Outdoor playgrounds for schools

Start by picking your main play structures, because these set the tone for the rest of your planning. They determine the safety zones you’ll need and how the playground layout comes together. Bigger structures usually need deeper soft-fall and a bit more space between each piece of equipment.

Climbers, nets, slides and modular towers give kids different levels of challenge and keep a wide range of ages interested. When the layout is planned well, these structures help students move between zones easily and play together. During busy recess and lunch breaks, having a few entry points helps avoid queues and makes it easier for staff to keep an eye on things.

Once you’ve locked in your main structures, think about adding sensory elements like sand and water play, balance items or musical panels so there’s something for every type of learner and player.

Surfacing and zoning are your second-most important factors, as they have huge implications for your school playground project. Safety surfacing can take as high as 20% of your budget, and zoning will increase the installation complexity. 

Regardless of the materials, plan forcritical fall height, fall zone clearances and local standards compliance. These are typically provided by your playground supplier at the start of your project once the structures have been chosen. 

• Poured-in-place (PIP) rubber, sometimes called poured rubber, requires very low maintenance and comes with a long life; There are higher upfront cost but it’s a preferred material for schools due to longevity and inclusivity compliance. Most maintenance includes the occasional need for spot repairs. 

• Rubber tiles/mats are modular replacements that manage seams and drainage carefully. But the seams between the tiles are also their weak points. They are less expensive than PIP rubber but also not as durable.  Over time, they may warp or shift, especially due to installed properly.  

• Engineered wood fibre (EWF), ensures a lower upfront cost but requires top-ups and active maintenance. Many schools experience that during the wet season, their EWF surfacing gets washed away. 

• Synthetic turf gives consistent performance and a neat look, ensuring a shockpad and drainage design. They are, however, mostly used for school multi-use sport areas.

We recommend against using rubber mulch for school areas despite its low cost due to potential health and environmental concerns and inclusive limitations.

Building a school play area takes more than just the playground equipment. Consider the play area layout and where you’d add playground shading.  

• Rest areas and benches 

• Line of sight for teachers to easily monitor 

Shade, seating & rest  Benches, canopies and trees create cool-down spaces that support self-regulation and give staff natural supervision hubs.

Accessible routes, fencing & perimeter safety  Ramps, transfer platforms and clear pathways ensure wheelchair users and mobility-impaired children can move freely, while well-planned fencing and borders create safe boundaries without closing off visibility.