Building a playground is like buying a house; the playground cost depends on various factors. Costs for school, early learning centre, and council playgrounds are provided, along with considerations for budgeting design, equipment, surfacing, and site preparation. The costs can range from $450 to $1100 per m2, depending on the type of playground and equipment you require for your space.

Design Budget

• Community Consultation: Including a process to gather ideas from the community ensures the playground meets local needs but may increase time and cost.
• Number of Concept Designs: Deciding whether to have multiple concept designs or just one affects the cost; more designs will be more expensive.
• Incorporation of Cultural or Local Themes: Adding cultural or local themes can enhance the design and increase the cost due to complexity.
• Working with a Single Company for Design and Construction: Choosing one company for both design and construction can reduce overhead costs, potentially making the project less expensive.

Play Equipment Budget

• Reuse of Existing Equipment: If current equipment is in good condition, reconfiguring or reusing it can save part of the budget.
• Play Types Needed: Consider the types of play (e.g., sliding, swinging, climbing) you want in the space, as this will affect the design.
• Equipment Lead Times: Long lead times on equipment can impact the project’s timely completion and may affect costs.
• Hidden Installation Costs: Consider hidden costs like freight and installation of equipment.
• Maintenance Costs: Account for ongoing maintenance costs, including surfacing, equipment, and landscaping.
• Off-the-Shelf vs. Customized Equipment: Choosing between ready-made or customized equipment will impact lead times and cost.
• Material Choices: The materials used (e.g., plastic, metal, wood) will significantly affect the cost of the playground.
• Shade Installation: Shade sails may be necessary for sun-exposed areas, adding extra cost.
• Outdoor Furniture Requirements: Consider if seating or other outdoor furniture is needed for those supervising children in the playground.

You can read more about the play equipment budget by clicking here.

Surfacing Budget

• Fall Height of Equipment: Higher equipment may require more spending on safety surfacing to ensure safety.
• Existing Surface Condition: If the existing surface needs clearing, demolition, or drainage work, it will increase the project’s cost.
• Inclusivity and Accessibility: Consider whether the playground needs to be wheelchair accessible, as some low-cost surface options may not be suitable.
• Ongoing Surfacing Maintenance: Different surfaces require varying maintenance levels; for example, wood chips need annual topping up, while wet pour rubber requires little maintenance.
• Impact of Loose Safety Surface: Consider whether loose material spilling out will affect adjacent areas’ usability.
• Inclusion of Surface Mounds and Topography Play: Only specific surface options allow for this level of design complexity.
• Themed Surface Design: Adding a theme to the surface design will increase the cost.
• Landscaping Surrounding Area: Including garden areas adds character and increases cost.

You can read more about the surfacing budget by clicking here. Also, check our surfacing page for more details on surfacing by clicking here.

Site Preparation Budget

• Removal of Existing Equipment and Surfacing: Consider whether any existing elements need to be removed or disposed of, as this can affect the project’s timeline and cost.
• Drainage Issues: Addressing existing drainage problems is essential to prevent future issues and may add to the cost.
• Retaining Walls: Assess whether retaining walls need to be replaced or built, as this can impact the project’s complexity.
• Existing Trees and Roots: Working around or removing trees and roots may require special consideration and can affect the design and cost.
• Underground Services: Be aware of any water, gas, or power lines under the space that may need to be worked around.
• Access for Trucks and Equipment: Ensure the space is accessible for construction vehicles, as limited access may complicate the construction process.
• Pedestrian Traffic: Consider how pedestrian traffic will be managed during construction, especially if the site is busy.
• Project Staging: Decide whether the project will be completed in stages or all at once, as this can affect the timeline and coordination of the project.

You can read more about the surfacing budget by clicking here.

Remember, to build your playground is always important to separate your project into three parts! Read more by downloading our guide.