Why is playground equipment so expensive?
The main reason why playground equipment is so expensive is due to the fact that it is not just a single piece of equipment but a complex system of different pieces including the surface area, any safety features, and the fact that it is meant for children.
Due to their size, playgrounds have to be manufactured in big, roomy facilities. That means a lot more costs, from heating and property taxes to maintenance and bigger manufacturing equipment.
Some of the most expensive materials are metal, cedar wood and ther durable plastic type that would be found in most playgrounds. There is also a huge demand for the equipment, which means that there are a lot of factories and businesses that focus on making it, but if they are far away from the area you live in, the transportation cost adds quite a bit to the total, as well.
Playground liability and compliance costs
When you hear the word “playground”, what comes to mind? For many, that word evokes memories of childhood. Back then, most playgrounds were made of wood, and were often built by the parks department.
Time marches on, however, and with it, the design and construction of playgrounds has changed. Today, many playgrounds are made of plastic, metal and other materials, are built by private companies, and are located on private properties. These changes have led to a whole new set of safety concerns, and have led to the need for upgraded playground liability insurance and many, many more compliance requirements.
Playground material costs
The playgrounds need to withstand the elements, rust, a lot of weight and your little one’s insatiable taste for adventure. Only the best materials will do for building long-lasting safe playsets.
From tempered steel nuts, screws and bolts to plastic that needs to withstand a lot of UV punishement without fading or getting damaged, these specialty materials come with a high price tag.
A multiple step process
There are a lot of specialists involved in the manufacturing of a good playground. From a designer and engineer to metal workers, painters, inspectors and marketers that will promote the end product, everyone plays a vital role in the fabrication of a playset.
Should I worry about playground safety?
Yes. However most playsets are made a lot safer and sturdier nowadays than they ever were.
The phrase “playground liability” may sound scary to parents. After all, no parent wants to think about their child getting hurt on a playground. But, the reality is, playgrounds are more likely to help your child’s development than they are to hurt him. The key is to choose the right playground equipment, to make sure that it is installed properly and to inspect it periodically.
Should you buy the cheaper playset?
As parents, we’re always looking for the best deals we can get on things for our kids. But, when it comes to playground equipment, we often find ourselves asking “why is playground equipment so expensive?” Why is that swing set I want for the kids $3000?!? It’s just a swing set!
If you’re thinking of buying a new piece of playground equipment, you probably already know how expensive it can be. However, just as when hiring a professional plumber, price should not be first on your list of criteria. While there are some playset discount prices out there, you should know that some of the cheapest equipment can be the most expensive in the long run. And we’re not talking about the cost of installing the playset twice. A poorly made playset can run a lot of repair costs, not to talk about the safety risk it poses.
