Corporate Playground Equipment Purchase vs. Individual Buyers: Different Approaches to Playground Planning

By Nic Moss

Ever wonder how playgrounds come together? Some are built by schools, parks, and community organizations, while others are put together by families in their own backyards. But have you ever thought about how different the planning process is? While both corporate buyers and individual families share the same goal—creating a fun and safe space for kids—they go about it in very different ways.

Let’s take a look at what each group prioritizes, how they make decisions, and what it takes to bring a playground to life.

Understanding the Needs of Corporate Buyers in Playground Planning

When businesses, schools, or municipalities build playgrounds using commercial playground equipment, they’re creating something that will serve a large number of kids for many years. That means they have to think beyond just fun—they focus on long-term safety, durability, and accessibility.

What Corporate Buyers Prioritize in Play Equipment

Safety First

With so many kids using public playgrounds, safety is the number one priority.

Why is it important? Because the corporate buyers will be the ones responsible for the well-being of the kids having fun on their playgrounds.

Whether it's school playground equipment or outdoor fitness equipment on community playgrounds, corporate buyers follow strict safety guidelines from organizations like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which sets safety standards for playground equipment; ASTM International, which develops technical standards; and the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA), which provides third-party product certification.

This includes using playground safety surfacing and hazard-free equipment (no sharp edges, etc.) to prevent injuries and minimize risks.

Smart Budgeting

Organizations work within set budgets, making sure every dollar is spent wisely. They focus on high-quality equipment that won’t need frequent repairs and replacements.

Built to Last

High-traffic playgrounds using commercial park equipment are heavily used, so durability is key.

Sturdy materials like powder-coated galvanized steel and UV-resistant HDPE plastic, like the ones used by PlaygroundEquipment.com, help reduce wear and tear over time.

Inclusion for All

Playgrounds should be accessible to every child. Corporate buyers follow ADA guidelines, like adding ramps for wheelchairs and adaptive swings, to ensure kids of all abilities can join in the fun.

The Corporate Planning Process

Unlike backyard projects, corporate playgrounds require more steps:

Assessing Needs

Corporates evaluate the community’s needs and consider the number of children expected to use the space and the need for inclusive playgrounds.

Setting a Budget

They secure funding and make sure they stay within their financial limits.

Choosing Vendors

They compare playground equipment suppliers to find the best fit.

Planning for Maintenance

Long-term upkeep is factored in to keep the playground safe and functional.

This includes regular inspections by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI); they're the ones who check your playground for potential hazards, and they make sure that your playground meets the safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM.

Overseeing Installation

Once the equipment arrives, they're more likely to work with professional installers to ensure the setup meets safety standards.

With so many factors at play, corporate playground systems require a well-organized, long-term approach to planning.

How Individual Buyers Approach Playground Design and Budgeting

Families planning a backyard playground have a different set of challenges. Instead of managing a public space, they’re working with limited budgets, smaller areas, and personal preferences.

This makes their process more flexible, but they still have to consider safety and longevity.

What Families Focus On

Budget-Friendly Solutions

Families rely on their own personal funds, so they often look for deals or DIY options to avoid breaking the bank.

Making the Most of Space

Unlike public parks, backyards come with space limits. Families carefully plan layouts to fit play structures without overcrowding.

Keeping It Safe

Safety is still a priority, so families choose age-appropriate equipment and playground safety surfaces to protect their kids.

Adding Personal Touches

Families love to customize their playgrounds, whether it’s choosing their child’s favorite colors or adding themed playground structures.

How Families Keep Costs Down

To stay within budget, many families:

• Compare prices from different sellers for new playground equipment for sale.
• Consider DIY assembly instead of hiring professionals.
• Look for sales or discounted equipment.
• Add new pieces to the existing playground over time rather than buying everything at once.

Key Differences in Decision-Making Between Corporate and Individual Buyers

While both groups want to create safe and fun spaces, they go about it in very different ways.

Decision-Making Process

Corporate Buyers

Decisions go through multiple stakeholders, committees, and boards since they have a responsibility to be accountable, manage, and mitigate risks. Everything is carefully reviewed before moving forward.

Individual Buyers

Decisions are made by one or two people, making the process quicker and more flexible.

What They Prioritize

Corporate Buyers

Corporate Buyers focus on safety, compliance, durability, and long-term community benefits.

Individual Buyers

Individual buyers focus on fun, affordability, and personalization to create the perfect playground that fits their child’s needs.

Planning Timeline

Corporate Buyers

Corporate Buyers plan months or even years ahead.

Individual Buyers

Individual buyers typically set up their playgrounds in weeks or months.

At the end of the day, whether it’s a large-scale corporate project or a small backyard playground, the goal is the same—to create a safe, exciting space where kids can play, explore, and grow, fostering both outdoor play and fundamental physical development.

If you’re planning a playground, take a step back and think about what matters most to you.

Need expert guidance? Contact us today to get your free consultation!

Just browsing for now? Visit our website for high-quality playground equipment and planning resources to help bring your vision to life!

Related Articles:

• Beyond the Quote of Commercial Playground Equipment: Understanding Why Playground Projects Take 30+ Days to Complete
• Choosing the Best School Playground Equipment for Fun and Safety
• How to Write a Grant for Adaptive Playground Equipment
• How to Maintain and Care for Your Kids' Swing Sets

Reference/Sources:

1. U.S. Access Board. (n.d.). ADA Accessibility Guidelines: Chapter 10 – Play Areas.
   https://www.access-board.gov/ada/guides/chapter-10-play-areas/
2. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (n.d.). Public Playground Safety Handbook.
   https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/playgrounds/public-playground-safety-handbook
3. ASTM International. (2021). Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use (ASTM F1487-21).
   https://www.astm.org/f1487-21.html
4. ASTM International. (2022). Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials Within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment (ASTM F1292-22).
   https://www.astm.org/f1292-22.html