Playgrounds provide a key component to a child’s development, they offer a multitude of developmental opportunities for children to advance their skills and confidence. Whether it be emotional, physical, social or cognitive playgrounds are fundamental in helping children to play and practise their skills. With this in mind, skill-building and brain and body development can’t take place without safe, age and developmentally appropriate challenges.

As with all the playgrounds we design and install, we need to provide a safe environment that allows children to play freely whilst offering challenges that will not only test them, but in doing so teach them new skills. At PlayEquip we work closely with our clients and the prevailing safety concerns from parents, teachers and governors, along with increased regulations and standards, are at the forefront of our design process. This helps to ensure that all parties’ minds are at ease, but also offers as much fun and development opportunities for the children as possible.

Challenging yet safe

Incorporating more challenging elements within the playground shouldn’t come at the cost of a child’s safety. It is not something that needs to be compromised on, a one or the other conversation, but instead should be a balance that must be met by considering both. Arguably, the importance of providing developmentally and age appropriate playground equipment that helps children take risks takes just as high of a place as the safety of the equipment and child.

At PlayEquip we are committed to working with and complying with the EN1176 and other organisations to ensure that playground equipment products are safe for children. We’re also passionate about providing appropriate challenges to enhance a child’s development and truly believe that our site specific approach to playground design always gives a better outcome. Our playground equipment designs are key to making the balance between challenge and safety a possibility. We view playgrounds as a gateway to keep children away from dangerous hazards, whilst encouraging them to test their limits, learn to overcome challenges and take healthy risks

Our Robinia Climber Stack is a great example of how we offer children opportunities to challenge themselves in a multitude of ways by providing a piece of equipment and experience completely different from those offered by traditional play structures. This particular design offers a less apparent method of play and a more explorative way of use; this in turn allows the type of play to be more creative and help develop cognitive, social and problem solving skills.

We hope that designs such as this can provide appropriate challenges whilst ensuring safety, satisfying the children, parents and complying with regulations.

Our process

When working with clients; be it landscape architects, designers, schools or councils, we have a tried and tested process which has meant we can collaborate in a way that preserves the innovative designs whilst also ensuring safety and standards are kept to the highest spec. As we have been working with playgrounds for years we would consider ourselves to be experts in the field. When concepts are presented to us, we happily cast our eyes over the designs and are able to highlight any pitfalls and conflicting arrangements that may not be compliant with the EN1176. 

At PlayEquip we find working closely with our clients ensures that we are able to complete projects to a premium specification, ensure customer satisfaction and often exceed expectations. We have found the perfect balance of listening to our clients’ needs, understanding and delivering exactly what they need to help enhance and improve their spaces, working alongside each other.

Of course, we would never be able to give complete professional judgement over this which is why once we have collaborated with our clients we then organise for the designs to be assessed by an unbiased independent play safety inspector on desktop. This occurs before any manufacturing or any contractors are commissioned to ensure that there are no errors and to keep each project cost and time effective.

For bespoke designs in particular, our process involves the design and development of play structures and equipment in 3D CAD. One of the reasons we do design work in 3D CAD is to help us and the independent play safety inspector to fully understand our design intent before fabrication. Sometimes 2D drawings don’t reveal potential pitfalls in the design, these 3D drawings are desktop assessed by the independent play safety inspector and ourselves to make sure nothing has been overlooked.

Pre-completion inspection

Once our projects are 90% completed we organise another inspection by an independent play safety inspector. This is where any snagging issues, questions or unforeseen issues may have arisen. We choose to undertake this before it has been 100% completed as this is often before any safety surfacing has been installed. In doing so, this allows us to move pieces of equipment should it be needed and in turn another great time and cost effective practice. This is particularly important if the surfacing chosen is from our wet pour or rubber mulch range – having to dig this up once it has been installed can incur unforeseen costs and can be incredibly inconvenient for a client especially as it can be prevented.

A pre-completion assessment is also a great chance for clients to see whether they are also satisfied with how their final designs are looking, whether they would like to add anything else or simply to help reassure everything is being completed to a safe and high standard.

Post-completion inspection

Once all snags and potential safety risks have been amended we undertake a final post completion inspection via an independent play safety inspector. We ensure that a thorough examination of the playground is carried out and a final inspection report is given to our clients. This provides complete satisfaction and well-being on all sides, ensuring all parties involved are content with the project. 

