How to create playgrounds for learning and fun

How to create playgrounds for learning and fun
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The best playgrounds are ones which are well-used and frequently visited; happy places that are valued by children and their parents and carers.
Playgrounds are assets by design, not by accident. And at Hand Made Places we have more than two decades of experience in creating much-loved play areas for learning and fun.
Whether you are designing a new community facility from scratch or looking to transform a tired school yard into a place of action and adventure, here’s our guidelines for developing a playground which young visitors will want to return to.

Keep the focus on fun

Structured and unstructured play all contributes to healthy development. From working out how to approach challenging situations to building social skills, children learn by having fun.
So the more interesting and exciting the play area is, the more opportunities there will be for youngsters to grow.
Physical play is a great way to give children the freedom to explore the outdoors in the safe confines of a play area.
Imaginative play sparks creativity and gets little ones interacting in a way which supports social and emotional development.
Sensory play can be inspiring, bringing wellbeing and enjoyment into play time as well as testing the likes of problem solving skills.
Boosting the appeal of playgrounds means offering a wide variety of play opportunities.

Always play safely

A safe playground makes for an attractive playground which children and adults will want to visit.
As a member of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and the Association of Play Industries (API), our customers can be sure they are dealing with a reliable and reputable play company.
By choosing an accredited playground equipment provider you are working with a business that promotes best practice and complies with British, European and other standards for play.
Being able to play safely means incorporating inclusive play opportunities into the area, so accessibility is also a key consideration.
The location of a play area also contributes to its safety – are there other facilities nearby, is it easy to get to, does it compromise the needs of other groups of people?

Choose high quality

At Hand Made Places we build every playground to order at our UK manufacturing hub. Our timber workshop is home to a team of machinists and CNC operators who work alongside our carpenters, woodworkers and joiners to ensure all of our products are built to the highest standards.
Long-lasting products that are easy to maintain and can evolve with the needs and demands of users are essential for a quality play area.
Environmental sustainability should also be considered. Accreditation shows how we manage our environmental responsibilities such as the immediate and long-term impacts of our products, services and processes.
And think about flexibility, including equipment for a mix of abilities rather than ages. Comfortable seating and shelter should also be included for parents and carers as well as little ones.

Good design makes all the difference

Removing the barriers to play is essential in playground design. It needs a coherent concept which welcomes children without intimidation but which allows for risk and challenge.
Including a greater choice of equipment allows children to decide how they play and creates a setting which delivers play value.
A playground should always enhance and complement the surroundings. There may be practical considerations to make, such as additional surfacing and risk assessments, and technical issues to overcome. The configuration of equipment may be as important as the choice of equipment.
At Hand Made Places our teams work with clients through every stage of the process to create spaces which transform play for all communities and locations.

Get in touch today to discuss how Hand Made Places can support your playground vision.

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