Landscape playground ideas and inspiration

Playground Landscaping and Design

Jardin Des Deux Rives playground in France

Why is Landscape Design Important When Designing Playgrounds?

Landscape design carefully integrates natural elements like trees, plants, rocks and water features into playgrounds. This not only makes the space more visually appealing but also encourages children to engage with nature. Landscape design is essential in playground development beyond simply placing play equipment in an open area. It makes a cohesive, engaging and multifunctional space that supports children's physical, emotional and social development and contributes to the local community.

Varberg playground

The Art of Blending Play Spaces with Nature

Imagine a playground that feels more like a journey through a natural landscape than a collection of play equipment. This is the art of landscape architecture, where landscape architects strive to blend play spaces perfectly with nature to create an environment where imagination runs free by using materials and landscape design that compliment the existing surroundings.

The driving force behind this approach is to be more eco-friendly, which takes into account the materials used and the preservation of the local ecosystem and community character.

Girl using the playground at Boyd Hill Nature Reserve

The Role of Natural Elements in Playground Landscape Design

Playground landscape design involves thoughtfully integrating play areas with natural surroundings, aiming to create spaces that are both functional and inspiring. Research shows that natural environments stimulate creativity, imagination and cognitive development. By interacting with natural elements, children can explore, discover and learn in ways that traditional playgrounds may not offer.

By incorporating natural elements and using the surrounding landscape, children will get both the joy of a well-built playground and the sensory experiences that the surrounding habitat offers, creating a varied and engaging play-adventure.

Frederiksberg nature playground

Incorporating Topography into Playground Layout

A well-designed playground incorporates diverse terrain and varied play structures that challenge children physically. Hills, slopes, climbing structures and different surfacing textures help develop motor skills, balance and coordination. These elements encourage active play, which is important for building strength and endurance.

The land itself can be used to shape play areas. Playground equipment, such as embankment slides or rope playground structures, can be placed creatively to fit the existing landscape.

Pathway to the playground on Frederiksberg

Ensuring Smooth Navigation for Diverse Users

Every child should find it easy to navigate a playground, irrespective of their abilities. Accessible pathways and carefully planned layouts allow for smooth transitions and easy access, letting the focus remain on the joy of play.

Playground surfacing such as poured-in-place rubber support mobility devices, ensuring that the playground is a welcoming space for all.

Robinia natural hardwood used for playgrounds

Innovative materials to ensure years of fun!

The principles of durability anchor modern playground design. Communities are increasingly seeking materials that withstand the test of time and the elements, ensuring that playgrounds remain a source of fun for years to come. 

Quality equipment designed for longevity enriches the play experience and is a wise investment for the future. Whether you choose wooden playgrounds or traditional ones, all playground equipment from KOMPAN can be customised to fit your surrounding landscape. 

Pink rope playground at Riverside Green at Brisbane

Enhancing Urban Spaces with Creative Playgrounds

Innovative playgrounds revitalise urban spaces, converting them into community, creative and play hotspots. The transformation of urban areas into vibrant spaces that invite gathering and interaction is a testament to the power of innovative playground design. These spaces often feature park benches and other welcoming elements that enhance the atmosphere.

By incorporating diverse elements that cater to all ages, these playgrounds become more than just a play space – they are the heart of the community.

Get inspired by how others have done it

Frequently Asked Questions

A playground is inclusive when it is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for children of all abilities. Its equipment encourages interaction and play amongst all kids and pathways allow for easy navigation by those with disabilities.

Natural elements like trees, rocks and water features enhance a playground's design by providing sensory stimulation for children through tactile, visual and auditory experiences.

Absolutely, playgrounds can have a positive impact on the local economy by attracting families to an area, increasing traffic to local businesses and boosting property values in the surrounding area.

When designing a playground for an urban space, it's important to consider efficient use of space, safety in high-density areas, inclusivity for all children and the use of durable, low-maintenance materials. These factors contribute to creating a successful and greener urban playground.

When designing the play area it is important to involve the local community as this ensures the playgrounds meets local needs, fosters a sense of ownership and promotes sustained care and use of the play area.

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