This is our tried and tested technique to reassure the client, landscape architect and ourselves that all the t’s are crossed, i’s are dotted and to make sure everything that can be done to make sure the playground is safe is achieved.

For help in designing a safe and challenging playground for your community, school or organisation, get in touch with us via email or phone, we will be happy to help!

School playgrounds are an integral part of any child’s day. They are what all students look forward to to break up the day, reconnect with friends and the outdoors and let off steam. Time spent in the playground plays a fundamental role in all children’s development providing a great way to decompress any built up energy and emotions helping to increase focus when they return to the classroom lessons. 

A school playground is also a place where children learn to communicate with others, encouraging social development which goes hand in hand with expanding their emotional skills, speech and language and even cognitive and intellectual skills. Not only this, but a school playground can be a great tool to stretch a child’s imagination, help with learning organisation and also time management.

At PlayEquip we have acknowledged the great importance of school playgrounds which is why we have been working with schools throughout the UK to help enhance and improve their spaces, working alongside each one, understanding their needs and delivering exactly what they need.

Open ended play

More often than not we have councils, schools and private clients coming to us with great ideas for how they would like to use the space that they have, this is where our bespoke playground service is a perfect option. We are able to work alongside the client to tailor make layouts and structures that are site specific and make the most out of the space and budget that they have.

One of the many great advantages of our bespoke structures, and in fact our off-the-shelf products, is that we like to design and build pieces that help inspire imagination and promote open ended play. 

Open ended play has a multitude of important factors:

• Helps to encourage and teach independent play, freedom without rules
• Challenges the child to use their imagination, including investigation and problem-solving.
• Establishes confidence, patience and resilience, skills that feed into all forms throughout life.
• Increases the play value of equipment – one day it could be a ‘pirate ship’, the next it could be a ‘rocket’.

Test their skills

We understand that it may seem hard to cater to all ages within a school, making sure not to exclude any pupils whilst also staying within a budget. Trim Trails are the perfect answer for this, and a great way to get children having fun whilst also including an element of exercise and fitness. 

Exploring the varying pieces of equipment and environment sparks excitement and challenge as they tackle the series of obstacles, helping them build on motor skills, cognitive development and social skills.

With trim trails you are able to tailor your course to become an age-appropriate playground. Whether that be crossing a balance beam for EYFS, traversing swinging steps for KS1 or swinging across tricky monkey bars for KS2 pupils, our Trim Trail range has something that will push children of all ages to test their skills and build on their self-esteem as a result. 

Another great option is to choose from our selection of monkey bars, all of which can be adapted to a child’s needs and appropriate skill set. It has been found that the use of monkey bars has positive effects on the attainment of children during lesson time. Monkey bars help strengthen upper body muscles from fingers to back, improving posture allowing children to engage more effectively during lessons.

A lot of our products, including monkey bars, have been the result of working alongside teachers who have recognised areas of exercise and play that can be optimised.

Get musical

When space is at a premium, opting for a smaller piece of play equipment like our playground instruments may be a smart choice. Although playground instruments may not be an obvious choice when thinking about enhancing your playground, it is an incredible option with many advantages.

When a child has musical experiences, this brain activity can lead to a boost in cognitive development and in particular help to encourage the learning of reading and language skills. Not only that, learning an instrument helps to improve mathematical learning and aids academic ability.

Much like open ended play, introducing musical instruments into a child’s play helps children to explore and create on their terms, building their self-esteem and independence.

Offer a place to sit and recoup

As we all know, every child is different and has their own likes and dislikes so it makes sense to cater for the child that isn’t inclined to run around the playground during their break.

Offering a shelter with seating is a great way to provide solace from the hustle and bustle or even to simply cool down on a hot sunny day.

Our Playground Shelter is the perfect option for a hide-out, relaxing area or quiet outdoor space for school playgrounds, pairing it with a couple of sleeper benches makes for a great spot for all children. It could even be used during lesson time for outdoor learning.

Get in touch

At PlayEquip we understand that childhood should involve both time to explore, play and learn in order to build strengths, interests and skills. Get in touch today to discuss what you may be interested in or perhaps we could help suggest what may work for you.

