized and relate to your donors whenever possible. There are a variety of inexpensive ways to do this, like sending thank you letters or recognizing your donors at events.

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TIME TO GET BUSY! We have covered a multitude of topics in this guide, from figuring out if a playground is important for your community to the final steps of how to successfully gather monetary and voluntary support to make this dream a reality. When you can step alongside friends, families, and businesses to do just that, building this playground will become more manageable and something you can enjoy working on together!

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PLAYGROUND DESIGN (800) 235-2440

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33. Seeing is Believing 35. A Deeper Look

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SEEING IS BELIEVING Seeing is Believing Regardless of when you are reading this, imagine it is Christmas time and little kids are rushing to see Santa. To actually SEE Santa helps them believe he is real.

We’ve talked about planning your outdoor recreation space. We’ve talked about how to fund it. And now we are at the designing phase, one of the most exciting steps of all. The design step is where you bring together all the feedback you’ve received and create a visual representation that allows the community to SEE the goal, and to build excitement and support around it.

So, what does it take to turn ideas into a unique design? The design process encompasses the views of numerous and varied stakeholders so that numerous and varied opinions and options are considered. Everyone likes to be listened to and to see their idea in the design. As long as you don’t end up with a theme park-sized playground to incorporate all the ideas, you should be good. You’ll be surprised how many elements can be incorporated. You and your team have the opportunity to imagine and to create a playground that is elaborate, unique, whimsical, and inviting while still being affordable, flexible, and dependable. Let imaginations run wild!

Here are some tips to consider while designing: Allow for differences in age, interest, and ability.

Address the play continuum, from free play to guided play to structured play.

Increase both the range of play behavior and the intensity of physical activity: moving, running, jumping, climbing, crawling, balancing, sliding, swinging, and spinning.

Make the outdoor playground an outdoor classroom, and incorporate loose parts and art.

You really can design the community’s dream!

Go Big or Go Home Another thing to consider is developing a master plan. A master plan includes designs for both a specific site and a district’s overall vision. This allows stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of both the context and usage of the play project that is underway. Master planning casts a wide net. It provides an overarching, long-range direction for the community’s play values, strategy, and initiatives. It provides an easy way for everyone involved to analyze all those important details like current assets, usage, playground lifecycle, and replacement needs, and relevant management and sustainability budget considerations.

Some urban areas have discovered that having existing compiled data about playgrounds has made their parks eligible for grant funding, as they can clearly identify the needs and outcomes of such investments - BONUS!!

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Let’s take a look at an example. When the City of Denver prepared a Play Area Master Plan, they worked within the larger park and recreation master plan. It addressed the importance of designing adjacent play areas, such as school and park playgrounds, that strategically provide maximum community benefits. The plan identified the need for various sizes, play settings, and types of parks that provided users with varying play experiences.

When everyone works together, when more resources are pooled, more goals can be accomplished, and budgets can be used more effectively. It’s a no-brainer!

The Denver master planning process included gathering information from the community using surveys and GIS mapping to determine needs, as well as play inequities in various neighborhoods. Pairing this data with a playground audit process, the master plan identified current play spaces in need of updates and potential locations for new play spaces.

Winning Design Visualization As we all know, vision requires execution to achieve results. So the most critical component of the master plan is the implementation/action plan. As you identify and refine your wish list and then translate it into a winning visualization, you’ll also be strengthening your fundraising approach. That means you can proceed with confidence!

At the end of the design process, you will have the input from both community and financial stakeholders to give to your playground vendor, so you can work together to create visual tools. These include a top view showing all the play components, a realistic rendering that will generate excitement for the project, and a final cost to help define the fundraising effort required. Use these in your outreach, advertising, grant, and fundraising appeals. Use the rendering on posters, social media, and any way you can to build awareness! The community will be able to SEE the goal and better understand and support its benefits for the community.

Get your winning design out there watch the magic begin to happen when people start believing!

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A DEEPER LOOK A Deeper Look When people start to design a new playground, we ask a couple of questions: What are your goals for your playground?

How will we ensure the maximum play value on your playground?

These questions go far beyond how a playground looks - the color of its slides or the curb appeal of the landscaping. You’ve probably heard the old adage “beauty is only skin deep.”

You’ve likely told someone, “It’s what’s on the inside that matters.” Those sayings apply to a playground, too. Sure, a playground can look super cool, but it has to meet the needs of the community and the purpose of the project, too! So, take some time with key stakeholders to create a list of top priorities. This will help in the overall design process, budget planning, and equipment selection. You can explore a few design options to find the best use of funds and a project that aligns with what your community feels is important.

