Create a Playground Plan with a Collective Design Process

A true community build playground uses a collaborative design process that involves both children and adults. This process is usually divided into a few steps:

• Define your goals. You’ll need a very specific mission statement accompanied by realistic financial goals and time frames.
  
  
• Gather design input. Schedule and publicize a “design day” where community members of all ages can suggest their ideas for playground concepts, play events, site amenities, colors, site layout and landscaping.
  
  
• Find out more about the playground potential users, their ages, any disabilities, etc. and include specific play pieces or features that will meet their needs.
  
  
• If needed, obtain a professional plan. Using a landscape architect or other design professional may save you money in the long run, by providing a design that’s safe, low-maintenance and engaging for years to come.
  
  
• Make sure your plan includes any landscaping, signage, required pathways, and other amenities beyond the playground that will compliment the project.
  
  
• Review your design with the community. At your Design Review Day, you can recruit more volunteers to help with fundraising, materials donations, installation and other tasks that need to be accomplished.

 

• As you gather feedback, modify the plan to meet the needs of the various entities involved, the budget, site conditions and other factors; until the plan can be finalized.
  

Go to the next step: Playground Budget

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