There are so many different types of playground equipment available today. There are wood systems, plastic systems, setups made for small age ranges, and setups made for multiple ages. As such, it's easy to feel a bit overwhelmed if you're simply scrolling through your playground equipment options. An easy way to simplify the process is to get clear on a few things before you even start shopping. Here are the key things to know.

What age range are the kids who will visit the playground?

If you're building a playground for children at a preschool or a daycare, then you likely have a clear idea of what age range you're serving. However, the answer to this question may be harder to find if you're building a playground in a town or a community. Consider sending out a survey to homes in the area. Ask whether they have children, what ages those kids are, and whether they would use a community playground. If you find out, for instance, that the vast majority of the kids who will use the playground are between the ages of 4 and 8, you can then build the playground mostly to suit those ages.

How much space do you have?

Measure the area where the playground will be installed. Make sure you have its width and length, exactly. This way, you can narrow down your equipment options to those that fit inside that space. Some playground equipment options also sell pre-designed sets for specific lot sizes. For instance, if you have a 100x100 foot space to fill, you may look at playground setups made specifically for 100x100 spaces.

What's your budget?

Playground equipment comes at a wide range of prices. If you determine how much you have to spend from the get-go, you can then focus on looking at options within your price range. Your budget may also guide how much equipment you look for in the first place. For instance, if you only have a few thousand dollars to spend, you may decide, upfront, that you are only going to buy two pieces of equipment for now.

Shopping for playground equipment can be fun if you go into it with a lot of background knowledge. Get clear on your budget, the size of your space, and the age range of the kids who will be playing in the space. This will help you find what fits.

For more information, contact a playground equipment supplier such as Jammin Playgrounds Inc.