Free-standing play elements are standalone equipment that isn’t attached to the main playground structure. They’re a cost-effective option when looking to refresh or reenergize a playground with a limited budget in a way that still elevates the experience for kids.
You can incorporate different standalone play equipment to create a playground or add one or two pieces to complement existing attached equipment. These independent play elements can be customized to suit different age groups, ability levels, budgets and site spaces, making them the perfect option for your play space.
Installing free-standing play structures benefits community parks, places of worship, city playgrounds and schools by offering children a unique play experience that sparks their creativity and imagination. Additionally, they provide an opportunity to help them improve their physical, cognitive, sensory, social and communication skills.
Free-standing play equipment is ideal for outdoor installation, encouraging kids to spend more time outside. Outdoor play has many benefits, including allowing kids to interact with nature, learn about their environment and provide a safe space to interact with their landscape.
Free-standing structures are adaptable to different park sizes, allowing you to maximize your available space in small parks or urban settings. Their free-standing elements make them diverse and versatile, as you can add them to new or existing playgrounds.
Stand-alone play structures come in all shapes and sizes and can be adjusted to suit the unique needs of your playground. The following are common types of independent play equipment to consider for your play area:
Swinging is an unstructured form of play that kids can enjoy independently or along with their friends, and swing sets are classic play structures and an all-time favorite for kids. Free-standing swing sets are fun additions to playgrounds that can be adapted to meet the needs of kids of different ages and abilities. A few popular free-standing play structures include traditional belt swing sets, tire swings and accessible swing sets.
Climbers are unique, free-standing playground equipment that helps kids develop physical strength, flexibility and balance. They can be adapted to different spaces and a variety of themes. Climbers exist in numerous configurations that offer several difficulty levels. Options range from vertical climbing walls, climbing boulders and summit climbers to stump steppers, net climbers and play cubes.
Free-standing motion equipment like spinners and carousels has many sensory benefits for children, including balance, cause-and-effect and improved depth perception. They’re a fun addition to existing playgrounds that result in more laughs and giggles as kids spin around. Inclusive spinners that can accommodate several children and a wheelchair or two will easily become fan favorites.
Stand-alone playground slides are among the most popular play equipment for kids of all ages. They include a raised platform and a ramp, which don’t need to be attached to other play structures. Commercial playground slides are incredibly versatile equipment available in various heights and styles or shapes, including straight, side-by-side, spiral and wavy.
Seesaws or teeter-toters also don’t need to be attached to other play structures. Adding them to a playground encourages cooperation and collaboration among kids as they need to work together to move up and down. Modern seesaws with a spring center facilitate smooth landing.
Whether you’re thinking about adding a few free-standing elements to your existing play space or want to incorporate them into an entirely new playground, safety should be your top priority. Generally, you want to choose structures that are age-appropriate and fit safely within the environment. Additionally, you may have to incorporate some site changes to accommodate the structures.
Some safety considerations to keep in mind for free-standing play structures include:
Working with a professional playground supplier can make it easier to meet safety requirements, as you get access to well-made, compliant equipment that makes your play area a safer space.
Certified professionals should install free-standing play structures to ensure safety and compliance. The specific installation steps and instructions depend on the manufacturer and type of play equipment. Here are some general free-standing play structure installation tips that help ensure a smooth process and the longevity and safety of the equipment:
Regular play structure maintenance is essential for extending the life span of the equipment and minimizing repairs and replacement costs. Look for signs of wear and tear, breakages, missing components, and bent pies or tubing at regular intervals. Make sure to conduct repairs and replacements promptly, and keep the equipment clean per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Playworld is an industry-leading playground equipment provider with over five decades of experience. We aim to provide our clients with quality playground equipment that unites communities and encourages learning through play. Our inventory includes heavy-duty indoor playground elements that last for generations and durable outdoor free-standing play equipment that creates an enjoyable, inclusive play experience.
All of our equipment is made in a United States facility using premium materials that ensure their integrity and quality. Request a quote to get started, or contact your Playworld local representative today with questions about our free-standing play structures.