Here is a list of considerations to make sure your new playground meets your goals and provides the most play value for children and families. The result will be a meaningful and beautiful playground design for your community.

Context Where will your play space be located? Choose a location that will serve the greatest number of families. Consider a location within walking distance of neighborhoods to help make sure the play space will be used.

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Developmental and Learning Applications What is the age range of children who will visit your playground? How do you want to incorporate tools that will encourage skill-building? If programming is offered at the play space, what opportunities for learning can be included in the equipment, activities, or natural environment to provide hands-on experiences outdoors?

Inclusive Play How can you create an environment that will provide equal play experiences and activities that challenge users at every level physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively? Try to develop a space that focuses on the child’s perspective to create universally designed, inclusive play environments for people of all ages and abilities.

Incorporate the best practices found in 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design to create meaningful outdoor play environments that break down both physical and social barriers to play.

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Nature Discovery How can you provide ways for children to interact with nature in your play space? Place playgrounds in close relation to functional surroundings like hills, green spaces, and trees. Take advantage of natural entrances, pathways, and boundaries. Another way is to incorporate garden pockets or natural elements. If you would like more resources to understand how to best integrate nature into your playground design, request a free copy of NatureGrounds: Designing Play Environments that Integrate Manufactured Equipment with the Living Landscape to discover best practices from experts in naturalized play environments.

Physical Activity & Fitness Many communities tell us their primary goal is to promote more physical activity among children. Here are some design best practices to consider: Offer a variety of equipment like slides, swings, brachiating (overhead climbing), balancing, and climbing.

Create a developmental progression of skills by picking equipment for different users that will promote healthy risk-taking and provide challenging activities for every skill level.

Choose child-friendly plant materials, pathways, and existing topography to encourage movement and add play value.

Provide additional loose parts to encourage children to move and work together to manipulate their environment.

Design the layout of your playground in a way that will encourage movement through running, chasing, exploring, and active play.

Playgrounds aren’t just for children. There are ways to incorporate adult fitness equipment so parents or caregivers can be physically active while watching their children play.

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For more ideas on activities that promote physical activity while also meeting national standards for physical education on the playground, take a look at Play On!: Playground Learning Activities for Youth Fitness.

Programming An important part of the overall design of your playground is a space for special community events such as shows, picnics, and more. This is an important part of the overall design of your playground. Will facilitators or programming staff be used? What types of amenities will need to be included, such as restrooms, picnic areas, trash receptacles, bike racks, or grills? With the right design, you can create opportunities to bring learning outdoors and engage children in a way that reinforces concepts they are learning in school by bringing them on a field trip to your local playground to study the weather and draw pictures of how it looks that day. The possibilities are endless!

Surfacing This area of design is essential to your play area. You can choose from a wide variety of surfacing types depending on the need, budget, and space. Unitary surfaces such as pouredin-place recycled rubber offer the greatest accessibility for an inclusive play space, but wood fiber is a more economical choice. Understanding the role surfacing plays in your playground, as a safety element and as a play and learning medium, is essential to tying together all the pieces of your playground. Request a free copy of Strong Foundations to learn more about planning, purchasing, and protecting your playground safety surfacing.

Maintenance and Supervision Planning how your playground will look and what types of equipment you want to include is fun and exciting, but it’s also important to discuss who will be responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of the play space. Will your design goals be manageable with their resources and budget?

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It’s also important to think about making the playground not only fun but also make it a safe environment for the community. Does your playground offer clear sight lines for supervision and comfortable areas for caregivers to watch their children as they play? For more ideas on how to cater your playground to supervision, request a free copy of our Playground Supervision Guide.

Community Culture and History The great thing about getting community input on the design of your playground is that you can give back by incorporating important historical or community-specific cultural aspects into the space. Discuss what your community is known for and how you can highlight those features with custom-themed products, signage, artwork, natural resources, and/or programming.

Ensure Play Value Play value is the qualities of a playground that make it meaningful, enjoyable, and how it can sustain repeated use by the community. Playgrounds should: Promote learning and development.

Stimulate the senses through a rich array of textures, colors, and sounds.

Nurture curiosity, creativity, and imagination through a rich, ever-changing environment.

Be fun, provide a place to relax and escape from routine, mental fatigue, and boredom.

