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Fun, Exciting Playgrounds Don’t Have to Drain Your Budget

Playworld® believes all children should have access to quality play equipment and fun experiences with friends. Besides physical inclusivity, cost-effectiveness is also high on our agenda. Today’s blog explores our top ten cost-effective playground equipment.

Building Affordable Play Spaces

When designing a reasonably priced playground, you’ll want to maximize the value kids get from their playtime. Consider obtaining excitement or play value, the physical capacity of the children, and equipment durability. It is available—all at a fair price. The good news is that you don’t have to strain the budget to establish an exciting, engaging playground. Planning strategically and selecting the best equipment guarantees value and safety while encouraging inclusive play

Don’t Compromise – Play Affordably

The Playworld philosophy focuses on affordable play areas and equipment designed with mindful engineering, inclusive features, and efficiency for play and budget. Playground equipment can engage and excite, preparing the community’s next generations for full, active lives. 

 1. Budget-Friendly Classic – Freestanding Swing Sets

The well-known, ever-popular swing set is one of the most affordable playground investments. Children have enjoyed this thrilling activity for centuries, so we know it offers excellent play value. The costs are generally modest, and our freestanding swing systems come in the same exceptional build quality and durable materials as all our other equipment.

Besides the freestanding design that enables future additions or reconfigurations, installing a swing set requires minimal ground preparation, and setup costs are typically economical. Our catalog includes several models, like the ADA-compatible bucket swing for inclusive play and traditional belt swings. According to research, the vestibular stimulation provided by swinging promotes healthy brain development. So, a swing set is a no-brainer for any affordable playground.

500-ARCH - Web Image 1 Quick Specs +

Product Details

Ages:
2-12
Space Required:
32′ 5″ × 23′ 5″
Size:
4′ 5” × 11′ 5” × 8′ 2”
Capacity:
2
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Arch Swing 2-Seats

Product: 500ARCH

$3,642 Add to Quote
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Product Details

Ages:
2-12
Size:
2′ 0” × 2′ 4” × 8′ 0”
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Accessible Swing Seat (8′ Top Rail)

Product: ZZXX0892

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2. Save With Modular Systems

Our inventory includes the modular PlayCubes® line, demonstrating our commitment to budget-friendly playground design. These free-standing units can be expanded as funds become available and are exceedingly durable. Future upgrades like adding climbers, slides, or other imaginative ideas keep kids excited and the bank manager happy.

Additionally, kids always love clambering, and our climbing squares are another modular piece that can add hours of valuable play without breaking the bank. Schools and parks can make substantial cost savings with a modular approach. Avoid the expensive custom design route and let the children enjoy the basics as you expand.

PLAYCUBES-1MC - Web Image 1 Quick Specs +

Product Details

Ages:
5-12
Space Required:
18′ 0″ × 18′ 6″
Size:
6′ 0” × 6′ 6” × 4′ 2”
Capacity:
7
View Product

1.0MC

Product: PLAYCUBES1MC

$10,323 Add to Quote

3. Activity Panels

These innovative panels provide excellent play value. They may be installed at ground level, making them accessible to children of all abilities. Children can enjoy sensory experiences while developing cognitive thinking as they’re encouraged to explore. Activity panels enable independent and group play, even teaching kids to share and take turns.

These panels are a cost saver because they don’t require the additional expenses of elevated structures. Panels fit into the playground seamlessly as a freestanding activity. As funds become available, you can add other elements, such as the driver half panel.

ZZPM4406 - Web Image 1

Driver Half Panel

Product: ZZPM4406

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Airplane Half Panel

Product: ZZPM4399

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4. Motion Play Spinners: Low-Cost, Fun Movement

If you’re looking for inexpensive, durable motion play equipment, you can’t go wrong with Playworld’s spinner options. These fixtures are a classic attraction at a modest price, offering quick and easy installation with optimal play value. The design is robust and can withstand vigorous play for years to come. They are ideal for smaller play areas since they occupy little space. Meanwhile, they offer the same vestibular stimulation as swings.

The Whirligig Spinner is another excellent, cheap upgrade once your playground is up and running and you have a small area that could do with some life and laughter.

ZZXX0043 - Web Image 1 Quick Specs +

Product Details

Ages:
5-12
Space Required:
14′ 6″ × 14′ 6″
Size:
2′ 6” × 2′ 6” × 4′ 3”
Capacity:
4
View Product

Whirligig

Product: ZZXX0043

$3,332 Add to Quote

5. RockBlocks® Climbers

Another wallet-friendly, freestanding addition to a thrilling playground is our rock “challengers.” Children adore these enticing walls where they can challenge themselves physically while you avoid the enormous expense of large structures. Playworld’s textured rock walls are durable and help develop muscle strength from clambering, and the activity burns energy fast!  

Of course, this is also a modular design, meaning you can add fun gradually. Playworld offers various models for diverse age groups and abilities in different configurations that provide hours of imaginative play.

