How to Plan a School Playground

A school playground is an important part of a child's day.

A school playground is an important part of a child's day at school. Most schools have a school playground, but some do not -- and others are in dire need of replacement or repair. How to plan a school playground is often on the minds and agendas of the PTA , or the school board. A school playground should be a safe, inviting environment for children, but also tough enough to hold up under constant use.

Instructions

1. Decide at the beginning of the process what it is you want to accomplish. Do you want a playground that is open space with just a few swings and slides -- or do you want a playground that is more structured with items such as tic-tac-toe boards, ladders, and playrooms?

2. Visit other schools and get an idea of what type of playground works best. Find out as many details as possible such as price and who the builder was.

3. Create a time-line for the completion of the playground project. A playground takes six to nine months to complete. Include time for fundraising and time for installation.

4. Find a location. There needs to be at least six feet of safety surface around each piece of equipment. Keep this in mind when choosing the size and the location of your playground.

5. Decide on a budget. Watch what you spend, but do not just go with the cheapest offer. Make sure you get references for your builder. Keep in mind that things may go wrong, factor in some money for unforseen circumstances.

6. Choose a builder. Check references for reliability and for safety. This is a big investment, and you do not want to choose a contractor that is going to leave you with a playground that is not complete -- or one that does not pass code.

7. Buy insurance. If you are going to have a playground, you need to make sure you are prepared for the potential hazards that go along with it. Talk to your insurance agent and make sure you have enough insurance to cover liability.

8. Celebrate your new playground. Have a grand opening and invite students and families out for a day of fun.

References

• PTO Today: Planning Your Playground