Support children’s basic social, physical, and cognitive needs. You can do this by making the playground comfortable and scaled to the child’s size while still making it physically and intellectually challenging.

Encourage and allow interaction among children, materials, and adults.

Be dynamic, provide graduated challenges, and be continuously changing.

Building a beautiful playground will excite the community. Building a beautiful playground that is usable and developmentally beneficial to the greatest number of people possible will unite your community. As with all things of great worth, it’s all about what’s on the inside!

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PLAYGROUND BUILD (800) 235-2440

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41. Get it Together!

44. Be Prepared 47. Tips for a Successful Playground Build

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GET IT TOGETHER! Let's Build It! Your playground is one step closer to completion! You've planned everything. You've found funding sources. Your design is complete. Now it's time to build! Here are some tips to make the day a memorable experience for your community.

NOTE: Communication is Key! We can’t stress enough the importance of communicating with your vendor as you prepare to build your playground. From delivery to site prep to construction, your vendor will be able to offer you instructions specific to your needs so the build goes smoothly.

How will you build?

The first thing you’ll need to decide is whether you’ll choose a complete professional install, a supervised install, or a hybrid of both options, like using professional installers for the equipment and volunteers for the installation of surfacing. Regardless of which route you take, you need to ensure you can execute the plan!

Place Your Order Next, it’s time to make it tangible, so order away! From the day you order to the day the equipment shows up on site will vary from approximately 21-45 days. With as little as 3 weeks before your equipment arrives, organization and preparation during that time are crucial. Be sure to ask your vendor for your target delivery date, so you know your exact window of time to prepare. During this time frame, you’ll need to plan, prep the site, organize tools, organize volunteers, and more.

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Contact your trusty playground vendor to find out the number of days the build will take, the tools and equipment needed, and the number of volunteers needed for each day.

We recommend starting off by choosing someone to lead your crew. Captain, Team leader, boss, head honcho, whatever you call ‘em, designate someone to be the ringleader. This person will have responsibilities before, during, and after the playground build. Make sure to talk about the following items with your vendor and note any additional recommendations they may have.

Secure the volunteers. Develop a list with names, phone numbers, and roles prior to build day. Give them a call at least one week in advance to confirm their coming and as a little reminder. This will give you time to recruit additional volunteers if needed.

Prepare the site - way in advance! We’ll talk more about site prep in the next article.

Secure the proper tools and building equipment. We’ve put together a handy-dandy tool list for you in the next article. Your vendor will know exactly what you need.

Choose one point of contact for your professional supervisor. This person needs to have the authority to make decisions on site and be on site all day.

Get the tools and building equipment to the site early - preferably at least an hour before the planned start.

Have your volunteers sign waivers. Safety and responsibility is a priority. Also, check whether you’ll need to have volunteers sign photo releases.

Orientation of the equipment - your professional supervisor knows what parts go together, but you’ll need to show him where on the site they’ll go. Talk with your professional supervisor to agree on the location plan before the build day.

Make sure there is a power source and a water source on site. Both will be vital during the installation.

Determine the method of concrete disbursement. Will a truck dispense into wheelbarrows, or will you be mixing on site? Ask your playground vendor how many wheelbarrows you will need. If you are mixing concrete, a water source is crucial.

Secure and pay for the concrete for the holes. Your vendor will be able to give you a quantity estimate.

Secure, pay for, and supply any other ancillary materials not provided by the vendor. It’s a good idea to talk about these needs with them in advance.

Have a Strong Foundation You must provide surfacing under and around the equipment in the use zones AFTER it is installed and BEFORE children play on it, so be sure this is planned for. Work with your playground vendor to plan the timing and requirements, which will depend on the equipment and surfacing option you have chosen. Under no circumstances should children be allowed in the playground use zone before the surfacing is installed. Depending on your schedule, this may require you to purchase plastic construction fencing or other barriers to prevent access.

Discuss with your playground vendor in advance.

Make it Fun! Your playground build is only as good as your volunteers. So be thoughtful and treat them well! This is an all-day event, so plan ahead to make it fun and productive! Here are some guidelines to get great help and help volunteers feel appreciated.

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Share the work! Make sure your team size is good for your project build. You don’t want to end up without enough volunteers, and too many idle volunteers aren’t great either. Ask your trusty vendor for advice on how many volunteers you need, and then verify that at least that many are committed.

Communicate a dress code to volunteers to keep them comfortable and safe. Flip flops are a no-no!

