Find the Right Partner, the Key to the Entire Community Build Process
Early in your playground equipment supplier research process you should choose an equipment supplier that you feel confident will follow through and commit themselves to the success of your project. If you have not yet raised all the money for your project you may think that it is too early to involve an equipment supplier, however, you may find it difficult to raise money without a solid plan in place. Your plan should include a budgetary goal as well one or more playground designs. Preliminary designs will help you to garner support and vision for you project. Your representative will be able to provide a plan and 3-D images of the project vision which will help you to generate interest and excitement in the community.
The lead project coordinator and sales representative from the play equipment supplier should be ready, willing and able to:
Answer all of your questions and provide meaningful advice for all aspects of the playground planning and construction.
Speak about the community build process with confidence and offer advice through previous experience.
To provide a tentative schedule of events or timeline including: the equipment delivery, the preparation of the site, post hole layout, digging of the holes, final leveling of the holes, pre-assembly, and playground construction.
Be the same person that will be onsite during major phases of construction including: footer layout, equipment delivery, pre-assembly and playground construction.
Have experience in coordinating at least 10 community build playground projects and have the references to prove it. (You should call or email references and ask about their experience)
Be available for planning meetings as needed.
Provide plans and drawings, and any revisions as the plan develops or any changes are needed.
Advise you what will be needed to build your specific project: tools, quantity of concrete, machine to auger holes, wheel barrows, the number of volunteers needed, etc.
Be the project coordinator and provide supervisor(s) on-site on BUILD DAY to oversee the playground installation.
Insure that the play equipment is installed according to the manufacturer's playground construction specifications.
Be a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI).
Provide a list of no less than 50 community build playground projects which have been completed by the representative's company.
Inspect the play area upon completion to insure compliance with safety standards and guideline