Custom Projects and Unique Playgrounds: When Ordinary Just Won’t Do
Designing a unique playground from scratch is no small feat. It’s an art, a science, and a whole lot of creative vision rolled into one. Whether it’s turning an empty lot into an enchanted forest-themed play haven or transforming a city park into a pirate’s paradise, Platinum Playgrounds specializes in bringing imaginative, unique playgrounds to life. Why settle for ordinary when you can have custom-built spaces with equipment specifically chosen to suit your community?
In this blog, we’ll dive into the magic of customized playground projects. We’ll explore how Platinum Playgrounds approaches each installation with fresh ideas, attention to detail, and, of course, plenty of kid-approved fun. Plus, we’ll showcase a few case studies to highlight how we tailor each project to fit the unique needs of schools, parks, and organizations of all kinds.
Learn about the importance of color and themes in “Playground Customization“.
The Platinum Playgrounds Approach to Unique Playgrounds
At Platinum Playgrounds, we know every community is different. A one-size-fits-all playground may be functional, but it doesn’t capture the heart of a neighborhood or engage kids and families like a custom space can. Our approach centers around collaboration, creativity, and expertise. We strive to design and build playgrounds that reflect the spirit and personality of the communities they serve.
Why Customization Matters
Imagine a playground designed specifically for a lakeside park with nautical themes. Perhaps you’d prefer one that’s set up for a forested nature center, complete with natural wood elements and animal play sculptures. These custom details make unique playgrounds feel more like adventures than play structures. A well-thought-out custom playground becomes a landmark in the community, drawing people in for years of enjoyment.
Customization allows us to:
- Match the Playground to the Setting: The design can fit seamlessly into the environment, enhancing the space rather than distracting from it.
- Enhance Accessibility: By choosing features like ramps, adaptive swings, and sensory play elements, we make sure that everyone, regardless of ability, feels welcome.
- Provide Themed Play Experiences: A playground can become a mini safari, a musical park, a pirate ship, or any theme that captures young imaginations.
- Maximize Space: Every playground site is unique, and custom projects allow us to make the most of available space, no matter the layout.
Unique Playgrounds: A Few Highlights
Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout projects we’ve worked on. We’ll also explore how each one was customized to fit a specific vision and set of needs.
1. Adaptive Playground at Bethany Early Childhood Center
One of our favorite projects to date, the Adaptive Playground at Bethany Early Childhood Center, was built to accommodate children of all abilities. The idea that every child deserves to play was inspired by a little girl named Sophia who was a former patient at Bethany Children’s Health Center. We worked to honor the vision to unite every student and ensure that everyone could fully participate in the shared experience. We also reached out to local vendors to include locally sourced products in the installation.
Here are some of the unique features of the playground:
- Adaptive Merry-go-Round: inclusive equipment offers ample room for kids and families to interact and play together – including those in wheelchairs.
- Lowered Basketball Goals: We incorporated basketball goals that are within reach of young participants or those in shooting goals from wheelchairs.
- Age-Appropriate Play Structures: platforms, bridges, tunnels and slides. Equipped with ADA transfer stations.
- Easy-care Safety Surfacing.
Not only is this playground a local favorite, but it’s also a perfect example of how Platinum Playgrounds collaborates with clients to deliver inclusive playground designs.
2. Trike Path at First Evangelical Lutheran Church
For a community church with limited play space, we created a playground that’s full of features and interactive areas! We wanted kids to be able to come together for lessons and instruction, as well as provide the freedom to explore and let loose.
- Trike Path: The Trike Path helps keep trikes and riders safer, away from other playground traffic. The Trike Track is a unique playground feature that’s easy to maintain instantly improves the playground experience.
- Balance Beam: Tests youngster’s focus and coordination in a fun and active way. Durable board sits barely three inches above the ground for safety.
- Classroom Stools: Outdoor stools arranged for classroom style instruction or skits, and double as balancing stools when dismissed for recess.
For this playground, space was limited and oddly shaped, so creativity was the order of the day. Platinum Playgrounds loves working on projects where we can creatively use the setting to inspire play.
3. Indoor Playground at St. Lukes
The weather is nothing if not unpredictable! And children still need exercise, even when the elements don’t permit going outside. Indoor playgrounds are the answer. We love installing indoor playgrounds, like this one we designed and installed for St. Lukes!
- Climbing Structures: play structures with unique additions like transparent lookout spheres, challenging cushion climbs, engaging tunnel bridges, and resilient v-net bridges, crafted for safety and lasting entertainment.
- Wave Slide: children will climb virtually anything to use a slide, and repeat this action over and over again. Our wave slide is no exception.
- Interactive Play Panels: These panels encourage problem-solving and interaction, making it both fun and educational.
This project allowed the St. Lukes to keep its students active, even when the weather does not cooperate.
Tips to creating a vibrant, fun, and enduring playground: “Color and Material Choices for Playgrounds – Build to Last and Dazzle“.
Key Elements in Unique Playgrounds
Across our custom projects, there are a few standout elements that make Platinum Playgrounds installations truly unique. These are the components we focus on to make each playground memorable and engaging:
- Playful Themes: From the sea to the forest, and even outer space, we love creating themed playgrounds that tell a story. These themes help spark kids’ imaginations and provide endless role-playing opportunities.
- Engaging Play Elements: Whether it’s a zip line, climbing net, or musical panel, we make sure each playground has a range of play options to keep children engaged and active.
- Inclusive and Accessible Equipment: Our playgrounds are designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring children of all abilities can enjoy the space together. Custom elements like wheelchair-accessible ramps, ground-level play options, and adaptive swings are common features.
- Quality and Safety: We prioritize high-quality, durable materials that ensure longevity and safety. Playgrounds endure rough and tumble play, plus the weather, so we use weather-resistant coatings, anti-slip surfaces, and sturdy builds that keep everything in top condition.
Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life with Platinum Playgrounds
If you’re considering a custom playground, think of Platinum Playgrounds as your go-to partner for turning unique ideas into reality. We’ve got a team of passionate playground experts who love nothing more than taking a blank space and transforming it into a kid-friendly wonderland tailored to your community’s personality.
Whether you’ve got a specific theme in mind, want to create a playground with learning elements, or need help deciding what will fit best in your space, Platinum Playgrounds is here to guide you through the process. From initial ideas to final installation, we handle every step with a focus on quality, creativity, and—most importantly—playability.
Ready to start building a playground that’s uniquely yours? Contact Platinum Playgrounds today to explore our custom options and get expert advice on how to make your playground dreams come true. Let’s create a play space where kids will have adventures, learn, and laugh for years to come!
