Why Your Community of Faith Needs a Playground

As a faith leader, you know the importance of creating a welcoming and engaging environment for your community. One way to do that is by providing a safe and fun space for children to play and explore. That's where a playground comes in. 

Let's dive into some core reasons to consider designing a playground for your church or other place of worship. 

The Benefits of Playground Equipment for Faith Communities

A playground at your church, temple, mosque, or synagogue, has numerous benefits. First and foremost, having a fun, bright, welcoming play area adds visual appeal to any building. It can attract people to your organization by giving children and their family members a place to spend time together they may otherwise not have. 

Playgrounds also encourage children to be active and healthy.Playground equipment allows kids to engage in physical activity and develop their gross motor skills. It's also an excellent way for kids to socialize and make new friends! You can even involve the whole community by conducting various faith-based activities, Sunday school, picnics, or church-wide events. 

But the benefits of a playground at your faith-based community go even further. Playtime can also help children develop cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. It's a chance for kids to use their imaginations and interact with people of all ages, creating a real sense of togetherness, which can be particularly important in a world where screen time is so prevalent!

How to Plan a Playground For Your Faith Community 

So, now that you know the benefits of play and a playground, how do you go about planning and installing one? It's essential to approach this process thoughtfully and with the help of experts. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting you started:

Envision

Start by thinking about the purpose and goals of your playground. Who will be using it? What kinds of play experiences do you want to provide? Will it be solely for play or will you incorporate your equipment into religious programs? Will your playground have a theme? Do you need custom playground equipment? Consider all this, the size and location of the playground, as well as any safety or accessibility concerns.

Analyze

Once you have a clear vision for your playground, it's time to assess your church, temple, mosque, or synagogue’s resources and constraints. This includes things like budget, space (including any natural, topographic, or man-made elements of the area), and maintenance considerations. It's also a good idea to gather input from your community, including parents, children, and faith leaders.

Design

Now, it's time to put your vision and analysis into action by designing your playground. This is where you'll choose the specific playground equipment, safety surfacing, and other features that align with your goals and resources. Remember, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends separate areas for different age groups! 

You'll also need to think about any inclusive or accessible equipment and other playground and park amenities like seating, bike racks, shade structures, and more. Fortunately, working with a playground expert can ensure that your design is safe, accessible, inviting, and fun for all users.

Install

Once your design is finalized, it's time to bring it to life by installing the playground equipment. This job is best left to professionals who can ensure that the installation is done safely and correctly. When working with experts, they'll also be able to suggest equipment and features that are safe and easy to maintain long after you cut the red ribbon on your playground! 

Start Your Playground Project Today 

A church playground is a great way to provide a fun and healthy space for children in your community. By following these steps and working with a playground expert, you can create a playground that meets the needs and interests of your faith and larger community and promotes children's physical, cognitive, and social development.

Ready to get started on your playground design? At MRC, we can help you find the playground equipment for your place of worship, while meeting your specific needs and budget! Reach out today.