A Roadmap for the Playground Planning Process

Getting Started
Which Surfacing is Best?
The Budget

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Factors to Consider

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• Overall size of the play space

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• Number of children who will use the space
• Type of surfacing you will select $$ Initial
Bonded Rubber YES $$$ Lifetime
• Equipment and surfacing installation costs

Engineered Wood $ Initial

YES
The Children Fiber (EWF) $$$ Lifetime
Factors to Consider
$$$ Initial
Poured in EPDM YES
• Identify primary users of the play space $ Lifetime
Place (PIP)
• Plan for age appropriate equipment $$$ Initial
TPV YES
• Incorporate a variety of play elements $ Lifetime
$$ Initial
• Implement inclusive principles in Shredded Rubber YES
$$$ Lifetime
your design
$$$ Initial
Tiles YES
$ Lifetime
The Site $$$ Initial
Factors to Consider Turf YES $ Lifetime

• Topography - Level grade will save time and

money
Low $ Low Cost *Manufacturers must
• Soil and drainage conditions submit their surfaces for
• Utilities - Identify the location of those seen Moderate $$ Moderate Cost testing. Some variation
and unseen may occur. Please check
with your manufacturer
• Circulation - Maximize visibility with the High $$$ High Cost for product certification.
appropriate use zone

Installation
Factors to Consider

$$$ Professional Installation: Factory

Certified Installers manage entire process
$$ Supervised Installation: Volunteers
participate under supervision of Factory
Certified Installers
$ Customer Installation: Volunteers organize
and fully participate in installation

25% Example of Playground Funding Allocation

Equipment
15%
Surfacing (EWF)
Installation
60% The budget percentages listed are for illustrative purposes only and to
visually address the main considerations when planning a playground
project. Surfacing percentage is based using Engineered Wood Fiber.