April 10, 2023

Park Equipment Buyers Guide: Expert Advice From UK's Leading Supplier

Are you on the hunt for playpark equipment for your new play area? We're here to give you our expert advice so you can get the absolute most out of your investment.

As the UK's leading supplier of commercial playground equipment, we know exactly what it takes to create a fulfilling children's playground that will last for years. And we've completed projects that have done just that.

But if you've never been in the business of buying park play equipment before, it can seem like a lot of work. With so many options available, how do you know what you're supposed to choose? And how can you make sure what you're getting is the highest quality while still staying within budget?

To make the process easier for you, we've put together our very best advice for choosing the perfect park equipment. From identifying the right type of play structure to consider to preventing playground vandalism and the funding available for projects like yours, this guide will help you to make informed decisions every step of the way.

Read on for everything you need to know...

Determining Who's Going to be Using Your Playground

Are you building a playground for a school? Or are you working on a commercial project? The type of equipment you need will vary depending on the type of site you're working on.

You'll have to consider a number of factors, like:

  • Who's going to use the playground?

  • How old are the children?

  • Do you need to meet any inclusivity requirements?

  • Are there any restrictions or limitations in place?

You want to create a kind-of target audience in your head because this will help you when it comes to choosing the right kind of park equipment.

For example, you don't want to include a series of outdoor playground equipment for children over 6 when, in fact, the park will be used by toddlers. Similarly, it wouldn't be suitable to include children's playground equipment tailored to larger commercial parks in a small community park.

While it might seem obvious, it's really important that you research the type of people who will be using your park, and then use this information to help you make decisions about what kind of park equipment is needed.

Park Equipment

Working with the Size of Outdoor Space You Have

One of the most important factors to consider when buying park equipment is the size of your outdoor space. You'll need to accommodate the size of your playground equipment, as well as any other features you plan to include so that you can maximise the potential of your play area.

You don't want to cram huge pieces of playground equipment into a small space, or you run the risk of overcrowding your park. There needs to be a good balance between the free space you have and the play equipment you're including so that kids can move around freely without feeling crowded.

Take into account anything that might block or restrict your park equipment, like overhanging tree branches, for example. Also, look out for any quirks or features that could make it difficult to install park equipment, like the surface level.

The Huck Play team has tons of experience on working with areas of all shapes and sizes, and our design team can take away the stress of making sure everything fits perfectly. We'll work with you to make the absolute most of the space you have, whilst still ensuring there's enough roaming room.

Keeping in Mind Playground Vandalism-Resistant Equipment

Unfortunately, a lot of play parks find themselves being the victims of vandalism. It's a sad truth, and it's very frustrating for everyone involved when it happens.

It's always good to keep in mind the potential of playground vandalism when you're choosing your park equipment. Any new play areas that contain a lot of rubber or plastic surfaces can be particularly vulnerable, as these materials are more susceptible to fire damage in particular.

You can also consider a number of other tactics, such as installing bright lights that stay on overnight or adding continuous CCTV coverage, to give you complete peace of mind.

Park Equipment Suppliers

Looking at Playground Funding & Grant Schemes Available

We're well aware that one of the biggest obstacles standing in the way of putting together the perfect play park is the cost. But don't let this put you off, as there are a number of playground funding and grant schemes available that can give you the financial support you need.

Depending on the type of organisation you are in, there could be plenty of grants available for you to apply for.

We've got a whole blog post detailing the different playground funding and grant schemes available in the UK, so be sure to take a look.

Choosing Huck Play as your Play Park Equipment Supplier

A good playground equipment supplier will produce good-quality structures for your area. But a fantastic playground equipment supplier will offer a full end-to-end service. That's where Huck Play comes in!

As the UK’s leading experts, we strive to provide the best service possible. From our initial consultation and design process, right through to the installation of quality playground equipment. We'll work closely alongside you to ensure that you're completely satisfied with the end result.

We even offer bespoke design services, so if you've got something specific already in mind, we can help bring it to life.

All of our playground equipment is built to last, so you can be confident that your park will remain safe and secure for years to come. (Our project at Monkey World is the perfect example of our long-lasting quality). But if anything does become damaged or worn, we also provide maintenance and servicing, so we'll take care of carrying out any repairs.

You can give us a call on 01308 425 100 or send us an email at enquiries@hucknetting.co.uk to discuss your requirements, and we'll be more than happy to help!

View Our Park Equipment Range

FAQs 

 

How long does park equipment last?

Top-quality playground equipment from Huck Play can last as long as 20 years! We use only the best materials, so you can rest assured that your equipment will remain safe and secure throughout its lifetime.

What park equipment should I include?

Consider who will be using the park, and ensure that suitable play structures are chosen to accommodate them. Choosing age-appropriate equipment is really important, as well as structures that fit in well to the size of your outdoor space.

What funding is available for playground equipment projects?

There's a really great range of grants and funding available in the UK that can be used to cover the cost of park equipment projects. Read through our blog post to find out more, or get in touch with us directly.

How can I prevent playground vandalism?

There are a few steps you can take to prevent playground vandalism. Installing bright lights that stay on overnight and continuous CCTV coverage are good deterrents. You can also look into playground equipment that is more resistant to vandalism, such as those made with fire-resistant materials.