Imagine a sunny afternoon at a local playground. Parents relax on nearby benches, knowing their children can play on the equipment safely. This gives them precious peace of mind.
The best playground equipment meets certain safety standards and adds to local communities in many ways. Investing in the right playground equipment is crucial to everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Find out which manufacturers you can trust and where you can find the best options.
What Playground Safety Standards Should You Consider?
When determining how safe playground equipment is, consider these two certifications that indicate a manufacturer follows specific regulations and adheres to basic standards.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Guidelines
CPSC offers a handbook on public playground safety. Most reputable companies follow these suggestions. Ask equipment suppliers if they follow CPSC guidelines and how. The more specific they can be, the better.
ASTM F1487
This safety performance measurement comes from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). It covers publicly used playground equipment and aims to minimize injuries that might become life-threatening or change children’s quality of life. Some requirements include using zones and dimensions and ensuring testing meets safety standards.
Where to Buy Safe Playground Equipment
These companies follow basic safety standards, offer the best playground equipment and have an excellent reputation. Here are the top providers of safe playground equipment for parks, schools, businesses and homes.
1. Little Tikes Commercial
Going with a name already recognized for excellent play sets and equipment means you can be sure the company prioritizes children’s safety. Little Tikes Commercial focuses on building crucial life skills and imagination through play.
Many of its playgrounds are themed to immerse kids in a world like a pretend lemonade stand or baseball stadium. The designers also create inclusive spaces so all children can be involved.
As part of a commitment to safety, the company ensures equipment meets safety standards set by ASTM, Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA), International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA), European Norm (EN) and the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). Workers actively identify problem areas, write new standards to address potential issues and ensure products follow basic safety guidelines.
Key features:
Color-fast paints are durable and remain fresh-looking for years.
Strong materials help maintain equipment and safety standards.
Little Tikes Commercial is dedicated to the environment and gained ISO 14001:2105 certification by Intertek at its Missouri plant.
You’ll work with a representative to plan the design, ensure safety and even figure out funding for the playground.
2. Kinetic Recreation
Kinetic Recreation offers several options for high-quality commercial playground equipment on a smaller scale. With around 17 years of experience, the team works with schools, churches, daycares, parks and residential communities.
The company also offers safe playground surfacing options such as poured-in-place (PIP), artificial turf, bonded rubber or engineered wood fiber (EWF). The one-stop shop can provide sunshades, benches for adults watching over playing kids and more. The company currently services Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Kentucky.
Although the company doesn’t manufacture equipment, it works with several companies that do. It ensures anything it offers meets ASTM and CPSC standards and has been IPEMA-tested.
Key features:
The company offers a free design consultation.
A supervisor helps you ensure proper installation.
The company also provides outdoor fitness equipment and numerous accessories.
3. Pro Playgrounds
Backed by a 100-year guarantee, Pro Playgrounds is family-owned and has been installing playgrounds for around 15 years. It offers services nationwide, specializing in diverse forms of play and inclusive designs.
Licensed general contractors help ensure safety during installation. The company offers playground surfacing and shade structures. It has installed over 2,000 commercial structures and 1,000 shades, giving it extensive experience in the industry.
The company follows a three-step process. First, a team will offer a free consultation about the project’s budget, space and what you want. Next, they’ll draft a proposal and make needed revisions upon discussion. The third step is to finalize the project and schedule installation.
Key features:
The company offers playgrounds based on age ranges, which can be particularly helpful to schools and daycares.
The company also offers dog park equipment.
Choose from indoor or outdoor structures.
Pro Playgrounds specializes in ADA-accessible playground planning.
4. Kompan
If you’re looking for imaginative, interactive commercial playground equipment, Kompan offers some unique models. The company is involved in every stage, from planning to installation. The business specializes in equipment for parks, schools, neighborhoods, indoor retail spaces, military bases and faith-based organizations.
Founder Tom Lindhardt aimed to sculpt beautiful, artistic playgrounds for children. Today, the company offers imaginative play areas, fitness stations and themed play equipment.
The online portfolio shows a collection of imaginative play areas, like a town-themed playground in France, a giant bird playground in Delaware and a frog-themed school setup in Texas.
Key features:
The company offers planning resources for individuals and designers to get started on an idea.
Kompan embraces inclusive design to get everyone involved.
The designers create playgrounds made from 95% recycled materials.
5. WillyGoat
WillyGoat’s fun name represents its fun approach to ensuring every child remains happy, healthy and safe. The company started around 25 years ago, and installers have added play sets to schools, parks, businesses and homes. Its most recent customers include a university in Illinois, a private school in Georgia and a community nonprofit.
It also offers unique play structures like musical elements, nature-themed pieces and activity panels. If you need shade or playground surfacing, it provides additional accessories. You can order equipment or get a quote for installation from WillyGoat.
WillyGoat promotes safety measures, such as National Recreation and Park Association standards, CPSC, National Safety Council standards, and New York State standards. It also offers a checklist for maintenance and standards on its blog.
Key features:
In addition to safe playground equipment, the company offers balance beams, games, and other backyard fun.
Grab a free guide on the website to plan the playspace and see what equipment you need.
The company provides free quotes and consultations for commercial playground needs. It can point you to safety certifications and ways to create a space within your budget.
6. PlaygroundEquipment.com
The staff at PlaygroundEquipment.com focuses on installing playground equipment that captures children’s imaginations and is accessible to all. Their commitment to safety ensures they follow the most rigorous standards and create durable spaces. The company carries IPEMA-certified products and meets safety standards like ASTM.
Local reps are in most communities and will meet with you to discuss your vision and how to safely meet your goals while staying within budget. Some of the more interesting products the company offers are a sea-themed play cave called Poseidon’s Hideout and an old-fashioned, high-back bucket seat for babies and toddlers.
Key features:
The company offers several installation options — customers can install themselves, work with a supervisor but provide the laborers, or hire a professional play equipment crew of safety-certified playground installers.
The company will work with you to plan a viable space for kids to play.
PlaygroundEquipment.com offers play systems or free-standing play setups. You can also install outdoor fitness stations, surfaces, shade, benches and other park features.
Verify Safety Before Investing in Safe Playground Equipment
Ensure the equipment meets safety standards before investing in your new playground. Ask for a copy of any certifications or double-check compliance via the certifying authority. Be aware of the following safety concerns as you plan your playground:
Fall Height and Surface Materials
Consider the critical fall height versus the protective surface. The goal is to factor in the worst-case scenario. If a child falls, what are the chances they’ll sustain an injury on the surface below? Work with the playground equipment provider to lower risks.
The pros and cons of the material under the equipment can vary depending on the equipment’s placement and type. Select surfaces with bounce — such as rubber tiles or PIP rubber — for taller structures. You might also go with an EWF and keep the equipment closer to the ground. The depth of the material indicates how effective it is for cushioning falls.
Entrapment
The last thing you want is for a child’s head or body to get stuck in any part of the playground. You must consider children of all sizes and the adults who might accompany them to prevent anyone from getting trapped and potentially injured. Following ASTM F1487 safety standards and paying attention to ladder rungs and guardrails can help avoid entrapment issues.
Sharp Edges
Many playground pieces are metal. Over time, sharp edges can lift, or pieces might break and create hazards. Frequently investing in a certified inspector to ensure the playground is still safe is crucial to the ongoing safety of those who use the equipment.
Buy Safe Playground Equipment
If you start by keeping the children using the playground safe, you’ll wind up with a fun, developmentally appropriate experience for children in the area. The companies above put safety standards first and state a commitment to ongoing regulation. Ask questions to ensure you know exactly what you’re getting and the steps they’ve taken to make the play experience positive.