Commercial Playground Equipment FAQs | Playground Depot

Is Playground Depot a private or public company?

Playground Depot is a privately owned company. We are backed by our parent company, Creative Recreational Systems, Inc. (CRS), which has been designing, manufacturing, and delivering commercial playgrounds since 1972.

Where is Playground Depot located?

Our headquarters are in Gold River, California, near Sacramento. We partner with manufacturing facilities across the United States and overseas to support customers nationwide.

How long have you been in business?

Playground Depot has operated online for over a decade, supported by CRS’s 50+ years of industry experience.

Are you a manufacturer or distributor?

Playground Depot is a commercial playground distributor and designer. We offer exclusive and proprietary playground lines produced by trusted manufacturing partners.

How do I choose the right playground?

Our team helps you select or design a playground based on space, budget, age range, and goals. You can choose from pre-designed models or request a custom layout.

Do you offer custom playground designs?

Yes. We can modify existing designs or create custom layouts based on your site details, sketches, or vision. Designs are suitable for approvals and grant submissions.

I don’t see what I want on your website. Do you have more options?

Yes. We have access to thousands of additional pre-designed playground layouts not shown online. Contact us and we’ll help you find the best fit.

Why do you offer so many designs?

Every community is different. Our wide selection allows us to accommodate different site sizes, budgets, age groups, and accessibility needs.

Do listed prices include everything?

No. Online prices typically include equipment only. Installation, surfacing, borders, tax, and site work vary by location and project scope.

What does a typical playground budget include?

While every project is different, a rough breakdown often looks like this:

• Playground equipment: ~40%
• Installation: ~35–40%
• Surfacing: ~10%
• Borders, tax, and misc.: balance

We provide detailed turn-key estimates upon request.

How quickly can I get a quote?

In many cases, formal estimates can be provided within hours once basic project details are received.

Do you offer installation services?

Yes. We provide professional turn-key installation nationwide, depending on project scope and location.

Can playgrounds be installed by volunteers?

Yes. Community-build installations are possible and can reduce costs. Clear instructions are provided, and safety compliance is strongly recommended.

What is a community-build playground?

A community-build playground is installed by volunteers instead of professional crews and can reduce installation costs by 30–40%.

Is professional supervision required for a community build?

Not required, but recommended for larger or more complex projects. Professional oversight can be arranged.

Do you offer on-site consultations?

Most projects are evaluated remotely using site photos, measurements, and addresses. This allows for faster design and pricing without delays.

Do I need to visit your office?

No. Playground planning can be completed entirely through phone, email, and virtual meetings.

How long do commercial playgrounds last?

Playgrounds are designed to last decades. Many owners update equipment after 15–20 years for appearance or functionality, not failure.

Are your playgrounds safety compliant?

Yes. All playgrounds are designed to meet ASTM and CPSC safety guidelines when properly installed and maintained.

What warranties are included?

Warranty coverage varies by product but commonly includes:

• Lifetime warranties on steel posts and stainless hardware
• Up to 15-year warranties on plastics, decks, rails, and structural components

Full warranty details are available per product.

What is an accessible playground?

Accessible playgrounds allow children of all abilities to participate through ramps, ground-level play, and sensory features.

Is accessibility only for wheelchairs?

No. Inclusive playgrounds support a wide range of physical, sensory, cognitive, and social needs.

What does age-appropriate playground mean?

Playgrounds are designed to safely challenge children within specific developmental ranges.

Common age groupings include:

• 6–23 months
• 2–5 years
• 5–12 years
• 2–12 years (multi-age)

Can multiple age groups use one playground?

Yes. Parks often use multi-age designs, while schools may separate play areas by age.

What surfacing options are ADA compliant?

Poured-in-place rubber, rubber tiles, and some engineered wood fiber systems can meet ADA requirements when properly installed.

How long does playground surfacing last?

• Poured-in-place rubber: typically 10–15 years
• Engineered wood fiber: requires periodic replenishment

Do playgrounds require inspections?

Yes. Routine inspections and maintenance are recommended to ensure ongoing safety and compliance.

Do playgrounds require permits?

Permit requirements vary by city and county. Many projects require permits, especially when concrete footings or site work are involved.

What safety standards apply to commercial playgrounds?

ASTM F1487 standards and CPSC public playground safety guidelines.

Are post-installation inspections recommended?

Yes. A post-installation inspection helps confirm compliance and proper installation.

How long does it take to receive playground equipment?

Most made-to-order playgrounds ship in approximately 11–14 weeks. We also offer 70+ in-stock Quick Ship playgrounds.

Can equipment be stored before installation?

Yes, though proper storage conditions are important to prevent damage.

Are playgrounds eligible for grants?

Many playground projects qualify for grants from local, state, and private organizations. Designs and cost estimates are often required.

Can designs be tailored for grant applications?

Yes. We regularly assist with layouts and documentation to support grant requirements.

