Common Mistakes When Installing an Indoor Playground
Indoor playgrounds serve as a place for families to gather and a safe area for children to play. Safety is the number one concern at all indoor playgrounds—as well as excellent design that allows for hours of play, of course. In this article, we’ll discuss the common mistakes when installing an indoor playground. Using this guide as you design and install your indoor playground will ensure it’ll be successful.
Consider Ages
Age matters when installing an indoor playground. A design that works for a three-year-old won’t work well for a ten-year-old.
Have a clear understanding of the demographics of the area before designing and installing the playground. This way, you’ll know which age group to cater to.
Age also matters when it comes to safety. Older kids don’t require as many soft play areas as younger ones.
Safe Flooring
One of the most common mistakes when installing an indoor playground is forgetting to consider what’s under the playground. If someone falls, where will they land?
Cushioned flooring is a must, no matter the age group. If a child falls or simply wants to crawl around on the floor, they need protection; the floor must be soft. Rubber flooring is commonly used for this purpose.
Measure Everything
Every space is different when it comes to indoor playgrounds. Don’t begin to install yours until every possible angle is measured.
If you’re building vertically, consider the allowed height you have to work with. There are safety standards for indoor playgrounds, so don’t assume you can go as high as the building allows. Also, check your area for required permits when you plan the size of your playground.
When measuring, don’t forget that children and parents need space to move around the playground. Parents must be able to reach their child quickly when necessary. Consider this when measuring.
Danger-Free
When the installation is complete, conduct a safety check with small children in mind. Once everything is secure and you’re certain every nut and bolt is safely tightened, it’s time to look for unforeseen dangers.
Corners with hard or sharp edges can hurt a child, so cover those with padding. Walk through the entire center and look for mats or rugs that could be easily tripped over. If they look risky, fix them.
Check the area around the playground as well. Is the floor that children will use in the rest of the building safe? Often, the flooring in the area around the indoor playground is concrete. Make sure non-slip paint is used so children don’t fall when they’re running around.
An indoor playground is well worth the time it takes to properly design and install. Families appreciate the efforts that are taken to make them safe.
Go Play Systems is here to help you avoid the most common mistakes when installing an indoor playground. We’re the trusted playground equipment contractors and offer convenient online shopping for indoor playground designs and equipment. Contact Go Play Systems for answers to all of your indoor playground installation needs.