Congratulations! You've just taken the first step toward creating a delightful play space for your community by deciding to order playground equipment.
Now, you might be wondering what comes next. Here's a quick guide on the pre-and post-order process when working with MRC.
Step 1: Initial Playground Consultation
Your playground project starts with a personalized consultation. This initial meeting is all about understanding your vision, needs, and specific requirements. We'll discuss your budget, desired equipment, safety surfacing, and site assessment needs. This is the perfect time to address concerns about removing old equipment or preparing the site for new installations. At MRC, we have a deep network of qualified installers, so we can help with installation or removal by tapping into our many relationships!
Read More: How to Prepare for Your Playground Consultation
Step 2: Receiving Your Designs
After our consultation, the exciting part begins. Our in-house Studio MRC designers will craft detailed CAD designs, Lumion 3D renderings, or video renderings of your proposed playground. These renderings are provided free of charge and are tailored to give you a realistic preview of your project. This visual representation helps bridge the gap between concept and reality, allowing you to make informed decisions and adjustments before moving forward. Please note: Lumion video renderings aren’t automatically provided on every project, but we can offer them. Just be sure to ask!
Step 3: Review Proposals and Build Timeline
Once you've received your designs, it's time to review and fine-tune them. This stage involves looking over the proposed designs and cost estimates and anything else associated with your requirements. You can adjust to ensure the final project perfectly aligns with your vision and budget. After you've given us your stamp of approval, we can give you a realistic timeline to manufacture, ship, install, and open your playground. Remember: Our playground consultants are with you every step of the way to help tailor the project to your community's unique needs.
Step 4: Manufacturing and Shipping Your Equipment
With the design locked down and approved, your playground equipment moves into the manufacturing phase. Whether custom, themed pieces or standard commercial equipment, each item is crafted with care, precision, and durable materials. Once manufacturing is complete, your playground equipment will be shipped directly to your site, ready for the next phase of its journey. Please note: custom equipment will take longer to manufacture and ship than some standard pieces that may already be in stock.
Step 5: Installation by Certified Contractors or Community Build
When your equipment is ready to be installed, we will reach out to our network of qualified, certified contractors who will handle this step. This ensures that your playground is assembled correctly and safely. Our partners will manage the installation process, adhering to the highest safety standards and ensuring that every piece of equipment is perfectly set up.
Another option you can consider is gathering the community to help you build and install your equipment. This avenue, called a community build, involves volunteers of all kinds — parents, neighbors, elected officials, public employees, others from your community — working together to turn your dream into your new playground. Our team can help with guidance on recruiting and organizing volunteers, gathering the right tools, and building out a schedule.
Step 6: The Final Touches and Celebration
Once installation is complete and everything is inspected and meets safety standards, it's time to celebrate your new playground! At this stage, we will provide you with all the necessary information on maintenance and warranties (again, depending on what you've ordered). This ensures that your playground remains a safe and joyful place for children to play for years to come.
Ready to Get Started?
From the initial consultation to that first play, MRC is dedicated to transforming your vision into a vibrant reality. If you have any questions or need further assistance as you embark on this exciting journey, don't hesitate to reach out!
