Planning your Playground

There are many factors to take into consideration when planning your playground. Below you can read a brief description of some of these. If you need further assistance with planning your playground please contact KOMPAN.

The child
It is essential to start with the children and their needs. Children have the right to play, to see happy colours, and experience the joy and happiness of just being and learning. Children do not play with a particular purpose in mind, they play impulsively. Their senses are stimulated, their development is visualised and their free play is a reflection of the adults' world. The play is the children's way of becoming a complete human being. People from the KOMPAN Institute can help you to better understand how your playground can fulfill the needs of the children.

Age Group
Who is the target group? Which age groups have to be taken into consideration? This is very important for the design, as the consideration of the children's various needs and development stages in play are important elements in order to create a well-functioning playground. If the playground is also intended for handicapped children, special conditions must be considered too.

Physical Characteristics
Define the dimensions of the playground and its boundaries. Special attention should be given to physical conditions that can restrict the location of the playground equipment (manhole covers, lamp posts etc.).

Access
How will the playground be situated in relation to possible paths, roads, etc. Is it possible to cycle or skate to the playground and is it possible to bring along a pram or a wheel chair?

Placing
Conditions, such as light, shade, sun and wind should be considered. Another important issue are the colours of the landscape. Children react spontaneously to colours and experience an immediate pleasure in bright and happy colours.

Environment
Make sure that your supplier is certified according to ISO 14001 or EMAS. Do not use materials that might contain toxic substances (such as chrome, arsenic as in pressure- impregnated wood or other materials like old telephone poles and railway sleepers). Ask for documentation if you are in doubt.

Protective Surfacing
The protective surfacing must correspond to the playground equipment installed in this area. It is not always necessary to spread sand or pebbles as a protective surfacing. The surfacing must, however, meet the demands stipulated in AS 4685. Please contact KOMPAN if you are in any doubt.

Items and Functions
The playground must be exciting, inspiring and challenging for both children and Adult. The playground equipment should be carefully selected. We recommend a variety of playground equipment in the area, such as swing sets, slides etc. as well as natural elements like sand and water, the possibility of digging holes, plantation, etc. The different types of play like role playing, parallel playing and playing with elements form a natural part of a good playground environment for the younger age group. It is important to take into consideration that in order to offer all age groups a chance to play, the playground has to continue suiting the children's various needs and stage of development.

Please remember that all children have the right to play, including children with special needs. KOMPAN is always at your disposal with inspiring ideas for your playground design.

Building Licence
An application for a building licence for a playground or the installation of new playground equipment must be sent to the local municipality. This application should also include a site layout, a description of the work to be done, and copies of product certificates.