ELE400024
Spinner Bowl
- +3
4+ Years
9.8 m2
1 Users
Outdoor Playground Areas for Schools
A good school playground creates a happy and safe environment for children to enjoy and that will result in them being happier and healthier. Having outdoor play facilities can also help when looking to attract new pupils. Our area managers and design team can help create a space that meets your requirements and budget.
Our experienced team can help create a space that will boost physical activity, create a social space and help children learn new skills and challenge themselves in a safe environment.
Most Popular Playground Equipment for Schools
KSW90040
Swing H:2.5m, 100cm Rope Seat
2+ Years
17.4 m2
6 Users
NRO865
Agility Trail 6
6+ Years
76.7 m2
20 Users
NRO804
Triple Balance Beam
3+ Years
34 m2
6 Users
GXY916
Supernova
6+ Years
28.9 m2
8 Users
PCM400121
Four Towers
- +2
2+ Years
62.7 m2
39 Users
NRO810
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6+ Years
27 m2
3 Users
M187
Ocean Multi Seesaw
3+ Years
18 m2
10 Users
Outdoor play & fitness units for schools
We create outdoor spaces for children of all ages to enjoy as they progress through their school years.
Preschools
Primary Schools
Secondary School
Special Education Needs
Education Playground Equipment
Colleges & Universities
Schools
What should you include in an outdoor school playground?
Start by choosing your main play structure and plan around this - this will determine your safety zone and depth of surfacing required and is a good starting point. Choose equipment that will provide progressive challenges and keep different age groups engaged.
Create spaces that can be used by multiple users and consider low level and sensory equipment that can be enjoyed by all abilities.
Surfacing and zoning are your second-most important factors, as they have huge implications for your school playground project. Safety surfacing can take as much as 20% of your budget, and zoning will increase the installation complexity.
Regardless of the materials, plan forcritical fall height, safety zone clearances and local standards compliance. Our area sales managers and design team will advise on all of these points at the time of quoting.
Rubber surfacing - has a long-life span but comes with a higher upfront cost. Rubber surfacing is a low maintenance inclusive surface. It could require some spot repairs as time goes on.
Safa grass matting is a cost-effective surface that is laid directly on to existing grass - the existing grass should be in good condition with good drainage. Grass matting is not suitable for areas with poor drainage.
Loosefill wood fibre ensures a lower upfront cost but requires top-ups and active maintenance which could result in on-going costs.
Building a school play area is more than just the equipment - consider the layout, access and if fencing or gates are required
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.
Increase physical activity during the school day
Up to 40% of children's daily physical activity can be achieved during school breaks if the school playground provides challenging and inviting equipment. It is important to consider senior classes when designing your play area to keep them engaged and prevent a drop out that could happen with this age group.
Social, emotional and cognitive benefits
School playgrounds offer so much to children attending the school - they can help nurture communication and social skills while also offering a place that children enjoy and look forward to using.
Inclusive Design
By following universal design principles - ground-level play, accessible routes, transfer platforms, sensory play zones and quiet zones - you ensure every child can join in safely and confidently. When inclusion is considered from the beginning playgrounds support children of all abilities and will help children's overall well-being.
Design Principles & Standards schools can trust
Critical fall heights, safety zones and clearance: Our design team will ensure all of these are adhered to when we are designing your play area.
Standards & compliance: All our equipment and surfacing are certified to EN standards and certificates can be supplied for any units quoted.
Supervision & sightlines: Design out blind spots; zone by age - junior and senior classes and create a good supervision layout.
Risk-benefit balance: Offer graduated challenge that builds confidence while meeting safety guidance - particularly important for tweens.
Universal design: Ground-level play, ramps, contrast surfacing and sensory options to welcome children of all abilities.
I first visited Gardenfield NS in 2022 to review their site and discuss options - we are delighted with the installation and hope kids enjoy it for years to come
Keith Walker, Managing Director, KOMPAN Ireland
Customer case
"It's been 5 years since we built the playground, and it has been hugely positive..."
The yard in Gardenfield National School was transformed into a playground for all classes to enjoy - with climbing units, swings and low-level play activities children of all ages will enjoy the area.
Bright colourful surfacing was installed in the area and the school painted a mural on a nearby wall to complete the area.
Getting started
Be inspired when planning your school playground
It can be difficult to know where to start when you begin planning your new play area but at KOMPAN we have years of experience and can guide you every step of the way from your first design to installation and maintenance.
We have a brochure full of innovative products and designs to inspire you as you start to plan your area.
Contact our Galway office to order a brochure by post or email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Create a simple inspection process - routine visual inspections during the week and schedule monthly inspections and log all findings.
Independent inspections can be arranged yearly if required for insurance purposes.
The cost of a school playground varies depending on the size of the space available and the preferred equipment and surfacing. Our design team can provide you with a detailed quote that breakdowns all the costs involved.
Our design team can create a layout which results in equipment being installed in a way that best suits the site and the needs of the users. Junior and senior areas can be created within the play area.