Communicate to volunteers what, if anything, they need to bring with them, for example, tools, sunscreen, gloves, or shade hats. Volunteers can also be a great resource for tools, so share a list with them and take inventory of what they can bring.

Be sure food, water, first aid, and other amenities (like restrooms!) are available to volunteers.

Host an orientation/training meeting first thing in the morning of the build. Be sure your team leader or another appointed spokesperson discusses the day’s schedule, team lifting, protecting the finish of equipment, proper usage and procedure for checking out (and returning) tools, safety, reading the instruction manual, team assignments and captains, and other guidelines as advised by your playground vendor. This is also a great opportunity to thank those who have donated goods and services for the build day!

Many of your volunteers may have kids, and a build site is NOT a place for young children.

Consider babysitting services (such a great idea!) or activities nearby to help get parents to volunteer, and to ensure children are kept out of harm’s way during the build. High schoolaged children may be appropriate, but ensure their parents sign a release form for them.

Plan fun activities throughout the day to keep spirits and momentum high! Stretching sessions, camp songs, and music are just some options! Rallying the group for progress reports, hydration breaks, and a team lunch can help keep volunteers motivated and engaged to the finish.

Play to your volunteers’ strengths. Find jobs that are suitable for them. A job sign-up sheet before the day of is a helpful idea. Communicate to volunteers how long they are expected to be on-site helping.

Your build day should be fun, rewarding, and exciting! It’s a great way to build community strength, create friendships, and work together. By preparing yourself for the event, you can ensure that it will be remembered as a fun time and help you recruit volunteers to help out in future events!

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BE PREPARED Site prep is your responsibility, regardless of the level of installation you choose. So what exactly is a prepared site? Check with your playground vendor to make sure you’ve covered all your bases for preparation before the build day. Here are some site prep items you’ll need to complete: The site must be free of debris, old equipment, and surfacing.

The sub-grade must be relatively flat.

You’ll need to choose the direction in which the playground will be laid out You’ll also need to ensure that any utilities running underground are marked and do not pose a hazard to the playground installers.

There must be a final grade mark on site. In order to install the equipment, your vendor will need to know what the finish grade of the site is going to be. Be sure to discuss this in advance with them if you have any questions!

If you choose to dig your holes prior to build day, you will save a lot of time on the morning of the build, and it will go much smoother. Be sure to talk to your vendor or supervisor about options for this.

If you have volunteers installing the surfacing, talk to your vendor in advance to make sure the equipment comes with surfacing markers. Surface markers are stickers placed on the support upright posts of the playground to show the level that which the surfacing material must be installed to meet standards to appropriately cushion falls from the equipment. This will be a big help for your volunteers.

Gathering tools and equipment is a job within itself! Develop a plan to make sure you have all your tools and equipment available on build day. You don’t want to waste valuable time on build day scrambling for tools. We’ve compiled a general list for you, but check with your playground vendor for a complete list of the tools and equipment necessary for installation.

Make sure to ask them for quantities and sizes! Also, since most of your tools will be donated or borrowed, you must keep track of them. Make sure tools are labeled and set up a station where tools can be checked out and in. This will cut down on missing tools.

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Tools Transit or builder’s level and rod Stakes, string, marking paint Hoses and water source Power source (generator or outlet) and extension cords Post hole diggers or auger (See heavy equipment. An auger is especially useful for larger playgrounds or tough soil conditions.)

Wheelbarrows Utility knives Allen wrenches (hex key set) Adjustable wrenches Tape measures Rock bar Round-point shovels, hoes, rakes 6’ Stepladder Bricks or blocks for the bottom of the ground holes Channel lock pliers Lumber for bracing steps, etc., during assembly Line up the tool or the drift pin Ratchet and socket set Rat tail file 3/8” Drive to 1/4” quick change socket Security tape or fencing Rubber hammer Tie-down straps or 6” quick grips 4’ Level Cordless drill and assorted size drill bits up to 17/32” or an electric drill Extension cords Sledgehammer (for driving stakes if installing surfacing curbs) Bolt cutters (for chain adjustments if installing swings) Vise-grip pliers S-hook pliers (if installing swing, chain net climbers, trapeze bars, or rings) Tarps and rakes for moving and spreading loose fill surfaces. Volunteers can be asked to bring rakes and gloves for themselves and to share.

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Heavy Equipment Forklift (For removing equipment from the truck) Skid steer with 18” auger bit Concrete truck or mixer (for securing uprights into the ground at the end of the job)

Other Event Supplies to Consider Registration table with necessary forms for sign-in, releases, etc.

