Dram, you might call CSPI, center for science in the public interest, google them for the closet contact. i understand they sometimes do reviews of existing playgrounds for FREE, and if not them, then maybe they can refer you to a free or lo cost service, public svc type group to evaluate what needs changing.

Its good you are looking for advice on this matter, cuz safety is important for the kids....and its not up to us layparents to decide on climbing structures based on appearances only, always good to get inputs from the pros on things like that.

And maybe your school or district would be glad to help you out with getting the proper advice, as they will have to approve its purchase as it will ultimatley be their liabilty, the use of the structure, becuase it will become their property.

Thank you for the good suggestions. I am not sure I am going to take it on myself, but I am willing to help. We need to replace an existing playground that is very outdated and dangerous. Getting input from the PE teacher is a good idea.

dram - you might want to check out:

www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/325.pdf

the USConsumerProductSafety Commission

Handbook for Public Playground Safety

Dram,

Contact a couple of playground companies once you have a committee put together. We contacted 3 that are used in our general state area.

Each company will have a rep come in and ask for your specific area/size & price ranges. They usually ask if there's any specific equip. you want or don't want.

They then will use a computer automated design system with different design ideas.

They usually can tell you about ADA - In fact most of today's equipment most meet those standards to begin with.

Be sure to have at least a couple of different companies come in. How they are put together, and what they offer can be completely different. Be sure you feel comfortable with the rep. More than likely, you will want to use the same product line to update down the road.

Good luck and have some fun. It's a confusing process to see how there are so many nuances to this equipment.

Originally posted by library mom:
CC has offered some great advice. Let me add to that a little since we just finished purchasing our last phase of equipment.

"1. Form a committee which includes you, the principal and one or two teachers, at least."

I would suggest the two teachers to include would be the P.E. teachers. Many times the use the equipment as part of the daily fitness activities.

1. Find out how many pieces your school board requires be ADA approved. This was a major issue with us.

2. Who will install it? Does the school board require that only their facilities dept. can do it. Or do they require a special insurance be carried by the company that installs it?

3. What type of ground fall protection does the school board require. Will they help pay for it?

4. Does the school board require that you purchase from companies that are on their state contract?

5. When all the above is clear, then I'd suggest start with CC's 4 - 6.

Hope that helps!

CC has offered some great advice. Let me add to that a little since we just finished purchasing our last phase of equipment.

"1. Form a committee which includes you, the principal and one or two teachers, at least."

I would suggest the two teachers to include would be the P.E. teachers. Many times the use the equipment as part of the daily fitness activities.

1. Find out how many pieces your school board requires be ADA approved. This was a major issue with us.

2. Who will install it? Does the school board require that only their facilities dept. can do it.

3. What type of ground fall protection does the school board require.

4. Does the school board require that you purchase from companies that are on their state contract?

5. When all the above is clear, then I'd suggest start with CC's 4 - 6.

Hope that helps!