How we support Community Groups to build playgrounds

Building a playground is one of the most important and memorable things you can do for your community.

More and more, community groups are taking the lead on playground projects (big and small) – harnessing the power of play to bring people together and inspire wellbeing, community spirit and active lifestyles. We provide ideas, insights and expertise at every step – from playground design to community consultation and funding submissions, right through to equipment selection and installation.

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Serious fun, end-to-end ease

Without the right support, planning and building a playground can be anything but fun, particularly if you haven’t done it before. Whether you are creating a whole new play space or upgrading an existing playground, we’re all about helping you make the right choices for your space, community (and your budget).

Locally-inspired themes

Design a unique play experience that reflects community input and stakeholder needs, interests and culture.

Built-in ease and safety

In-house expertise to tick all of the boxes when it comes to quality, durability, safety and maintenance.

On-hand support

Unlock the full potential of your play space with the support and knowledge of an experienced playground specialist.

Innovative ideas

Game-changing play equipment that draws on the latest research into the physical, emotional and social benefits of play.

Start planning your playground

Funding resources

People-powered play spaces

The more involved a community is in the design of a play space, the better the outcomes for everyone involved. We provide you with visual concepts and clear documentation to support effective community consultation and make decision-making a breeze.

Download our User-Centred Design Guide

All inclusive (and accessible) fun

The best play spaces meet the diverse needs of all who use them. Our extensive range of inclusive and multi-generational play equipment makes this possible, with a focus on enabling children of all ages, stages and abilities – and their parents and caregivers – to play together.

Download our All-Inclusive Fun Handbook

Project inspiration for Communities

Lorenzdale Park | Whanganui, New Zealand

Magical Bridge Playground | Hamilton, New Zealand

Caroline Bay Playground | Timaru, New Zealand

Ratana Community Play Space | Whanganui, New Zealand

Centennial/ Naish Park (Stage 1) | Balclutha, New Zealand

Marton Playground | Marton, New Zealand

Explore our play portfolio

Answers to common questions to get you started

How do I choose the right type of playground for me?

Today’s play spaces are at the centre of a wave of innovative thinking about ways to draw people outside to connect with their natural environment and each other, and reap the physical, emotional and social benefits of play. This means choosing the right type of playground really depends on your site, the purpose of your playground and the play experience you are trying to create, and your budget.

Some of the key questions that guide your decision making are:

Who will use the play space?
What are their ages, abilities and backgrounds?
What inspires them to play and be active?
What are their specific play needs?

Answering these questions with the support of an experienced playground specialist paves the way to exploring other factors which can influence your playground’s design. These include the physical location of your play space and any site-specific challenges or constraints, the desired look and feel (or aesthetics) of the play space and equipment, the need for age appropriate and inclusive and accessible equipment, your sustainability goals, and the safety, durability and ease of maintenance of the playground once its completed, and more.

What inspires your playground designs?

Our passion for exploring new horizons in the design and manufacture of play equipment has seen us remain at the forefront of best practice playground design for more than 30 years. Our playground designs are backed by the latest playground design thinking and research into the physical, emotional and social benefits of play. But, perhaps even more importantly, our playground designs are inspired by you!

In partnership with our clients, we dig deep to find out how people will use the play space and what they want to feel when they play there. We brainstorm ideas with clients and community groups and support community surveys or focus groups to provide input into a playground’s design. Great minds create great ideas when they work together!

Is your playground equipment sustainably made?

Just like the clients and communities we serve, we are constantly striving to find new and innovative ways to make our world safer, healthier, cleaner, and greener now and into the future.

We offer a wide choice of high quality, durable play and fitness equipment made from sustainably sourced, recycled and recyclable materials. We’re focused on sustainability in our operations, too. From the materials we choose and the partners we work with to our ongoing development of more eco-friendly packaging solutions, we’re constantly working to reduce our footprint across our supply chain.

Learn more about Playground Centre’s sustainability commitment.

Where is your playground equipment made?

Our world-class products are manufactured to the highest quality standards in our purpose-built facility in Wanganui, New Zealand.

We also partner with selected global leaders to source and supply the best play equipment from around the world.

Watch our Local Manufacturing video.

How much does a playground cost?

The cost to build a playground depends on a whole number of factors ranging from the size of your playground, your playground’s design and the play equipment and materials you choose.

As a guide, you could spend as little as $30K or alternatively, more than $1M. Working with a playground specialist ensure that the money you do invest is well spent.

At Playground Centre, we have a ‘no surprises’ approach to playground costs, providing you with transparent cost estimates and updates on any changes to equipment pricing or costs of materials, or variations to your project which affect its cost. We also provide you with the option to make progressive payments to assist you with project planning and budgeting.

Book an obligation-free consultation with one of our team of playground specialists to discuss your project.

Do you only provide playground equipment, or can you help me with other types of facilities for my place space like seating and shelters?

A complete play and furniture package? Easy! Through our long-term partnership with street furniture manufacturers Urban Effects , you have access to an extensive range of quality seating, shelters, picnic tables, commercial barbecues, drinking fountains and bike racks (and more) to maximise the use and enjoyment of your outdoor space.

Does your playground equipment meet safety standards?

Yes, it does. Our high-quality play and fitness equipment is built for durability and low maintenance with an uncompromising commitment to safety. All Playground Centre products are backed by safety and structural compliance certification and robust warranties.

European EN 1176: 2018
New Zealand NZS 5828: 2015
Australian AS 4685: 2021

Can you build a playground based on my design?

Yes. Clients frequently come to us with a concept or drawing of their playground. Whether you have developed it yourself or your design has been drawn up by a professional, our in-house design team can work with you to finalise the playground design including technical specifications, drawings and plans. Our in-house design services include structural engineering checks, and we pay close attention to ensuring your design meets all the relevant safety compliance requirements to give you complete confidence and peace of mind.