Playgrounds

• Design
• Construction
• Renovation
• Maintenance
• Rules & Regulations

Playgrounds Construction & Reconstruction

Construction
The construction of a new playground, as with an athletic field, begins with the excavation of the area to achieve the subgrade required to match the surface contour indicated on the design. (This, of course, assumes that a survey has been taken and a contour plan developed.) Once the subgrade is set, the next step is to install the playground equipment. In installing the equipment, it is vitally important to follow manufacturer's specifications, especially for anchoring. This is a critical factor in assuring the safety of the children who will use the facility. Subsurface drains can then be laid as dictated by the position of the equipment and the overall design plan for the playground.
 
If the plan calls for a layer of pea gravel under a shredded wood surface, install the pea gravel in a uniform layer (with filter cloth layers above and below). Finally, install the surfacing material, taking care once again to achieve uniform surface depth (Figure 18.1).
 
Reconstruction
In performing reconstruction, the first question that must be asked is whether or not the playground equipment will be removed and repositioned, or left in place. In most cases, reconstruction processes take place just as in new construction, with the additional complication of working around existing equipment (if it's left in place). This factor complicates the task of achieving adequate subgrade contours.