Nametags and pens Shade tents Folding chairs Banners or signs to thank volunteers and donors Camera Hydration (plenty of water) Ice chests and ice Energy snacks Meals Music Garbage bags Microphone or bullhorn for announcements Hand sanitizer First aid kit Broom Buckets, rags, and soap Labels to mark tools Caution tape Once the site is prepped, there are just a couple more to-dos standing between you and that shiny new playground. Stay tuned for our next article on organizing your equipment when it arrives and finally, the CONSTRUCTION!

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TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL PLAYGROUND BUILD Today is the Day! After all your planning, fundraising, and scheduling, the day has arrived. Here are some tips to make sure your build day goes smoothly for everyone involved: Check Everything Each playground equipment vendor will have a slightly different handling method, but you can be sure that your playground equipment will be carefully manufactured, coded with respective part numbers, wrapped, and, when possible, palletized for shipment from the factory.

You should inventory all of the pieces as they are unloaded from the carrier’s truck.

Pieces may include individual items, such as slides or decks, or large consolidated boxes containing smaller items packaged together. Don’t open anything until you’ve made sure it’s all there! Also, never sign a freight bill without counting pieces and noting any package damage. The total pieces shipped should equal the number of packages and consolidated boxes unloaded from the truck. Your equipment will arrive with a bill of lading or “delivery check sheet.” Be sure to speak to your vendor in advance to know where to look for this. Note any shortages on the freight bill, and contact your local playground representative to arrange for an immediate replacement.

Open and Sort After you have counted the shipment pieces to confirm all boxes have been shipped, you can open the boxes and sort and count the individual pieces within. Just a reminder that this should be an organized process, not a Christmas morning free-for-all all! Be sure to ask your playground vendor for their recommendations on how best to undertake the opening. If there are missing items or damage caused by shipping, contact the manufacturer right away for guidance. By being organized and keeping an inventory log, you can contact your vendor right away and will have info like the order number, part number, and description of the problem at your fingertips. Your vendor will generally work to correct any issues as quickly as possible. As mentioned above, note the issues on the freight bill. It will be necessary for processing freight claims.

In addition to equipment, you’ll have hardware that needs to be inventoried. We recommend putting one person in charge of the hardware. They’ll be responsible for keeping inventory, arranging them in numerical order, and handing them out to team members as needed to build a particular component of the play system.

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Prepare a Surfacing Area If your surfacing doesn’t require professional installation, it will most likely be delivered around the same time as the equipment. It’s a good idea to have an area in mind to unload that is accessible to the delivery truck and close enough to the playground site to make transporting the equipment easy. This will make your volunteers happy! They’ll be using tarps and wheelbarrows to move the surfacing from the unloading site to the playground, so a close unloading site will save energy and time. If you are having your surfacing professionally installed, these installers will be taking care of the delivery and installation details once your volunteers are finished.

Start the Build After you have inventoried your parts, it’s time to begin building. First things first, get your team organized! We recommend setting up a registration table where volunteers can sign in and fill out the waiver and photo release forms. As mentioned in previous posts, these forms should be approved by an attorney. Also, have your volunteer team grab name tags so they get to know each other quickly!

Next, you’ll want to introduce your onsite supervisor to your volunteer team. This person is the expert on the build site, and it will help make the day run more smoothly if your volunteers know who to take direction from. Your onsite supervisor will also have recommendations on dividing your group into teams and organizing them efficiently.

Teamwork will be an important part of your build to lift, carry, and hold larger components in place as they are attached.

The build day can be long, so remember to treat your volunteers well! Offering scheduled breaks in the build provides volunteers with some much-needed rest, and can help build team spirit and energy. Offer stretch breaks with a fitness trainer, create team cheers and have volunteers repeat them, play music, offer snack breaks, or have a sunscreen dance!

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Other Tips and Techniques for Installation Day We touched on some of these tips in previous articles, but felt like a refresher was important since these suggestions and ideas stem from experience in approaching a playground construction project by volunteers and professionals.

Determine playground location, making sure it is safe for children.

Note any special requirements needed prior to installation, such as removal of old debris, equipment, additional lighting, fencing, drainage work, etc.

Determine the dimensions of the playground site.

Re-establish your volunteer resources and skills. Have a committee member call them a few days in advance to ensure they still plan on attending your build!