RB-1005 - Web Image 1 Quick Specs +

Product Details

Ages:
5-12
Space Required:
27′ 1″ × 23′ 9″
Size:
15′ 1” × 11′ 9” × 9′ 0”
Capacity:
14
View Product

WonderFalls

Product: RB1005

$20,204 Add to Quote
RB-305 - Web Image 1 Quick Specs +

Product Details

Ages:
5-12
Space Required:
17′ 2″ × 19′ 10″
Size:
5′ 2” × 7′ 10” × 5′ 0”
Capacity:
8
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Corner Rock

Product: RB305

$7,449 Add to Quote

6. Getting From Point A to Point B

We take reasonable prices and ensuring the accessibility of our equipment to heart. Including as many kids as possible doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune. Our deck-to-deck ramps offer gentle slopes and grip handles for that extra touch of confidence. You can also save on expensive engineering costs with our ADA-compliant connection points or transfer stations to access equipment.

The transition stations and access points come in various shapes and sizes for children of varied physical abilities. Imagine how exciting a cool rock picnic table could be—another fun idea leaving you with change in your coffers.

ZZBD0013 - Web Image 1

Picnic Boulder

Product: ZZBD0013

$11,373 Add to Quote
ZZCH8818 - Web Image 1

Bedrock Transfer – 36in Barrier

Product: ZZCH8818

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ZZPM2006 - Web Image 1

Transfer Station

Product: ZZPM2006

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7. Crawl Tubes

Tubes and tunnels are ideal for imaginative play and accommodate many physical ability levels. Kids of all ages usually enjoy crawling through a brightly colored tunnel with minimal expense to the playground planner or community. They help develop gross motor skills and spatial awareness and encourage exploration.

The design is robust with UV-resistant plastic and won’t fade or degrade before you’re ready to add more twists and turns. You can also integrate them with  PlaySimple® structures or place them between different elements in the playground as time goes on.

PSD-1102-FTD - Web Image 1

Tunnel Junction

Product: PSD1102FTD

$20,369 Add to Quote

8. Slides

There has probably never been a playground without a slide or two. Slides create memories for everyone from a very young age. From our classic Dynamic Descent to the freestanding Twist and Shout model, your playground slide can be the starting point for many years of affordable sliding. Gross and fine motor skills, balance, and coordination are all qualities that a modest slide can achieve.

ZZCH2727 - Web Image 1

Twist and Shout Slide

Product: ZZCH2727

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9. See Saw Time

Another classic, affordable playground toy is the “lowly” seesaw. Kids develop muscle strength and spatial awareness on this fun toy, apart from enjoying excitement and laughter with siblings and friends. The standalone design makes it ideal for a quick addition to the outdoor play area that will be kind to the budget. They don’t take up much space, and various models are available for different ages. You simply cannot go wrong with a seesaw.

ZZXX0605 - Web Image 1 Quick Specs +

Product Details

Ages:
5-12
Space Required:
17′ 5″ × 24′ 1″
Size:
5′ 5” × 12′ 1” × 3′ 6”
Capacity:
4
View Product

Seesaws

Product: ZZXX0605

$4,044 Add to Quote

10. Protection

Of course, fun and development and the sound of kids laughing are enough motivation to develop a haven where children can grow and enjoy the outdoor environment to their heart’s content. However, we must still protect them from the elements and hard landings. 

Our play shade collection will take care of tender skin at a price that won’t make you appear sunburnt. Once again, you can enhance the shading gradually as you develop the playground. Additionally, our wear mats can be placed under loose-fill surfacing to help minimize erosion.

ZZXX0038 - Web Image 1 Quick Specs +

Product Details

Ages:
2-12
Size:
3′ 0” × 3′ 0” × 0′ 2”
View Product

Wear Mat

Product: ZZXX0038

$256 Add to Quote

Quick Tips for Playground Success no Matter the Budget

Keep in mind that a simple, gradual approach is always a prudent route when designing a playground on a budget. Playworld collaborates with you to provide opportunities for young bodies and minds. Keep these principles in mind:

Modularity is king, and you can begin with our pre-designed layouts, which you can add to instead of furnishing an entire space simultaneously. Phased installation is ideal on a budget, and with our advice and ample ideas on our blog page, this is not a project you have to avoid.

At Playworld, we have explored many funding resources. We are proud to offer our detailed funding guide to institutions that don’t have unlimited funds.  

Play Is Possible for Every Community

As mentioned, we believe play should be accessible to all communities. Thoughtful planning and informed product selection will take you smoothly through the journey. Playworld makes quality and affordability possible because it is for the benefit of our children and future generations.

Beginning with the basics and adding freestanding swings, slides, seesaws, or any ideas gleaned from this blog will help you reach your goals.. You will also benefit from our Getting Started Guide for budget planning.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with your questions and ideas; we’d love to hear from you and discuss your exciting project.

Sources:

https://playworld.com/playground-equipment/

https://playworld.com

https://playworld.com/blog/freestanding-structures-benefits-types/

https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/cheap-playground-equipment.html

https://www.weareteachers.com/playground-equipment-for-schools/

https://www.gametime.com/products/playground-equipment/play-systems

https://pdf.archiexpo.com/pdf/playworld/playsimple/11184-148987.html

https://www.brainbalancecenters.com/blog/swinging-sensory-integration-works

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