Commercial playgrounds are a draw for families, allowing kids to have fun with friends and engage in physical activity while parents supervise them in a safe environment. However, selecting the right equipment supplier is a complex process, as it involves considering a wide range of brands and products. It’s a crucial decision that can significantly impact the outcome of your playground design.
7 Top Playground Equipment Providers
The ideal playground equipment supplier should consider the safety and durability of its products while also providing aesthetically pleasing installations. Here are eight top companies.
1. Little Tikes Commercial
Little Tikes Commercial helps children develop their life skills while having fun on the playground. It thrives on creating a magical and imaginative experience while following responsible environmental practices when designing equipment.Â
Expect a variety of playground solutions, from themed to custom setups. Little Tikes Commercial specializes in sensory equipment, which focuses on creating a more engaging play experience for children.
Key features:
- Provides research-based play structures
- Prioritizes inclusive playground design
- Compliant with many stringent safety standards
2. Playworld
Playworld is a playground equipment supplier that aims to lift communities and their children through the power of play. It has provided structures to schools, parks, housing communities, child care centers and many other facilities.
There are readily available equipment options such as slides, climbing structures and more. They can be sold in standard collections for an easy design, but you can also integrate custom features to create a more unique play space.
Key features:
- Brings inclusive design
- Ensures long-lasting durability
- Promotes innovative structures
3. Landscape Structures
Landscape Structures has maintained a commitment to quality and innovation throughout years of manufacturing and supplying high-quality materials. Expect a collaborative process in designing and creating your ideal playground.
Each piece of equipment undergoes extensive product testing to ensure client satisfaction, whether it’s freestanding or structured. You can also look forward to furnishings like benches and picnic tables to enhance the outdoor space.
Key features:
- Uses nature-inspired elements in its design
- Provides precision manufacturing techniques
- ISO-certified for environmental stewardship
4. GameTime
GameTime is passionate about providing fun and innovative products. It has representatives and installers throughout the country to offer turnkey services that will bring your recreational projects to life.
Custom play spaces are available, and you can also integrate equipment into an existing playground. There are over 2,000 options to execute all kinds of designs. Utilize resources for creating specific types of playgrounds, such as multigenerational ones.
Key features:
- Deploys research-based programs to tailor play spaces to clients
- Commits to environmental sustainability in manufacturing
- Backs products with warranties
5. BCI Burke
BCI Burke envisions creating inclusive play communities through unforgettable experiences. This philosophy drives it to design and build commercial playground equipment for parks, schools, residential neighborhoods and more.
Browse its free catalogs to check out options for your playground. You can explore design ideas for both indoor and outdoor play. There’s also a beautiful selection of themed play environments that can help children create all kinds of stories.
Key features:
- Assists you with finding funding
- IPEMA-certified for safety compliance
- Puts playground equipment on sale
6. King Swings Commercial
King Swings Commercial is a family-owned and founder-led company that uses Amish traditions in its full-service solutions. It employs certified playground safety inspectors who can provide inspections as necessary.
It aims to create a stress-free and straightforward playground development process. Commercial Flex Playgrounds allow total customization. However, if you prioritize ASTM requirements, equipment under the Commercial Pro category may be more suitable.
Key features:
- Offers personalized consultations
- Utilizes locally made materials
- Provides delivery and installation
7. Zoom Recreation
Zoom Recreation creates fulfilling play experiences for children. It has delivered complete and turnkey solutions to parks, schools, communities and other spaces that require this community engagement.
It features a variety of playground equipment suitable for toddlers and children. You can also choose recycled items, which aim to help commercial spaces reduce their carbon footprint while creating a great play space.
Key features:
- Provides innovative layouts for ADA accessibility
- Ensures durable and sustainable equipment
- Delivers long-term savings and minimal maintenance
Comparison of Top Playground Equipment Suppliers
| Supplier | Key Focus | Specialty |
| Little Tikes Commercial | Imaginative play | Sensory playground equipment |
| Playworld | Unstructured play | Playground equipment collection |
| Landscape Structures | Innovative play | Freestanding equipment |
| GameTime | Research-based play | Variety in playground equipment |
| BCI Burke | Themed playgrounds | Affordable playground equipment |
| King Swings Commercial | Smooth playground installation | Amish craftsmanship |
| Zoom Recreation | Explorative play | Recycled playground equipment |
Methodology for Selecting the Best Playground Equipment Providers
Here are the factors considered to evaluate the best playground equipment suppliers:
| Innovation and design | Do they invest in research to create meaningful playground designs? Do they deviate from traditional designs to bring a more creative vision to these spaces? |
| Customizability | Are your chosen suppliers able to accommodate customization requests? How would it affect the final cost of the playground project? |
| Safety and certifications | Do the companies meet or exceed industry standards, such as those set by ASTM or IPEMA? What certifications are available to verify the security of their products? |
| Material quality and durability | Do the products utilize high-quality and sustainable materials? Are they durable enough to withstand the wear and tear from high foot traffic? |
| Inclusivity and accessibility | What are the suppliers doing to ensure that the play spaces created are welcoming to children of all abilities? Do design elements reflect that mission? |
| Customer support and project management | Are suppliers proactive throughout the entire playground project? Do they provide hands-on support during the installation stage? |
How to Find the Best Playground Equipment Suppliers
After understanding the comprehensive criteria that go into choosing a brand, it’s time to begin the search. Here are some tips:
Understand Your Priorities
Before searching online, determine your must-have traits and nonnegotiables for a supplier and their products. It will make it easier to identify and narrow down which company is most ideal to work with. Safety and durability are top priorities for many, but consider customizability and long-term maintenance of the equipment.
Check ReviewsÂ
You can determine who the best playground equipment suppliers are by reviewing the feedback they receive from their clients. Check both the positive and negative comments to assess the experience of working with them. Review their portfolio to examine the quality of their work.
Consider the Referrals
Contractors and designers can ask fellow professionals for supplier referrals. This process can allow you to ask questions about their experience for a more in-depth look at their satisfaction or lack thereof. Plus, you may discover lesser-known yet reputable brands.
Compare the Options
Create a shortlist and evaluate playground equipment suppliers based on the criteria above. Remember to keep your priorities and other people’s experiences with the brand in mind. Factor in the uniqueness of each brand, warranty programs and other relevant details.
Work With the Right Supplier for You
Knowing who to work with is a critical step in creating a good play space for your community and drawing attention to it. Learn how to find the best playground equipment suppliers and coordinate with brands that offer high-quality products.
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