McLendon Hills Playground Overview

A. Site Plan---- Initial allocation of land should be at least 2,000 sq feet with some adjacent areas left undeveloped for future expansion of the playground if needed. The playground footprint should allow for adequate and safe spacing of the equipment that is selected. Proper grading and site prep to be done prior to construction of equipment to ensure adequate drainage and level playground surfaces. When planning the initial layout of the playground, consideration should be given to existing trees on the site for aesthetic and shade purposes. The playground site should be located close to the clubhouse to facilitate easy access to the restrooms and water fountain.

B. Selection of Equipment---- Selection of playground equipment should be based on the guidelines recommended in the Handbook for Public Playground Safety provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Copy provided with this overview.

Recommendations for playground equipment

1. Commercial grade equipment to consist of powder coated metal surfaces with commercial grade plastic components.

2. Playground design should accommodate different age groups with regard to the type, scale, and layout of the equipment. Two separate play structures are proposed. One should be geared toward the (2-5 year old) age group

and the other towards the (5-12 year old) age group.

3. Separate swing set to include at least 2 infant/toddler swings and 4 regular swing seats.

4. Additional small toddler size play equipment to possibly include animal rockers, climbers etc….

5. The color scheme of the equipment should be complimentary to the design of the amenities site and structures.

6. All equipment should be assembled to the manufacturer’s specifications and have required footings for equipment anchoring and stability.

7. The playground site should also include benches, picnic tables and trash receptacles. The benches should be strategically placed with no visual obstructions to provide optimal viewing of the play area for parents. Picnic tables should be placed adjacent to the play area preferably in a shaded area. Trash receptacles should be spaced accordingly around the area. A bicycle rack should be a consideration since the playground will be a destination point for many families on bicycles. Appropriate signs for the playground can be optional.

8. Consideration should be given to having a playground vendor consult on the layout and selection of equipment appropriate for our community.

(Little Tykes Commercial Equipment)

C. Surfacing---- Surfacing material for the playground should consist of small wood chips/bark that are installed over a supportive safety subsurface made of a shock absorbing or rubberized material. Adequate depth of the mulch should be determined by the selected equipment heights based on the Critical Height value (Table 1- pg 5) in the Handbook for Public Playground Safety provided. Periodic replacement and maintenance (e.g. raking, sifting, leveling) will be required to ensure proper depth. There should be some sort of retaining barrier placed around the playground site to contain the surfacing material. This can consist of a wood or plastic edging material.

D. Landscaping--- Proper landscaping should be done at the site following the installation of the playground equipment. It should consist of plantings and trees that can provide shade, not attract bees and be complimentary to surrounding site.