What information do you need to start a quote?

Typically:

• Site address
• Approximate dimensions
• Age range
• Budget range
• Desired timeline

How do I begin a playground project?

Start by contacting our team. We’ll guide you through design options, pricing, timelines, and next steps.

Who typically purchases commercial playgrounds?

Our customers include schools, parks and recreation departments, cities, churches, HOAs, childcare centers, multi-family housing developers, and community organizations.

Is there a minimum or maximum playground size?

No. Playgrounds can be designed for compact spaces or large park environments. Layouts are customized based on available space, age groups, and safety requirements.

Can you help if we only have a rough idea or early concept?

Yes. Many projects begin with minimal details. Our team helps refine concepts into realistic designs and budgets.

Can playgrounds be designed to fit irregular or tight spaces?

Yes. We regularly design playgrounds for non-rectangular, sloped, or space-restricted sites.

What is the typical cost of a commercial playground?

Costs vary widely based on size, surfacing, installation, and site conditions. Smaller playgrounds may start in the tens of thousands, while larger park projects can exceed six figures.

Can a playground be built in phases to fit a budget?

Yes. Many playgrounds are designed with future expansion in mind, allowing projects to be completed in phases as funding becomes available.

Do you offer value engineering to reduce costs?

Yes. We can recommend alternative layouts, materials, or surfacing options to meet budget goals without sacrificing safety or play value.

How long does installation typically take?

Installation timelines vary by project size and site conditions. Most professional installations range from several days to a few weeks.

Can installation be scheduled around school calendars or park closures?

Yes. We coordinate installation schedules to minimize disruption whenever possible.

Is installation available year-round?

In many regions, yes. Weather, ground conditions, and curing times may affect scheduling in some climates.

What safety standards do your playgrounds follow?

Playgrounds are designed to meet ASTM F1487 standards and CPSC public playground safety guidelines when properly installed and maintained.

What is a use zone?

A use zone is the required clear area around playground equipment designed to reduce injury risk and meet safety standards.

Do playgrounds need to be inspected after installation?

A post-installation inspection is strongly recommended to verify compliance and proper installation.

What is a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)?

A CPSI is a professional trained to inspect playgrounds for safety and compliance with national standards.

What types of safety surfacing do you offer?

Common options include poured-in-place rubber, rubber tiles, engineered wood fiber, and synthetic turf systems.

Can playgrounds be installed on existing concrete or asphalt?

In some cases, yes, but additional preparation or approved safety surfacing may be required.

Does surfacing require maintenance?

Yes. Maintenance needs vary by material. Some surfacing requires periodic inspection, cleaning, or replenishment.

What is the difference between ADA-compliant and inclusive playgrounds?

ADA-compliant playgrounds meet minimum accessibility requirements, while inclusive playgrounds go further by offering meaningful play opportunities for children of all abilities.

Can you design playgrounds for children with sensory or developmental needs?

Yes. Sensory-friendly elements and inclusive design features can be incorporated to support a wide range of needs.

Are playgrounds designed for different climates?

Yes. Materials and coatings can be selected to perform well in hot, cold, coastal, or high-UV environments.

Will playground colors fade over time?

Some fading may occur with prolonged UV exposure, but modern materials are designed to minimize color loss.

Are playgrounds resistant to rust or corrosion?

Commercial playground equipment uses corrosion-resistant materials and finishes, especially important in coastal or humid environments.

How is playground equipment delivered?

Equipment is shipped in multiple pallets or crates depending on size and complexity.

Can equipment be delivered before installation?

Yes. Equipment can be staged on-site or stored temporarily if needed.

What happens if site conditions change after ordering?

Designs or schedules may be adjusted if unforeseen site conditions are discovered.

Can Playground Depot assist with grant-funded projects?

Yes. We regularly support grant-funded playgrounds by providing layouts, cost estimates, and documentation.

Are playgrounds eligible for public-works projects?

Yes. Playground projects are often part of public-works or capital improvement programs.

Do prevailing wage requirements apply?

Prevailing wage laws may apply to certain public or government-funded installations, depending on jurisdiction.

What maintenance is required for a playground?

Maintenance includes routine inspections, tightening hardware, surfacing upkeep, and replacing worn components as needed.

Can playground equipment be repaired or replaced?

Most components can be repaired or replaced individually without removing the entire playground.

Who owns the playground after installation?

Ownership typically transfers to the purchasing organization upon project completion.

Can existing playgrounds be expanded or upgraded?

Yes. Many playground systems are modular and can be expanded or refreshed over time.

What happens when a playground reaches the end of its lifespan?

Playgrounds can be renovated, expanded, or replaced. Some components may be reused depending on condition and design.

What information should I gather before contacting you?

Helpful details include site address, approximate dimensions, age range, budget range, and desired timeline.

How do I begin a project with Playground Depot?

Simply contact our team. We’ll guide you through design options, pricing, timelines, and next steps from start to finish.