Set a publicity plan and identify someone who can clearly communicate your mission to act as spokesperson.

Check with local utilities before installation day. Local utility companies will often donate the use of equipment with crews to dig the post holes for your installation. Contact them well in advance to arrange for their services.

If post holes are dug in advance of installation day, be certain to cordon off the area with security tape or fencing to avoid tripping hazards.

Check with military bases, local National Guard facilities, and the Army Corps of Engineers for potential manpower and assistance on playground projects. Area community service organizations may also be willing to help. It’s a good idea to make requests well in advance to be considered.

Contact local fast food restaurants and pizza delivery services about donating meals on the build day. Doughnuts and coffee for the early shift, burgers and fries for lunch, and pizza at dinner will make your crew feel appreciated and well fed! Remember, some of your crew might require vegetarian options, so it’s a good idea to be thoughtful when planning food selection. Be certain to provide plenty of water, iced tea, and lemonade to drink throughout the day and a table of energy food for quick pick-me-ups.

If your volunteers will need childcare during build day, consider asking local service clubs, high school students, church youth groups, or senior citizen groups. Planned activities, coloring contests, snacks, and games will help keep children occupied and clear of construction.

Since most of your tools will be donated or borrowed, you must keep track of them. First, make sure tools are labeled. Second, set up a station where tools can be checked out and in. This will cut down on missing tools.

Supply first-aid kits on site for small emergencies.

Make sure there is sufficient electrical service for the construction site.

Enlist volunteers to clean up the construction site after the installation is complete.

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PLAYGROUND SUSTAINABILITY (800) 235-2440

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51. Maintenance and Supervision 53. Special Events 55. Programming the Playground 60. Promoting Your Playground

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MAINTENANCE AND SUPERVISION Did you know 1/3 of all playground injuries are associated with poor or neglected playground maintenance? Regular playground maintenance is essential to reducing hazards and ensuring a fun experience for everyone.

Think of it as servicing your car. Routine maintenance and proper supervision will make sure your playground is operating smoothly and can be enjoyed for years to come. So, take the time to put together a management plan to ensure your playground is successful!

Playground Management Plans As a community, create a management plan that addresses the long-term goals for your playground. This plan should consider the long-term healthy development of any trees or plants included around your play space, as well as the lifespan of any play or recreation equipment. The parks and recreation department, school system, neighborhood associations, non-profit organizations, or any combination of these groups could develop this management plan.

It’s important to involve the community in your play space because it ensures the community will be interested in supporting and preserving the site.

Playground Maintenance and Inspections After you’ve put so much time and energy into the creation of your new community playground, you’ll want to make sure the site is always taken care of! The best way to do this is with regular playground inspections to address any maintenance needs. These steps are also key parts of your risk management program because you’ll decrease the chances of anyone getting hurt on faulty equipment.

Another reason to make sure you’re taking care of your playground is that play equipment is a significant investment. Regular maintenance will decrease the chances that you’ll have to replace playground equipment. In addition to the economic reasons, you should regularly maintain your play space to foster community pride and keep community members invested in the site's success.

Here are some key things to consider when planning your maintenance program: Inspections should be routine, timely, and followed up with immediate action Have a system in place that ensures any hazardous situations are handled immediately Staff should be regularly educated and trained Keep all your records of all maintenance and repair jobs

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Playground Supervision Playground supervision is essential because it decreases the risk of injury on your playground.

Ensure your playground supervisors are educated on promoting healthy, active, challenging play. Supervisors should pay close attention to the following aspects of play: Children getting on or off play equipment Young children who are just beginning to play Children who don’t seem to be cautious Overcrowding of play activities, such as slide entrances Items brought into the playground that could be dangerous Children's roughhousing, bullying, or other negative play behaviors Your playground supervisors should visit the playground and get familiar with all of the play equipment and play areas so that they can better keep track of children playing and anticipate any accidents.

We're Here to Help Don’t let your sparkling new playground turn into a jalopy. With a solid management plan, you’ll ensure meaningful usage and long-term sustainability of this valuable asset. Taking care of your playground will keep the community coming back for years to come!

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SPECIAL EVENTS Special Event Space Now that you've built your new playground, it's important to make sure it is being used by your community. A great way to engage the community is through special events. Your fun ideas are sure to draw a crowd. Here are some easy tips and things to keep in mind when creating and scheduling events and programs.

