Playground equipment is always evolving, so it makes sense that there are times when you will want to add new equipment but still retain some of the older elements. Adding new playground equipment to old can prove challenging. There are many different aspects you need to take into account.
Budget and price of equipment will have a huge impact on what you add to your playground. But there will also be other factors that will play a part.
How to decide what to keep
Unless you already know which equipment you want to get rid of and what to keep, it can be a difficult decision. Carrying out a playground audit, in which you fully evaluate the condition of all playground equipment can help you decide. It will help you see what you need to remove due to safety concerns or damage. Alternatively, you can evaluate which equipment is popular as an indication to see what children enjoy playing on.
Choosing the right type of equipment
Once you know what you want to keep and what to get rid of you then can decide what you want to replace it with. Choosing equipment that will complement your existing playground equipment is key to mixing old and new.
One way of doing this is by installing equipment that provides alternative functions to what is already installed. If your current playground equipment encourages children to be active, consider adding equipment that encourages creativity, such as musical instruments. As well as this, it is important to ensure that the new equipment retains the same feel as the old. If existing equipment is made from timber, for example, new equipment will fit in seamlessly if it is also made from timber or a similar material.
Factoring in space
The amount of space you have will also have an impact on the new equipment you install. If you are adding equipment, without removing existing, you will need to consider how it will impact available space. Alternatively, if the new equipment will be replacing ones that are to be removed, you need to ensure that the equipment you want to install is roughly the same size in order to fit into the available space safely.
Selecting the right surface
Selecting the right surface for your playground equipment goes a lot further than aesthetics. Depending on the type of equipment you are installing, ensuring that the surfacing provides the right safety features is vital. Any equipment that involves children climbing, jumping, swinging or sliding from a height will need safety surfacing that cushions their landing. As well as this, any equipment that children could fall off and injure themselves needs surfacing that will help to cushion their fall. Safety surfacing is even more important for equipment aimed at younger children, as they are often less stable and more likely to fall off equipment even if it is close to the ground.
If you would like to know more about replacing your old playground equipment, contact us now!
