Children’s playgrounds have come a long way from just swing sets and monkey bars. Modern playgrounds feature things like rock climbing walls, wave slides, crawl tunnels, not to mention steering wheels and telescopes. Playground creators have thought of everything to entertain and satisfy a child’s curiosity.
One of the greatest things of playgrounds is the developmental benefits they offer children. Playgrounds allow children to play freely, which helps mental and emotional development. When children are allowed free play in a structured environment like a playground, they are able to use their imagination and be spontaneous, which is an essential tool for developing a strong sense of well being.
Parents and adults can feel comfortable about the safety of playground sets. Commercial playground sets must pass a test of industry standards in order to be put on the market. Once often a hot topic, the safety of playgrounds is not so much an issue these days. Playgrounds sold now use minimal steel work in place of soft plastic, rubber, and nylon ropes. Plastic posts and decking keep the playground from rotting or splintering. These types of playground sets last considerably longer and require less maintenance than older steel structure models.
Here are some things to consider when buying playground equipment. First, how many children will be using the playground. Playgrounds vary greatly in size and number of components. How old will the children be who are using the playground? You may have to ensure that your playground is in compliance with the guidelines of ADA accessibility. Also important to keep in mind is where you are going to put the playground. Measure off an area and make sure the ground is level.