The Covid-19 pandemic showed us the best, and at times, the worst aspects of our communities, with people pulling together to help those around them when they were isolated and couldn’t get out for basic shopping. Helping the elderly who were too afraid to leave their homes by collecting prescriptions and even walking their dogs were jobs community members took on with gusto.
And when the children went back to school, some helped with childcare needs, taking children to the local park to play on the outdoor play equipment there due to lack of childcare provision elsewhere. Of course, this isn’t the story everywhere, but overall, most communities certainly tried to get to know each other better, help each other a little more and care a lot more about the areas they call home and the people that live there.
At PlayEquip, one of our main clienteles are councils requiring equipment for playgrounds and community recreational grounds. We believe that providing a space for play and exercise is not only essential for children, but for neighbourhoods also. There are a multitude of advantages a playground can offer a community, some of which can be completely overlooked, but have profound impacts.
The humble community playground – why outdoor playground equipment brings us together For many children with no outdoor space at home, the local playground is an essential outdoor space, and one that the earlier part of the pandemic lockdowns saw being closed to the public. These spaces offer a vital place for children to get out and expend some energy, be active and enjoy the fresh air. But they offer a lot more than just that.

They are a place where children of all ages can meet up with their friends and make new friends. On a wider scale as part of a local park, they offer a green space at the centre of every community where people of all ages can enjoy being outside. More modern playgrounds don’t just offer playground equipment. Skateable objects and parkour obstacles also attract older children and young adults. The interaction with subcultures such as skateboarders, strengthen the local community even further by bringing people together that might not otherwise ever interact.
For the new mum with a toddler moving into the area, they can be a place to meet other parents and form some friendships. They offer a place for children, and parents, to unwind after the school day and at weekends and school holidays.
The parks where these community playgrounds are often situated provide somewhere for older people to safely walk their dogs and interact with other people – often the only time in the day they might speak to others.

Promotion of Creativity

As you may have read in previous posts or observed within our bespoke project, at PlayEquip we like to design and build structures that encourage open ended play. There is nothing more creative than a child’s imagination so to build a playground within your community is a great way to boost creativity for each child. Something that may be seen as an artistic quality is in fact a life skill that we draw on throughout life, not to mention an essential part of childhood and their development.
A community playground provides the perfect environment to not only physically exercise but also creatively and mentally exercise for children too.

A Safe Space

A community playground or recreational area can provide a great space for families and friends to meet up and feel safe. Although it has been noted that with a higher population density there brings a higher crime rate it has been found that within urban communities a playground can actually help to bring a neighbourhood together.
With an increase of visitors to a park and positive community activities research has found that the safety of not only the park, but the neighbourhood goes up. Put simply, an exciting, well built community park will attract families which will in turn detract negative behaviour and create a great safe place.

Environmental

Aside from the health and social aspects that a community playground can offer there a number of other benefits to be had from a playground of this type.
When a playground is placed in a park or area with some grass and trees, no matter how small, it benefits the environment, providing a place for birds and small animals to live and creating a better, enriched environment for the entire community to enjoy.

Raising Property Value

Whilst a playground can provide a great place to visit in a community, it can also have a significant and often forgotten economic impact on the community they serve. This comes in the form of the

recreational facility that they provide for both young and old alike and also the value that it can add to the local properties including any that are adjacent to the playground by way of passing revenue.
This also runs true for local businesses – community playgrounds automatically boosts an area’s popularity and footfall. Regardless of a community’s economic standing, it has been shown that by adding a playground or recreational area almost any area benefits with increased foot traffic. It can truly transform an area from a quiet, nondescript town into a friendly, welcoming neighbourhood drawing in families, businesses and much more.
At PlayEquip we believe in the real value that a quality playground and quality outdoor play equipment can offer to its surrounding area. If you would like to know more about the products we can provide your community with then why not give us a call?

At PlayEquip there is nothing we like to get our teeth stuck into than a site specific play structure. The artistic licence, the conceptual designs and, most importantly, the happiness and amazement from our clients upon seeing the finalised project. 

Bespoke

‘Bespoke’ can be a daunting word for many. Clients have often perceived ‘bespoke’ and ‘site-specific’ as a gamble – on their time, on the longevity of the structure and even a gamble on whether they will get what they are looking for. However, we at PlayEquip like to see it as a service that helps a client get exactly what they are in need of, whilst still offering the same reassurance, durability and low maintenance as if  they would have bought our ‘off the shelf’ products.

Components

As with PlayEquip’s off the shelf products, the components used for the site specific play structures are tried and tested. The oak timbers used provide a guarantee of 15 years with the potential of up to 25 years of use along with the stainless steel fixings and steel substructures providing 20 years of guaranteed durability. All of which is an incredible time span considering other alternatives can provide as little as 10 years of use, not to mention the aesthetic becomes outdated far sooner. 

