Author: Spike Amusement

Budgeting for a New Playground: A Comprehensive Cost Guide

Planning a new playground is an exciting community project—but without a clear budget, costs can quickly spiral out of control. While purchasing play equipment often represents the largest line item, several other expenses must be accounted for to ensure a safe, attractive, and durable play area. In this guide, we break down the key budget […]

Parks vs. Playgrounds: Key Differences Explained

Parks and playgrounds are essential components of vibrant communities, offering spaces for recreation, socialization, and connection with nature. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, parks and playgrounds serve distinct purposes and feature different amenities, safety considerations, sizes, locations, and costs. Understanding these differences can help community planners, parents, and park administrators make informed decisions […]

The Different Types of Playground Swings

Playground swings are timeless favorites that spark joy, encourage social play, and support physical development in children of all ages. Modern parks strive to offer a diverse range of swing styles—classic belt swings, toddler-friendly bucket swings, inclusive adaptive swings, and more—to ensure every child can join the fun. In this guide, we’ll explore the most […]

Why Wooden Playgrounds Are slowly Becoming Extinct

Wooden playgrounds once symbolized childhood summers and neighborhood fun. Dating back to the mid-19th century, timber structures dominated until steel, plastic, and composite materials rose to prominence. Today, however, wood-built play areas are rapidly disappearing from parks worldwide. Why are communities phasing out these nostalgic icons in favor of modern alternatives? In this comprehensive guide, […]

Elements of a Successful Public Park

Public parks are more than just patches of green amid concrete—they are vital community assets that foster recreation, well-being, and social connection. Yet not every park automatically becomes a beloved gathering place. Designing and maintaining a successful public park requires thoughtful planning, community input, and ongoing care. This article explores the core elements that distinguish […]

Where Have All the Fast-Food Playgrounds Gone?

Fast-food restaurants have long been synonymous with family-friendly outings: quick meals for grown-ups paired with play areas to entertain kids. For decades, playgrounds at major chains (such as McDonald’s PlayPlace, Burger King’s King’s Island, or Wendy’s outdoor playsets) were a key attraction. However, in recent years, many of these on-site playgrounds have vanished. Parents and […]

6 Common Playground Problems and How to Help

Playgrounds are vital spaces where children learn, socialize, and develop physically and emotionally. However, children with learning and thinking differences—such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or sensory processing challenges—often face unique obstacles on the playground. Additionally, general safety or social dynamics can pose difficulties for any child. Recognizing and addressing these common playground problems helps […]

Why Commercial Playground Equipment Is So Expensive

Investing in commercial playground equipment often prompts sticker shock. Many decision-makers—school administrators, park planners, church leaders, and childcare operators—wonder: “Why is commercial playground equipment so expensive?” The upfront cost can seem high compared to simple backyard sets, but numerous factors contribute to the final price. Understanding these elements can help you appreciate the value, ensure […]

How Indoor Playgrounds Benefit Kids & Boost Business Success

In a digital world buzzing with screens and sedentary entertainment, indoor playgrounds have emerged as vibrant alternatives that encourage active play, social interaction, and creative exploration. Far from simply being a rainy‐day option, modern indoor play centers are thoughtfully designed to support physical, cognitive, and emotional growth in children. At the same time, they represent […]

How Deep Should Playground Mulch Be?

Why Playground Mulch Depth Matters When envisioning a fun and safe playground, most people focus on the slides, swings, and climbing structures. However, what lies beneath—the mulch—is just as crucial. Playground mulch is more than aesthetic ground cover. It’s a safety layer designed to cushion falls and reduce injuries. According to the Consumer Product Safety […]