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Playgrounds get a lot of use. That’s a good thing, although it does take a toll on the playground equipment.
Eventually, all playgrounds need some refreshing in order to keep their appeal. Updating your playground does not have to take a lot of time or money.
Here’s how to effectively remodel your playground without breaking the bank:
Deciding what you need. What are the most used items on the playground and what areas of the playground are lacking? If there are certain pieces of equipment that are rarely used (or older), you should consider replacing them with something new.
Update in phases. You don’t have to do it all at once! Starting with the most important and working down, replace or upgrade one thing at a time. You can stretch this out over months or years, whatever works for your budget.
Small changes make a big impact. Little things, like updating a slide, the swings, park benches or adding a freestanding piece of play equipment will refresh your playground without having to spend too much money.
Streamline with technology. A great way to instantly revamp an older playground is to add smart play technology. Biba is a mobile game system that blends digital play with active outdoor play. Biba games are unlocked with any smart phone, so they get children and parents together for some fun playtime and bonding at the playground. It is an affordable, easy and cutting-edge addition to any playground. Pro-Tip: during Miracle Recreation’s current Playground Sale, Biba is included for free with select playground equipment purchases.
Fall and winter are great times to make playground updates so they can be installed and ready for the warmer seasons. Miracle Recreation’s Playground Sale is a great chance to get some discounted items (and Biba for free*) so you can update your playground while staying in budget.
webuildfun has been supplying and installing commercial playground equipment in North and Central Texas for over 20 years. We offer the highest-quality products on the market, including Miracle Recreation Equipment, as well as the other manufacturers we represent for your needs. Please contact us today and let us know how we can help you.
Remodel Your Playground without Breaking the Bank
Working with a budget is not always the easiest thing to do, especially when it comes to something as important as building a playground. That's why we want to take a minute to let you in on a not so little secret: Miracle Recreation is running a Playground Sale now through December 31, 2017. You can snag up to 40% off select playground equipment and even receive free shipping. Design your dream playground today and save big!
Upgrading Playground Equipment
Posted by webuildfun content team on 01 August 2017
Billygoat with Playground
Building a brand-new playground takes a lot of time and money; unfortunately, more often than not, it’s time and money that schools, churches, neighborhoods and communities don’t have. There are several ways to get funding to build a new playground – donations, fundraisers, grants, etc. – but before you commit all that time and effort, make sure a new playground is what you really need.
Playgrounds get a lot of usage and tend to get weathered down pretty quickly – this doesn’t mean a playground needs to be replaced when it starts to show signs of aging. More often than not, updating a few worn elements of the playground will restore it to “like-new” status and you can save the fundraising and grant writing for when you really need it!
Here are some great ways to revamp an aging playground:
Add Shade Protection. Not only do fabric shade structures protect the playing children from harmful UV rays and random bouts of weather, but it also keeps the equipment cool. If you have ever been to a playground in the afternoon/evening, after it’s been sitting in the full sun all day long, you know what kind of value a shade structure brings to the table.
Upgrade Surfacing. The most common kind of surfacing seen on playgrounds is loose fill of some kind - engineered wood fiber (wood mulch) or rubber mulch. Upgrading from loose fill to a smooth, unitary synthetic safety surface is something we highly recommend. Unitary safety surfacing is easier for all kids to maneuver, especially those who are in a wheelchair or other mobility aids.
Add a Modern Element. Kids today are all about technology. Smart play involves a mobile game system that blends the digital play that kids love today with the active outdoor play and joyful imagination that they need to aid proper development. Biba, a leader in smart-play technology, has created a collection of smart-play apps for parents to play with their kids on smart playgrounds; just download the free app and begin playing!
Add Inclusive Elements. You should strongly consider making the playground elements you update inclusive. Every child deserves a safe, interactive and enjoyable play environment; and for this reason, inclusive playgrounds are becoming more and more popular. Having a playground that is accessible and has options for children with disabilities as well as typical children is the best way to ensure your playground is up-to-date.
Anything that is broken should be replaced, obviously, but also take into account the play patterns of the kids using the playground. What equipment is popular? What is least popular? What time of day is busiest for your playground? Are there children with disabilities who visit and are unable to fully participate? Watching the play patterns of kids at your playground will help you get the most bang for your buck when deciding what to update.
To learn more about inclusive play, or for information on playground equipment, contact us today for a free consultation. We would love to help you bring your park and playground ideas to life!
