What Playground Designers and Landscape Architects Do and Why They’re Each Important to Have

Playground designers and landscape architects each play a crucial role in the design process. They are key members of the team who bring a fresh perspective to playgrounds, both with a landscape focus. They are masters at utilizing the natural world around us to create unique outdoor environments that are destinations for communities. They are the champions behind imaginative landscapes who bring a unique blend of skill and passion. In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into what playground designers do, what landscape architects do, and why they’re each important to have on your team.

What is a Playground Designer?

A playground designer is a skilled professional in children’s play. Safety is their number one priority, and they’ll ensure your playground design meets all safety regulations, including any ordinances from your city or town. One of the key aspects of their role is understanding safety zones between equipment. Each piece of equipment has safe zones for entry onto the equipment and egress from it. For example, a climber that leads up to a structure has a certain amount of dedicated space for safe entry. Meanwhile, a slide exit needs a certain amount of dedicated space for children to safely land in the play area. Going beyond necessary safety skills, playground designers are immersed in the world of play, and understand how playgrounds support children’s developmental needs, from motor skills to social interaction.

Why is a Playground Designer Important?

Playground designers are a key part of your team for several reasons. Their knowledge of the world of play allows them to make important choices in equipment, collaborate efficiently, and set realistic goals. They’ll make sure the playground is a well-rounded space with a variety of elements, allowing children to engage with the environment in many different ways. A playground designer’s input will take your playground from a collection of equipment to a cohesive, comfortable, and functional space.

• Collaboration: While a playground designer will use their own experience and skill to make suggestions towards your space, they’ll also ask you specific questions and let you ask yours in return to reach your ultimate design.
• Goal setting: There are so many things to consider when starting your project; Location, size, customization, inclusivity, timeline, budget, surfacing, and more. Your playground designer will help pinpoint your goals and create realistic milestones.
• Equipment selection: After defining unique goals, you and your playground designer can explore equipment, colors, and design features. They will help you create a cohesive design, from choosing what suppliers to work with to selecting color schemes. This is where you can get creative with your design’s look, feel, and style.
• Age awareness: Your playground designer will help you choose age-appropriate equipment for the two playground age groups, ages 2-5 and ages 5-12. We recommend planning a space for one or both age groups.
• Amenity selection: You probably already have a basic idea of what you want to see in your outdoor space, which is great! Your initial idea will help your designer outfit the space with everything you and your community need. For example, if your idea is for an inclusive playground, your designer may also suggest accessible poured-in-place surfacing, accessible restrooms nearby, comfortable benches, and waste receptacles.

Read more: Landscape-Driven Design: Creating a Cohesive Park Palette

What is a Landscape Architect?

Landscape architects provide a unique, specialized approach to playground design. They are innovative, and see play spaces as inclusive, exciting, flexible, and multidimensional. Their expertise in designing landscapes gives them special knowledge in layout and space planning, material selection, and design. They are instrumental in working with playground designers and communities to bring wants and needs to life, while remaining conscious of functionality and children’s developmental needs. Landscape architects provide a holistic approach to design, considering factors like aesthetic, safety, accessibility, and sustainability.

When to Work with a Landscape Architect

In the ever-evolving world of parks and playgrounds, working with a landscape architect may be perfect for the project you’re trying to achieve. The following project ideas often require the input of a landscape architect, and we recommend working with one to glean the best results.

• Bespoke destinations: If you’re aiming to create a custom destination that will become a community centerpiece, an architect can help in bringing the destination from napkin sketch to reality.
• Multigenerational spaces: Play areas are not just for younger kids, and many parks are incorporating equipment for teens and adults. An architect can help you build a complete family experience.
• Urban spaces: With rapid urbanization occurring and footprints for parks growing smaller, a landscape architect can help you make the most out of limited space.
• Interactive modern playgrounds: Many parks are integrating technology into play spaces, bringing the excitement of video games to the great outdoors. Architects can aid in elevating your space with tech.
• Nature-inspired parks: Sustainability and green spaces are hugely important to human well-being, and architects know this better than most! If you’re looking for nature-inspired play expertise, a landscape architect is a necessity.
• Inclusive designs: Landscape architects are at the forefront of inclusive design. They take a thoughtful and dedicated approach to inclusivity.

How to Choose Your Playground Design Team

Quality playground designers and landscape architects will have several years of experience in the industry, work with certified installation crews, and collaborate with equipment manufacturers. Many will also offer complimentary design services, including 3D renderings and video animations. The best teams are knowledgeable in how to choose the ideal space for a playground, surfacing, safety zones, finding the best equipment that’s appropriate for all ages and abilities, choosing amenities, and making sure it all works together seamlessly. Check out company websites or LinkedIn profiles to discover any completed projects and how long they’ve worked on playground designs. Many designers, like ours, will have galleries of playgrounds on their sites. If possible, go to the playground in person and see how the community interacts with it.

At MRC, we use programs like CAD, SketchUp, and Lumion, so you can know what to expect before installation. Our playground designers craft renderings and animations of your dream playground. Visual renderings and animated video walkthroughs will show you what your playground will look like and can often aid in the fundraising process by giving people an impressive look at your project. If you’d like any other tips for picking your playground specialist or want to chat with one of our experts, reach out today!