Clients have noted how they enjoy how we incorporate steel substructures and ground fixings into wooden equipment. Using the timber to clad and soften the appearance and steel components, substructures and fixings to increase the structures’ durability it allows for a natural aesthetic of wood whilst giving the client the reassurance of structural strength and durability of steel.

Maintenance

At PlayEquip we have a multitude of maintenance teams situated around the country ready to ensure that maintenance is quickly and efficiently carried out. No job is too big or small as we strive to not only finish a project with a happy client, but continue to keep a happy client. 

All of the parts used with both our ‘off the shelf products’ and bespoke products are also easily accessible meaning that any upkeep and tweaks are able to be completed with little waiting involved.

Semi-bespoke

We also offer a semi-bespoke design service, adapting ‘off the shelf’ designs free of charge to make the most of all spaces and budgets. A great example of this is the Triple Platform Climbing Frame, this piece of equipment can be adapted in a multitude of ways – adding height, swapping or changing obstacles and adding extra pieces to it such as a climbing wall or platforms.

PlayEquip bespoke and semi-bespoke play structures and equipment cater to all spaces and environments to provide unique site specific pieces. 

Why we are different

Our company thrives on a challenge with years of experience of beautiful site specific bespoke designs and building awe inspiring play structures. From inclusive wooden ramp structures for all abilities to conceptual pirate ships suspended from pillars. PlayEquip’s designs use tried and tested methods of construction and component parts that have the durability of ‘off the shelf’ products which can equally be easily maintained.

Communication

Ultimately, the best way for clients to get exactly what they are looking for is to get in touch and let us know about their requirements and ideas. This way we are able to work closely with each client to ensure the brief is not only met, but exceeded.

At PlayEquip, we believe a bespoke site-specific approach is often the best way to optimise any budget and to help a play space reach its maximum potential.

The last couple of years have brought challenges for all of us from the retail sector through manufacturing to import and export businesses and one of the biggest issues has been around obtaining goods and products from overseas.
Indeed, along with so many other businesses we have struggled with longer lead times from overseas manufacturers as have many of our customers and this has led to an increase in customer enquiries. And as welcome as these extra enquiries for our playground equipment are, we are looking upon the current supply difficulties as a great opportunity to take advantage of the
growing clamour for British made products. Indeed, statistics released by the Office of National Statistics have highlighted the increase in demand for British products around the world.

Proud of our products

Here at PlayEquip we are very proud to be able to produce the kind of natural wooden playground and outdoor gym equipment, including bespoke items, that companies, local authorities, schools and other organisations can be confident in the fact that the manufacture and installation of equipment is second to none. They can also be sure, when choosing outdoor play equipment from us that the materials used in the production process ensures durability and longevity through many years of robust use.
We have always taken pride in manufacturing our products using steel for durability and hardwood timber which does not need any additional chemical treatment so ensuring a low maintenance, long-lasting piece of equipment which is safe for people of all ages to use.

Now using British hardwood

In order to circumvent the supply chain problems plaguing manufacturing in the UK and more importantly to fulfil our customers’ requirements more speedily we are especially proud of the fact that we have now started to design and build our outdoor playground equipment using UK-grown timbers. These are sustainably sourced from non-coniferous certified woodlands here in the UK and according to government guidelines. All UK-grown timbers are sustainably seasoned and kiln dried to ensure that the natural beauty, strength and characteristics of the wood are retained.

How will this affect our products?

At PlayEquip we have more than 15 years of experience in the manufacture of high-quality playground and outdoor gym
equipment, using only the best quality hardwoods and steel for products designed by our highly qualified design team. We fully
expect our bespoke design products, for which we are industry leaders, to be more sought after than ever before to reflect the
fact that UK-grown quality timbers are now incorporated into our products.

Still the same choice

Our outdoor playground equipment includes a huge variety of items designed to be enjoyed by children of all ages and abilities
so whether your requirement is for playground swings and slides, climbing frames, trim trails or wooden playhouses you can be
assured of the same high quality that is our hallmark.
Our dedication to cutting-edge design, safety and durability will only benefit from our decision to embrace an all-British
manufacturing process and we know our customers will feel the benefits too.

Nature calls to us. John Muir said, “The mountains are calling, and I must go.” So many millions have experienced the call of nature. It might be into the mountains, over the plains or through the dunes of a desert.

If you find it challenging to connect with nature or miss some of that unbridled joy and easy connection you used to experience as a child, there are plenty of ways to rekindle the flame. But, arguably, the best way to connect with nature is active.

