One of the main things you should do is to evaluate whether you need to improve your playground surfacing. It’s important to ensure the safety of the children using your school playsets, and adding new rubber mats or mulch can help prevent injuries.
In addition, old playground equipment should be examined to confirm that it meets safety guidelines. All play equipment for schools should be safe and durable; it must be able to withstand high levels of traffic while minimizing the risk of injury. Metal playground equipment is typically quite sturdy, while plastic equipment is more attractive and reduces the potential for certain playground injuries. Playground equipment for schools must also meet CPSC guidelines and ADA compliance requirements for safety and accessibility. The best elementary playgrounds have play equipment that is accessible to children of different abilities as well as appropriate surfacing that is navigable.
Once you’ve ensured the usability and safety of outdoor playground equipment for schools, if you’d like to make further improvements, you might consider adding shade structures or other shelter from the weather. To improve the look of the playground, you might also want to add some greenery. Or choose simpler touches like adding markings to the ground for games like hopscotch.
Playgrounds and recess are important for children’s mental, emotional, and social well-being, and using school play equipment also lets children get fresh air and sunshine while encouraging their physical development. School play equipment like climbers and slides can help elementary school students develop their motor skills, strength, and coordination. Larger school playground equipment can encourage active group play, allowing students to incorporate elements of pretend play or challenge other kids in navigating physical obstacles.
The best playground equipment for schools also provides opportunities for students to have fun and make new friends. Adding sports equipment for activities like tetherball or funnel ball gives elementary school students the opportunity to play organized games. These outdoor playsets for older kids help children burn calories, learn about teamwork, and learn to strategize. These skills are particularly important for older elementary school students, as children gain increasing interest in sports as they grow older.
Find more about the author: Kim Hart
