Every child is unique, and every child has their own preferences when it comes to playground equipment – trust us, we’ve been manufacturing and installing equipment for over 45 years!
We’ve installed playgrounds of all shapes and sizes for all manner of schools, businesses, community groups and local authorities. Because of this, we’ve learnt what makes for the best playground equipment.
Read on to tap into over four decades of insight from the play experts.
The first step to installing the best outdoor playground equipment is purchasing only from a trusted supplier, which, in the UK, means a supplier with an API membership.
An Association of Play Industries (API) Membership is a trusted sign of quality thanks to the API’s commitment to ensure high standards of operational proficiency, integrity, and commercial competence from its members – taking the risk out of planning and installing your new playground equipment.
Set up in 1984, the API supports outdoor playground equipment and surfacing manufacturers. The API Charter sets high standards for play equipment design and construction, promoting safe, high-quality play while supporting children’s right to play.
Playdale is one of the founding members of the API, so when we say that we take our commitments of safety, quality and making only the best outdoor play equipment seriously, we mean it.
Choosing to purchase playground equipment from API members guarantees the equipment is some of the best in the UK.
Children vote with their feet by flocking to the most popular pieces of playground equipment, which is why we offer a dedicated category of playground favourites.
At home in any playground, the most popular equipment is often:
• Playground climbing frames
• Playground roundabouts
• Playground slides
• Playground swings
• Playground seesaws
While these classic playground favourites are undoubtedly popular, not every playground is the same.
Some locations and organisations will be better suited to different play equipment, such as MUGAs for sports facilities or Woodland Eco Towers for a combination of slides, adventure trails and climbing.
Some playground equipment is more popular than others thanks to inclusive features – making them more sought-after than traditional equipment. A great example of this is the Inclusive Orbit, a roundabout that’s suitable for wheelchair users as well as fully-abled children.
Children love equipment that challenges them and makes them feel courageous – which is very much in keeping with the guidelines set by the API.
Conquering the climbing net and play tower or completing the adventure trail increases children’s confidence and improves balance and coordination – as does the thrilling rush provided by an Ariel runway.
There’s also imaginative and creative playground equipment, such as role play equipment for early years children and musical play equipment, as well as equipment that teaches them about the world – including sand and water play equipment.
Need some inspiration on how to ensure your playground has the best outdoor play equipment for your children’s needs?
No worries, check out some of our fantastic case studies, including playgrounds for schools, nurseries, local authorities, community groups, leisure operators and more.
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