Types Of Outdoor Play Equipment?
Many people think that outdoor play equipment is just a playground. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Outdoor play equipment is used in many different settings, such as schools, residential areas, and parks. There are many types of equipment available for purchase too. In this guide, we will explore some of the most popular outdoor play equipment out there today and how to choose the right one for your needs!
Below we outline the different types of playground equipment:
Wooden Outdoor Play equipment
There are many different types of Wooden Outdoor Play equipment that can be used in schools and various other settings. These range from Wooden play towers consisting mainly of a wooden frame with accessories such as slides, balance walkways and climbing frames to Trim Trails and stand-alone wooden constructed play equipment such as mud kitchens, tunnels and timber huts as well as wooden swings. Wooden play equipment is a great choice for a playground as it’s long-lasting and very durable and often comes with up to a 20-year guarantee.
Metal Play Equipment
An alternative to Wooden playground equipment is metal build equipment. This type of Metal Play equipment is often used for play equipment such as metal gym equipment, Multi-Use Games equipment (MUGA’s) and Target Panels. Metal is often used where the items being built either need to be functional as in movement or will be taking much more direct punishment, such as being hit continuously with a football for example.
The type of playground you are designing will lend itself more heavily to either a wooden or metal set-up or even a combination of both if you are working on a larger playground project. Either way, it’s better to speak to an expert who can guide you on the best play equipment to accommodate your desired outcome.
Outdoor Sports Equipment
These are usually products such as Sports Markings, Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGA’s), Ancillary Sports Products, Outdoor Metal Gym Equipment, Goal Ends & Sports Walls as well as Sports Target Panels.
Imaginative Play
Imaginative play equipment helps to facilitate the child’s imagination. Usually designed as recognisable structures such as Boats, Vehicles and Dens & Playhouses. They provide a bridge between the real world and playtime. These types of products are usually very creatively designed and have bright colour schemes to stand out as a signature piece of equipment.
Trim Trails
Trim Trails come in all different shapes and sizes, built and designed around the space it is to be installed in. They are usually built from individual trim trail items, joined together to build an adventure or trim trail and can meet a range of budgets. The flexibility of this equipment makes it a popular favourite amongst schools and holiday park settings.
Play Towers
These tend to be the talking point of any playground. The Play Tower is usually the main playground feature with optional multiple towers, climbing frames, swing sets, and accessories designed to create an exciting environment for children. These do require planning in regards to where this type of equipment would fit and installation due to the complex nature of the build of the towers, but worth every penny.
Climbing And Activity
Quintessentially climbing frames and climbing apparatus, the climbing and activity range of products promotes more active, energetic engagement by children. These can range from simple climbing structures to elaborate climbing frames with balance beams and ropes to aid physical exercise.
Playground Markings And Games
Although not conventional playground equipment, it is worth mentioning Playground markings and Games, as these do still provide exercise and the ability to socially interact with each other. These are offered with an installation service and come in a huge range of shapes and designs.
Swings And Seesaws
Swings and seesaws are some of the most well-known apparatus to be found in any playground. Still enjoyed by millions of children around the world these, in particular, are a piece of equipment every playground should have.
Spinning and Sliding
Alongside the popular swings and seesaws are the Slides and Carousels and all things that spin. All children love movement, usually the faster the better and this is where these types of products come into their own, giving not only a sense of freedom and making children smile from ear to ear.
Freestanding Play Equipment
Freestanding equipment is items such as the conventional Mud Kitchen, Sandpits, role play stands, pretty much anything that does need professional installation. These are usually the option when the budget is a little lower or used as a complement to an existing playground area.
What Should A Playground Contain?
Children should be able to explore their surroundings, play with friends and learn about the world. A playground is one place that can provide all of these things. It’s important for a School, Council or Commercial Setting such as a Holiday park, to have a safe and fun environment for children to enjoy. There are many factors that go into what makes up an ideal playground, but there are five main components: safety equipment like protective surfaces or fences; plenty of space for children to play; interesting activities like slides, swings or climbing structures; shade; and multiple age groups represented among the pieces used.
