Services: DESIGN SERVICES

Our design services transform visions into vibrant, safe, and inclusive playgrounds that inspire communities and foster joyful play. With over 30 years of experience, we partner with cities, school districts, architects, and other stakeholders to deliver custom playground designs that balance creativity, functionality, and compliance with rigorous safety and accessibility standards. Our collaborative, client-centered approach ensures that every project reflects your unique needs, community values, and budgetary constraints while creating memorable play experiences for children of all abilities. Our design services include:

• Custom Playground Conceptualization: We begin by listening to your goals and understanding the needs of your community. Whether it’s a nature-inspired play area for a city park, a vibrant school playground, or an inclusive recreational space, we create bespoke designs that align with your vision. Our team uses advanced design tools to produce detailed 3D renderings and virtual walkthroughs, allowing you to visualize the final playground before construction begins.

• Inclusive Design Expertise: Accessibility is at the heart of our designs. We ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and go beyond minimum requirements to create universally accessible play environments. This includes incorporating wheelchair-accessible ramps, sensory-rich elements for children with autism or sensory processing disorders, and adaptive equipment to accommodate diverse physical and cognitive abilities, ensuring every child can participate in play.

• Age-Appropriate Play Zones: We design playgrounds with distinct zones tailored to different age groups (e.g., 2-5 years, 5-12 years) to promote safe and engaging play. Our designs integrate age-appropriate challenges, such as low climbing structures for toddlers or complex rope courses for older children, to support physical, cognitive, and social development while minimizing risks.

• Safety and Compliance Assurance: Safety is non-negotiable. Our designs adhere to the latest Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines, ASTM International standards (e.g., F1487), and International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) certifications. We carefully select materials and equipment to ensure durability, weather resistance, and low maintenance, while incorporating safety surfacing options like poured-in-place rubber, engineered wood fiber, or tiles to meet fall height requirements.

• Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Solutions: We prioritize environmentally responsible design by selecting sustainable materials, such as recycled steel and plastic components, and incorporating natural elements like wood or stone. Our team can also integrate green features, such as shade structures, native landscaping, or rainwater management systems, to enhance the playground’s environmental impact and aesthetic appeal.

• Community Engagement and Input: We facilitate community involvement by organizing design workshops, surveys, or public meetings to gather input from parents, educators, children, and other stakeholders. This ensures the playground reflects the community’s values, cultural heritage, and recreational preferences, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.

• Budget-Optimized Design Solutions: We work closely with you to develop designs that maximize value within your budget. Our team provides cost estimates, explores modular or phased construction options, and identifies grant opportunities or funding sources (e.g., Land and Water Conservation Fund) to make your project financially feasible without compromising quality.

• Integration with Site Conditions: Every site is unique, and our designs account for topography, drainage, sun exposure, and existing infrastructure. We conduct thorough site assessments to ensure the playground harmonizes with its surroundings, minimizes environmental disruption, and optimizes space utilization, whether it’s an urban pocket park or a sprawling school campus.

Our process begins with an in-depth consultation to understand your objectives, followed by concept development, iterative feedback, and final design delivery. We provide detailed design packages, including blueprints, material specifications, and installation guidelines, to streamline the construction process. From small-scale play structures to expansive destination playgrounds, our design services create safe, inclusive, and inspiring spaces that bring communities together.