When your blood is pumping, your brain and body become more oxygenated, and you become more aware. Unfortunately, in today’s age of technology, it is all too easy to sit slumped in front of a computer breathing shallow breaths all day and feeling fuzzy.

Instead, next time you go outside, try one of these nine ways to both exercises and connect with the landscape around you.

How to Use Outdoor Exercise to Connect with Nature

1. Disconnect to Connect

First, ditch the technology. There are many positive things technology has done for us in the modern world. However, there are many more things it can take away if we let it. 

Take out the earphones, even if it is just for part of the activity. Stop looking down at the phone or ask the person on the other end of the phone to call you back later. You will find that it makes all the difference.

2. Find Fellow Nature Lovers

We have likely all heard about the positive benefits you can get from having a workout buddy. They help motivate you to keep up the excellent work, and they keep you going harder and faster during the activity.

Finding someone who enjoys the outdoors as much as they enjoy the activity allows you to get the best of both worlds. Not only will they help keep you going, but they will also be interested in finding new hikes, trails and adventures to try. But, of course, nothing is saying you always have to participate in the same activity!

3. Set Distance Goals

Even if you can’t find your perfect workout and nature partner, you can always motivate yourself. No matter what exercise you are doing, set yourself distance goals. It works whether it be a specific mileage or a new park or mountain you want to explore.

4. Go on a Hike

Now that we have gone through the methodology for connecting with nature on your chosen mode of exercise let’s get some ideas on the exercises you can do. Hiking is perhaps one of the most obvious, particularly for people who live in a hilly or mountainous area.

Hiking is a good choice for those people who want to experience nature at a slower pace or who need less of an impact sport. 

If you are goal-oriented, you can always take hiking to the next level and go on a backpacking trip. These kinds of extended stays in nature allow you to become even more grounded than a couple of hours outside will.

5. Feel the Waves

Do you live next to the ocean, a river or a lake? Give the water a chance to help you forge a new connection with nature. There are plenty of options on this medium as well. You can try surfing, a sport enjoyed in both the cold and hot parts of the world, so don’t let the temperature limit you.

Not so keen on only having a board against you and the waves? Then start with kayaking or canoeing. You can do these exercises on almost any body of water as well. That way, even if you are many hours from the oceanside, you can still connect with water.

Other options include paddle boarding, windsurfing and white water rafting. You take your pick in your area, and you are bound to find some excellent choices.

6. Embrace the Euro Velo Cycle Network (or Anything Regionally Similar)

The most extensive cycle network available to you for those living in Europe is the Euro Velo Cycle Network. You can cycle through the countryside to different countries throughout Europe. However, even if you don’t live in Europe, you likely have a developed cycle path in your area.

If you are not yet familiar with your local cycle network, the local government’s website is generally the best place to find it.

7. Find Races in Favourite Natural Areas (or Try Somewhere New)

Running might not be for everyone, but you will have all kinds of options if it’s for you. You don’t necessarily need specific walkways or paths to run. You can try trail running, breathing in the fresh air from the forests, plains or mountainside as you go.

Need some motivation to keep you engaging? Try to find races with achievable distances that are in natural places you enjoy. Or try new places that you haven’t heard of before to explore further afield.

Alternatively, you may find a park with a great outdoor fitness equipment set up – this is great for the whole family and can not only strengthen the body and mind, but also personal relationships.

8. Get Dirty; Try Gardening!

Some of you might have stopped on this point and thought, “wait, gardening isn’t exercising!” However, you would be wrong. For those who need low-impact exercise, gardening is an excellent way to spend time outdoors without injuring our bodies. You can also use it as a form of recovery if you have already gotten injured.

Plus, you can literally stop and smell the roses. Talk about a release from stress and anxiety.

9.Adrenaline Junkie? Go Rock Climbing

Our last option is for those who enjoy their heart pumping, but not just because of the exercise. Rock climbing might be a challenge for those that don’t appreciate heights, but it’s also a great form of exercise. In addition, rock climbing is one of those exercises that work some of the “harder to reach” muscles in your body.

Climbing isn’t the only thing you can do to connect with nature in an exciting way. No matter what you want to get out of your moments of connection with nature, there are many ways to enjoy it actively. 

Getting active outside allows you to reap the benefits of having an active life and an outdoor one. So what’s stopping you? Strap on those sneakers, snowshoes or swimsuits and get out there!