Creating Playgrounds: A Journey Through Two Communities

Creating Playgrounds: A Journey Through Two Communities

Transforming a community space with a new playground is an exciting and rewarding project. Over my 15 years of tenure at two different properties combined, I had the privilege to lead the installation of brand-new playgrounds in each community. Each project, one elaborate and the other more modest, brought unique challenges and joys.

Engaging the Community

A successful playground project starts with community involvement. We conducted polls to understand the desires and needs of the residents, focusing on the age group of children who would primarily use the playground. Gathering input ensures the playground meets the expectations and preferences of the community.

Choosing the Right Design

We considered two main design options:

1. Colorful Playground: In one community, a vibrant, eye-catching playground was chosen. Located just inside the gate and off to the right, it made a bold statement with splashes of red, yellow, and blue. Situated in a recreational area alongside tennis courts, a basketball court, and the clubhouse, the colorful playground added a lively touch to the community.
2. Subdued Playground: In the other community, located near a residential neighborhood with homes right across the street, we opted for a more subdued color scheme. The natural, neutral tones allowed the playground to blend seamlessly into the landscaping, creating a serene and understated appearance.

Planning and Execution

Both playgrounds required the removal of old footings and materials, followed by the installation of new, modern equipment. Key steps included:

• Getting proposals from different manufacturers.
• Sharing design pictures with the community for feedback.
• Deciding on the playground's size and footprint.
• Obtaining county permits to ensure compliance with local regulations.
• Selecting a soft, cushioned base for safety.

In both instances, we opted for wood chips due to their cost efficiency and the ability to easily rake them around to maintain the playground's surface. Wood chips also offer a natural composition and safe cushioning properties for children at the correct depth, which is usually mandated by the municipality.

Enhancing Comfort and Convenience

A well-designed playground should also consider the comfort and convenience of parents and grandparents. Both playgrounds were equipped with shade structures and seating areas where adults can relax while children play. These structures were built with footings and a concrete base for stability and included shade to provide a comfortable place for strollers and families with babies. In one instance, we used picnic tables with umbrellas and additional seating throughout the area.

Including All Age Groups

Most playgrounds cater to children up to age 12, often leaving an underserved age group of tweens and older children without a suitable area to enjoy. To address this, it's beneficial to include seating areas and outdoor games such as cornhole to cater to the 12 to 17-year-old age group. These amenities provide a space for older kids to congregate and enjoy outdoor activities, ensuring that the community offers something for everyone. Enhancements like a zip line can attract more attention and usage, making the playground more appealing and boosting community engagement.

Budgeting and Completion

The more modest playground fit the budget well and provided essential play elements. The more elaborate playground, with a larger footprint and a higher overall cost, was installed several years later. The increased price was also influenced by inflation.

The Value of Well-Maintained Amenities

Even if some residents do not directly use the playground, having highly functional and well-maintained amenities enhances the overall value of the community. Similar to a fitness center, which might be used by a *small percentage of the community, the presence of a well-maintained playground and fitness center boosts the appeal and value of homes within the neighborhood. Prospective buyers often look at these amenities as a reflection of the community's overall quality and care.

*For instance, commercial fitness centers often analyze the standard metropolitan statistical area (MSA) to predict membership. In a 250,000 MSA, they may aim for around 2% or 5,000 members. For a homeowners association with 500-600 homes, a fitness center might only attract a handful of regular users. The same principle applies to playgrounds. While not every home will use the playground, its presence can add significant value to the community.