As a child, playgrounds were a place to let off steam, exercise, and have fun. They continue to serve the same purpose today and are crucial to children’s physical and mental development. Therefore, it is important to invest in a top-quality playground set.
In this blog, we will identify the essential features to look for when purchasing industrial playground sets in the USA.
Safety Regulations and Certifications
Playgrounds can be dangerous if not designed or manufactured correctly, hence the need for compliance with safety standards. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) sets voluntary guidelines that playground sets must meet. Likewise, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires specific safety features before issuing certification. Additionally, the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) certifies playground equipment that has been independently tested and meets specified ASTM standards. It is imperative to ensure that the playground sets you consider purchasing have ASTM, CPSC, and IPEMA certifications.
MATERIAL QUALITY
Metal Sets: Metal playground sets are durable but prone to rust, which can cause safety hazards. Ensuring that the set is made of aluminum or galvanized steel will prevent corrosion and rusting. Galvanized steel is a type of steel that is coated in a layer of zinc to protect it from rust.
Wooden Sets: Wooden playground sets offer a natural and classic look. However, they are prone to rotting, splitting, and cracking, thus requiring frequent maintenance. Choosing pressure-treated lumber and rot-resistant wood like cedar or redwood can help increase the life expectancy of the playground set.
Plastic Sets: Plastic seems like an ideal material for playground sets, as it is lightweight and durable. However, it is essential to ensure the material is UV-stabilized to prevent fading and cracking, thereby increasing the set’s longevity. Importantly, ensure the plastic is sturdy enough to support children’s weight.
DESIGN AND INNOVATION
Themed Playgrounds: Themed playground sets provide a unique and exciting experience for children. When choosing themed playground sets, it is important to factor in safety standards and ensure children of all ages can use them.
Inclusive Design: Inclusive design ensures that children with disabilities can access and use the playground set. This entails avoiding raised areas, installing handrails, ramps, and sensory equipment such as Braille and sign language features, as well as swings designed for wheelchairs.
Multi-Activity Sets: The playground set must have a variety of activities such as climbing walls, slides, ladders, bridges, swings, and monkey bars. Multi-activity sets provide children with diverse physical and mental activities, thereby encouraging socialization and imagination.
Longevity and Durability: Weather-resistant materials are paramount in ensuring the set can withstand harsh weather conditions. The use of high-quality materials such as stainless steel, UV-stabilized plastic, and pressure-treated wood increases the set’s longevity. Additionally, selecting a manufacturer that offers warranties and quality guarantees will give you peace of mind.
Ease of Maintenance: Frequent maintenance of the playground set can prolong its life expectancy. When choosing features to look for in a playground set, it is important to consider how easy it is to replace parts like slides, ladders, and swings. The manufacturer should also provide a manual on how to maintain the set properly.
Environmental Sustainability: Manufacturers are now focusing on producing eco-friendly playground sets. The use of recycled and recyclable materials in the production of playground sets has become increasingly popular. Choosing an environmentally friendly option is essential to reducing waste and protecting the planet.
Installation Services: Installing playground sets can be challenging, which is why it is recommended to have professionals do it. Most manufacturers provide pre-fabricated modules and custom-built playgrounds according to your design preferences. Engaging professionals to install the playground set ensures safety, durability, and compliance with standards.
Price and Budget: The cost of purchasing an industrial playground set is dependent on the size, type of material, and design. However, there are financing options and grants available for community playgrounds. It is important to consider the playground set’s cost-effectiveness over time so that you can make a more informed decision.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Customer feedback is vital in determining the quality of an industrial playground set. Look for reviews from trusted sources and read customer testimonials to gauge their satisfaction with the product.
The best industrial playground set in the USA should be safe, durable, and offer a variety of activities for children. Ensure that the playground set meets ASTM, CPSC, and IPEMA standards and is made of high-quality materials such as galvanized steel, pressure-treated lumber, and UV-stabilized plastic. Choose a Play Equipment Manufacturer in the USA that offers warranties and quality guarantees and considers eco-friendly and inclusive designs. Factor in the cost-effectiveness of the playground set and reviews from previous customers before making a purchase. Commercial Playground Company provides pre-fabricated modules and custom-built pieces, so engaging their services for installation is highly recommended. With all this information, you can feel confident in selecting the best industrial playground set in the USA for your needs.
For more information about our playground and park equipment, please call MVP Playground at 1-866-711-9119.