Assessing the Needs of Your Community The events you choose to have in your playground should fit the wants and needs of your community and be designed to include people of all ages and abilities. A good way to find out what your community wants and needs is to ask them through surveys, interviews, public meetings, focus groups, suggestion boxes, and various social media platforms.

Another thing to consider about events is that you might want to partner with a local organization to combine resources and grow your opportunities. You’ll also want to continually assess how your events are being received by the community so you know what activities the people enjoy and what they want more or less of.

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Partnering for Success Communities are searching for ways to fund and bring more opportunities for play and recreation to their citizens, but they often can’t afford these programs on their own. This is where partnerships come into play. Strong partnerships can increase the use of the playground and make sure that it sticks around for years to come. Some possible types of partnerships are public/public, public/private, public/non-profit, and faith-based.

Creating School-Park Partnerships School-park partnerships can be a great solution to the need for volunteers, ideas, and funds to help support your community park. This type of partnership benefits both sides because the park gains funding and manpower, and the school is given a space where kids can go before and after school to increase their access to play time. Other benefits of this type of partnership include resources such as shared facilities and equipment, increased visibility, accessibility, and walkability of programs to the neighborhoods they serve, and safer places for kids and families to play.

If you listen to your community, plan events that everyone wants and can participate in, create meaningful partnerships, and work with local schools, your new playground is bound to be a big success!

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PROGRAMMING THE PLAYGROUND Program Your Park One of the questions we receive most is, "How can I make sure my playground is serving the whole community?" Our answer: add programming to your park. Programs and activity options that meet specific needs in the community are a great way to make sure the park is used year-round by everyone. A well-programmed park and playground is a space that everyone loves. Here are some ideas for combining programs with your playground.

Promoting Physical Activity Kids of all ages need to run around and stretch their legs every day. It’s recommended that they get 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. This daily exercise has been shown to increase academic achievement, as well as help develop the mind, body, and spirit. What better way to make sure your community’s kids are getting their exercise than by giving them a playground with lots of physical activities and programs.

Some great things to incorporate into your active playground are a variety of swinging, sliding, spinning, climbing, and balancing equipment. Some other ideas to increase physical activity on your playground include: Creating an “activity of the week,” such as a fun playground game Creating “stations” with playground equipment such as balls and hula hoops Pretending the play structure is a pirate ship or castle to encourage imaginative play Incorporating games such as Red Light-Green Light, Follow the Leader, or Hide and Seek

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Engaging with Nature Kids need to be out in nature. Spending time at play in nature has been shown to improve a child's mental well-being! Your playground can serve as the place where kids reconnect with and learn about nature and have fun doing it. When you incorporate nature into and around your playground, you can teach kids all kinds of things about nature, such as the different kinds of plants and trees, the stages of plant growth, and the importance of photosynthesis.

One way to include nature in your playground is by having a walking and biking path surrounding it that could help kids see more of the surrounding natural environment and get some physical activity. A walking and biking path is a great place for parents to play observational games with their kids that encourage them to observe their natural surroundings. Some of these observational games are “I Spy,” “Hide and Go Seek,” or an alphabet game where kids point out something around them that starts with every letter of the alphabet. Some other ways to include nature in your playground are to have sand/water activities, areas for gardening, and areas for wildlife observation.

To learn more about which plants in your area are child-friendly and the benefits of incorporating nature into your playground, visit www.naturegrounds.org.

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Supporting Inclusive Play A playground should be a place where kids of all abilities can come together and have fun. The goal should be to create a space where the needs of all children are considered by providing opportunities for physical, mental, communicative, social/emotional, and sensory development. You may have already designed an inclusive playground, but to go further,r your playground should be a place where the community has events and programs that raise awareness about disabilities and inclusiveness. Some examples of these events or programs are hosting up-close and personal sessions with people with disabilities, storytelling or puppet shows, adapted sports demonstrations, or interactive disability simulations.

For more tips and activities about disability awareness and programming, request information from our parent company, PlayCore, by visiting www.inclusiveplaygrounds.org.

Bringing Learning Outdoors A well-designed playground can double as the ultimate outdoor classroom! When learning is combined with playing, kids can deepen their understanding of skills and concepts and improve their scores in school at the same time. Lots of common subjects in school can be taught in the outdoors, such as math, music through the use of musical playground equipment, languages and vocabulary, and science concepts such as biology and physics.

