How to Select Playground Equipment

Most schools only get new playground equipment every hundred years or so--therefore you should choose carefully and wisely--selecting the wrong equipment can result in hours of problem solving on the yard. Here are ways to avoid the headaches.

Instructions

1. 

   Consider the age of the children who will be playing on the equipment. Second graders need entirely different equipment than preschoolers, whose equipment can only be so high off the ground--so be sure to choose age-appropriate equipment.

2. 

   Consider buying the rubber ground that goes under the equipment. Sometimes that material is as expensive as the equipment, but worth it. Sand is a nightmare (cat poop, filthiness and it's less safe).

3. Take into account the flow of the playground and imagine kids running through the equipment. Make sure the slides do not release the kids into a high traffic area and imagine where the line for the rings is going to form.

4. Consider the safety of the equipment. We placed a balance beam that is about 4 inches off the ground on our yard. The kids' only interaction with this beam is when they trip over it.

5. Try to appeal to sports fans and include basketball hoops or soccer goals on the yard.