What Should You Look for When Buying Commercial Playground Equipment?

Building a playground is setting the stage for a kid’s next big adventure. It entails cultivating a space where imaginations take flight, where kids create their own worlds, where they’re too busy playing to even notice the time passing.

But how does one know what to look for when choosing commercial playground equipment? And what makes a playground stand out from the rest and actually work each day? It’s a big decision, one that will impact a whole lot of kids (and their parents).

At Snider Recreation, we get it, and we’re here to help you make the right choices. Let’s look into the key things you need to consider to make sure your playground is a hit.

1. Start with Safety First

Safety always comes first – yes, even before the giggles and games. Commercial playground equipment must meet nationally recognized safety standards, including those set by ASTM and CPSC, to be used. You should make sure the equipment you choose is tested and certified, with safe surfacing and smart spacing to help prevent injuries.

Snider Recreation partners with renowned manufacturers to offer you the safest equipment in the game, including surfacing materials like poured rubber and engineered wood fiber.

2. Choose Age-Appropriate Designs

A toddler’s adventure looks very different from that of a ten-year-old. Your playground should have age-appropriate zones – low platforms, small slides, crawl tunnels, sensory panels for little ones; climbing walls, monkey bars, and high-speed or large twisty slides for older kids.

Snider Recreation has all of the equipment you need to support different age groups so everyone from preschoolers to pre-teens can find their perfect place to play.

3. Durability That Lasts Through the Seasons

Truth is, Midwest weather is no joke. Your commercial playground equipment needs to be able to handle hot sun, heavy snow, and everything in between. Look for high-quality materials like powder-coated steel and weather-resistant hardware. Opt for strong shade and shelter structures so your playground-goers have a place to rest and socialize.

4. Make It Inclusive (ADA Compliance)

Playgrounds should always be home to inclusivity, where every child can laugh, explore, and belong. ADA-compliant commercial playground equipment includes accessible pathways, transfer platforms, sensory play panels, and ground-level activities so all kids can join in the fun.

We’re proud to help communities design inclusive play areas, and we’re always looking to bring accessibility to the heart of every project.

5. Keep Budget in Mind (Without Sacrificing Fun)

Budgeting for a playground doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the wow factor. Snider Recreation works with all sizes of budgets and offers flexible solutions that still deliver the big smiles. 

If funding is on your mind, Snider Recreation is here to help. We assist clients with playground grants and finding ways to save costs while still achieving their playground goals.

6. Think Beyond the Playground

Yes, the slide is the star, but don’t forget about the other commercial playground equipment around it. Shade structures, benches, trash receptacles, bike racks, and site furnishings make your play area more comfortable and community-friendly.

Ask us about spray parks, musical instruments, sports equipment, and more to turn your site into a full-blown recreational destination that attracts plenty of visitors.

7. Plan for Expert Installation & Easy Maintenance

Playgrounds don’t come ready to play right out of the box. Installation takes time, tools, and know-how. Snider Recreation can take care of the full install with trusted local crews who’ve done this hundreds of times. 

And down the road, a little maintenance goes a long way. We’ll make sure you know how to check for wear and tighten bolts where needed.

Choose Snider for Commercial Playground Equipment

Snider Recreation has decades of experience and a strong local presence, with our main office and warehouse right in North Royalton, Ohio. We proudly serve Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, and our friendly staff are always just a call away to answer questions and help you dream big.

We represent top-tier manufacturers, are long-time members of NPCAI, and believe in building playgrounds that inspire laughter, connection, community pride, and so much more. Get in touch with us today to start planning your next best destination!