What is the best surfacing for a school playground?

The most common school playground surfacing options include: Poured-in-place rubber – Durable, low maintenance, accessible Engineered wood fiber (EWF) – Cost-effective, requires ongoing maintenance Synthetic turf systems – Clean appearance, moderate maintenance The best choice depends on budget, maintenance capacity, and more.

How can schools fund a new playground?

Schools fund playgrounds through: PTO/PTA fundraising Grants (state, federal, and foundation-based) Capital improvement budgets Community partnerships Corporate sponsorships Many playground companies also assist with grant resources and phased design plans to help schools build in stages.

School Playground Equipment

According to a Voice of Play survey, 100% of teachers agree that recess is essential for young students' mental and physical activity.

From kids in pre-school to upper elementary school, it's proven that all children benefit from regular time outside — that’s why school playground equipment is so important. At Superior Recreational Products, we’re proud to offer some of the most personalized recess equipment on the market. Rather than one-size-fits-all solutions, we provide customized school play equipment that encourages physical, mental, and emotional development for students. Each school playground is specifically made to feature components that your students would benefit from — whether that be slides, climbers, or education panels.

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What To Look for In a School Playground

When you’re considering playground equipment for a school, several factors should be taken into account to ensure the safety, engagement, and development of the students using it.

Line of Sight and Safety: Choose playground equipment that doesn’t hinder supervision so that teachers have a clear line of sight across the playground.
Outdoor Classrooms: Incorporate outdoor classroom space using a shade or shelter structure with either benches or tables underneath to maximize the space beyond recess. You can also use log benches, mushroom steppers, and more for creative seating ideas.
Physical Education: Incorporate active components like climbing rope walls so that physical education teachers can take advantage of the playground space for class time
Age-Appropriateness: Choose playground equipment that offers appropriate physical challenges to your students. Pre-school students, for example, may not benefit from the same equipment as a 5th grader.
Inclusivity: Choose equipment that allows children of all ages and abilities to play together.
Budget: We know budget is an important factor. Beyond the equipment itself, freight, installation, and surfacing should also be considered.

Budgeting Guide

Not sure where to start when budgeting for your next playground? Our Budgeting Guide outlines all the budget areas that should be considered when purchasing a new playground.

View Guide

Playground Grants

There are many state and national grants available to fund playground equipment. Download our handy state-by-state grant guide to see what’s available in your area.

Download Guide

Buying Cooperatives

Schools can utilize national purchasing power through reputable purchasing cooperatives. Not only can you bypass the bidding process, but you can also (in most cases) receive discounts on our playground equipment.

View Memberships

Playground Sales

Take advantage of our seasonal playground sales! We offer popular playgrounds at discounts throughout the year. Contact your local playground sales representatives for more information.

Contact Your Rep

What should schools consider when buying commercial playground equipment?

Schools should consider age appropriateness, safety compliance, inclusive design, available space, supervision visibility, and long-term durability. The playground must meet ASTM and CPSC safety standards, fit within the school’s footprint, and support developmental goals for students. Budget planning should also include installation, surfacing, freight, and maintenance, not just equipment costs.

How much does playground equipment cost for a school?

The cost of school playground equipment typically ranges from $25,000 to $250,000+ depending on size, customization, surfacing, and site preparation.

Key cost factors include:

Size of the structure
Age group served (Pre-K, 5–12, etc.)
Safety surfacing (poured-in-place, turf, wood fiber)
Installation and site work
Shade structures and site amenities

For accurate budgeting, schools should request a full site-specific quote.

What safety standards must school playgrounds meet?

School playgrounds in the United States must comply with:

ASTM International standards (ASTM F1487)
CPSC Public Playground Safety Handbook guidelines
Local building codes and ADA accessibility requirements

Many school districts also require certified installation and documented safety inspections before opening the playground to students.

How long does it take to install a school playground?

Most school playground projects take 8–16 weeks from design approval to completion, depending on customization, manufacturing timelines, surfacing type, and weather conditions.

Installation itself may take 1–3 weeks, but planning, permitting, and site preparation can add additional time. Schools often schedule installations during summer break to minimize disruption.

What type of playground equipment is best for elementary schools?

The best playground equipment for elementary schools includes:

Multi-level composite play structures
Climbers and net systems
Slides and interactive panels
Inclusive ground-level components
Fitness elements for upper elementary students

Elementary schools benefit most from equipment that promotes physical development, social interaction, and imaginative play while serving multiple age groups safely.

How do schools ensure their playground is ADA compliant?

To meet ADA requirements, schools must provide:

Accessible routes to and within the playground
Transfer systems or ramps
Ground-level play components
Accessible surfacing
Inclusive play opportunities

Working with an experienced commercial playground manufacturer helps ensure compliance during the design phase, reducing costly retrofits later.

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Dennis P Collins Park - Superior Recreational Products - Partner - Giordano Construction

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YOUR LOCAL RESOURCEYour Sales Representative Lives Where You Live

Our dedicated sales representatives are not just a voice on the phone, they're right where you are.

They stand ready to provide expert guidance and support, making your experience with us both convenient and tailored to your unique requirements.

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"It's been a fantastic thing and I'm so appreciative of the folks that listened and designed something that really meets our needs. Just to see the smiles of their faces has just been amazing. Our teachers are happy, our parents are happy."

Kevin Carr
Principal, Haynes-Inman Education Center

Quality Elementary School Playground Equipment That’s Made in the USA

The school playgrounds we carry are constructed using state-of-the-art techniques and durable materials that ensure unmatched quality. What’s more, we are passionate about adhering to the highest safety standards to keep preschool and elementary school students protected and easily supervised as they play. Our products meet or exceed the standards set forth by organizations like IPEMA (International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and more. What’s more, our playgrounds are proudly made in the United States so you know you’re getting the best quality.

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