Different Types of Playground Equipment
Playgrounds and playground equipment can provide hours of entertainment for children of all ages. There are especially liked due to the fact they usually involve apparatus which children cannot play with at home. Playgrounds are no longer limited to just a simple jungle gym or outdoor climbing frame, sandpit and slide but come in a huge variety of shapes, colours, textures and there is even musical equipment!
There are five main categories of playground equipment; sliding, spinning, balancing, hanging and climbing. The best playgrounds use a combination of these to provide children with a multitude of different stimulus which helps them to learn a variety of skills. Playground equipment suppliers can usually help you decipher which products will provide a great combination of apparatus to ensure all skills are catered for. Play equipment is a fantastic way for children to learn skills such as coordination and balance in a safe environment, in their own time and under no pressure.
Sliding equipment or slides are the traditional part of the playground and include both individual slides and add-ons to any sort of jungle gym or climbing frame. Nowadays the more popular slides include everything from bumpy, curvy and twisty slides as well as ones topped with a tunnel. As one of the most popular pieces of playground apparatus, it is essential piece for any good playground.
Spinning equipment has dramatically changed from the old style carousels which could be dangerous to a new style which involves a standing platform and central pole which children can stand on and spin. There are also large discs with a dip in the middle that children can sit on and spin. These are brilliant for children to learn how to control weight distribution and can be used both individually and within a group.
Balancing apparatus is now available in a huge variety of options which combine a number of skills. From the traditional rope bridge and balance beam, to far more challenging spring discs and swinging logs. These are traditionally used in playgrounds for schools but are available for local parks and play areas as well.
Hanging apparatus usually conjures up memories of those hours spent trying to master the monkey bars as a child. Monkey bars remain one of the most challenging pieces of playground equipment and are now available in a variety of lengths of solid bars, swinging trapeze, parallel bars and up and over bars. These pieces of equipment help children build up their upper body strength as well as providing a sense of achievement once they have completed them.
Climbing playground equipment is by far the most popular type of apparatus. Climbing frames remain one of the most popular pieces due to their vast variety of shapes, sizes and challenges. From the traditional jungle gym to the web climbers, rock climbing walls and net traverse, there is something to keep children constantly entertained as well as helping them exercise without knowing it!
It is essential to take some time to consider what you wish to provide through a playground and plan out the area before you start to buy equipment. It is also recommended to purchase from a leading UK playground equipment supplier to ensure the quality of apparatus is high and tested against British safety standards. Companies will usually assist you in the planning of your area covering everything from the correct playground surfaces to use which will combine well together through to comprehensive playground design