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Some ideas for outdoor learning events and activities include: Water Day: kids can paint with water on sidewalks, play on water slides, run through sprinklers, and bob for items in buckets Camp Out: kids can pitch tents, participate in scavenger hunts, sing camp songs, tell stories, learn fire safety, and learn to use camping equipment Summer Athletics: have a mock Olympics where kids can join teams, have an opening ceremony, and participate in various activities like obstacle courses, field games, track/bike races, and relay races Bring creativity and imagination outdoors with the “Outdoor Creative Play and Learning System.” For more information on this and other curricula, visit www.playcore.com/curriculum.

Community Events Now that you’ve created your playground, it will be an ideal place for community activities and events! Whether it’s a birthday party, a reunion, or an end-of-school party, a well-designed playground and recreation area is the perfect venue!

Things to consider: Post a sign in the recreation area that has the phone number and website to reserve the space for events Decide if there will be a fee for reserving the gathering area; these fees can help pay for maintenance costs Have clear rules for the use of the space, and make sure they’re easy to find and read online and on signs at the playground/recreation space Know what permits are required in your city and have a clear process for dealing with them Have a schedule for your space that includes days and times, and make sure this information is easy to find online and on signs at the site Decide what equipment is okay to bring to the site. This could include things like bounce houses, stereo equipment, or food preparation equipment Decide if you will make the space available for special events such as fundraisers, concerts, exhibits, etc. These are great ways to raise money to cover maintenance costs for your space, but they require special planning for things like food service and sales, or ticket sales and admission

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Providing Playworkers A playworker is someone who assists, encourages, and enhances play to make sure all kids who visit a playground are safe and have fun. Playworkers can provide a safer play space in general and can intervene to avoid crises. Over the years, there have been fewer playworkers on public playgrounds, but there is a growing effort to bring them back into use. For example, New York City employs college students during the summer to staff their playgrounds, and Oklahoma City has implemented a very successful playleader program. Another possibility used by some cities is to use retirees as volunteers on playgrounds. Whoever you decide to use as playworkers on your playground, it’s important that they’re trained in supervision, playground safety, maintenance, and play facilitation.

We’ve given you a lot of ideas about how to make sure your playground is a valued and successful part of your community. Remember to make sure your playground’s programs and activities encourage physical activity, get kids engaged with nature, are inclusive to everyone, and have playworkers on site to keep everyone safe and happy!

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PROMOTING YOUR PLAYGROUND

Your Playground Needs a Publicist Now that your playground is ready and your programs are scheduled, it’s time to talk about it!

Marketing your playground will help increase attendance, generate excitement, and potentially increase revenues if you charge fees for any of your services.

Marketing Services There are great marketing tools you can use, like advertisements, brochures, public service announcements, flyers, email, newsletters, and social media, to get the word out. Whichever marketing strategy you use, make sure you target key audiences and remain consistent to ensure community engagement and successful outcomes. Another idea to get the word out about your upcoming events is to partner with health, media, banking, public utilities, schools, or other organizations.

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You should also have an annual calendar that includes all of your events and makes it available to the community online. Here are some questions to keep in mind when considering your marketing strategy: Who is the target audience?

What is the best season/date/time for the event?

What type of signage, promotional items, food, and giveaways will be provided?

How will participants register?

Will there be an admission fee?

Will there be sponsors for the event?

How will you continue to market the event afterwards?

Creative marketing with clear, simple, and consistent information is often the most effective way to promote events. You should also consider marketing to different generations, as young families and teenagers hear about events differently from seniors. Also, don’t be afraid to embrace social media! Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube offer great methods to reach out to the community and invite their input. Here are some additional marketing strategies to consider using: Billboards Local newspapers TV/Radio Letters sent home from school Community bulletin boards Promotional items E-blasts/Evites

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Evaluating Programs Once you have all of your programs up and running, you’ll want to make sure you continually document and evaluate outcomes, monitor before and after measurement, and understand their overall impact and effectiveness. Have different types of people evaluate your programs to ensure you get a wide range of feedback and suggestions for future adjustments. These evaluators could include children, families, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders. Programs can be evaluated through registration data, participant surveys, observation, or other indicators.

You may want to consider using one or a combination of the following evaluation strategies to collect the data you need to report outcomes: Surveys (online, paper) Program observations Focus groups Before-after measurements Partnering with a local university/college for evaluation design and/or implementation Sustaining your playground will help make sure your playground is a valued and meaningful part of your community for years to come. You now know how to maintain your equipment, hire supervision, plan successful programs and events, choose activity options that everyone will love, and market your space to ensure the whole community comes out to see it.

Now get out there and go play!

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