Different playground sizes for different spaces
Playground Sizes and Dimensions
How to Find the Right Playground Size
There is no rule for how big or small a playground should be. It all depends on the space and budget available as well as the users. If you need to accommodate a large number of children of different ages, you might need a bigger playground to ensure enough space and play activities for all. If you are a pre-school planning a playground for toddlers, a smaller playground might be more suitable.
Why are Playground Dimensions Important?
Creating a playground involves careful planning and understanding of various dimensions to accommodate different user needs. It is vital to understand the type of playground your area needs, to determine what size playground you should build. If the playground is too small, there might not be enough variety in play activities for everyone, and the playground can easily become overcrowded. Same goes for a larger site, which can look empty even during busy times and fail to engage children in interactive play - simply because of too much space.
This guide explores typical playground sizes, specific equipment choices and considerations for various settings such as schools and public parks. At KOMPAN we have 50+ years experience in planning and installing playgrounds and are happy to help and guide you in the process, so you get the right playground for your community.
Small Sized Playgrounds
Small playgrounds allow for important play activities in limited spaces, for example in urban areas, on rooftops, toddler playgrounds or in small community parks. These playgrounds are usually between 50 and 150 square meters. Despite their size, they can still offer a variety of play activities with thoughtful design and multifunctional equipment.
Smaller playgrounds are more cost-effective, both in terms of construction and maintenance. A smaller area might be easier to monitor for schools or pre-schools. In smaller areas such as housing estates and urban areas, a small playground can be an accessible place for children in the city to have fun. A smaller playground often caters to a specific age group, so if your playground needs to accommodate a larger age group, you may need a larger playground with more play equipment.
Examples of equipment: Compact play structures, small slides, swings and climbing walls.
User capacity: Suitable for up to 20 children
Create your small playground
Medium Sized Playgrounds
Medium-sized playgrounds offer a balance between a variety of play activities without requiring too much space. They typically range from approximately 150 to 300 square meters. They are common in suburban areas, schoolyards and larger community parks.
Medium playgrounds can support a wide range of equipment, providing diverse play experiences that cater to different age groups and interests. These playgrounds can comfortably accommodate a moderate number of children, reducing the likelihood of overcrowding and ensuring that each child has sufficient space to play. The size allows for creative and flexible playground designs and can accommodate different play zones, like a climbing area and a calmer area with sensory playground equipment. While more expensive than small playgrounds, medium playgrounds offer a good balance between cost and the amount of play value they provide.
Example of Equipment to choose: Larger play structures, multiple slides, swings, merry-go-rounds, seesaws, sensory playground equipment like play panels.
User Capacity: Can accommodate 20-50 children.
Create your medium playground
Large Playgrounds
Large playgrounds, ranging from 300 to 900 square meters or more, provide extensive play options and cater to a larger number of users. These playgrounds are often found in regional parks, large community centers and schools with extensive grounds.
Large playgrounds can support a wide variety of equipment and play activities, offering extensive play experiences that cater to all age groups and interests. With large playgrounds you have enough available space to include a multisport area or outdoor gym equipment for older children and parents. A playground of this size serves as a community hub, encouraging social interaction between children and their families and often becoming a central gathering place for the community.
Example of Equipment to choose: Comprehensive play structures, multiple swing sets, large slides, climbing towers and sports courts. Include calm play areas for sensory play.
User Capacity: Suitable for 50+ children.
Create your large playground
Get the overview of your playground equipment dimensions
Planning for your playground size
Understanding the dimensions of specific playground equipment helps in designing a functional and safe play area. When adding products to your favourites, you can see the overall required area needed for the selected products. By removing or adding products to your favourites, the required area changes, which lets you adjust your plans and products for the space that you have available.
On top of that, you will find helpful drawings and DWG files on all our products, so you have all the specification you need to design the ideal playground for your space requirements.
Importance of Playground Size
Cost/Budget Allocation
The size of the playground directly impacts the overall cost of the project. Larger playgrounds with more equipment and features will naturally require a higher budget. It's essential to balance the available funds with the desired playground size and features. You can learn more about how to allocate the budget for your playground here. Often, playground grants are available for projects like these. Contact your local playground consultant if you need help with your budgeting - our Galway team have many years experience in the industry and can help with pricing and budgeting for your area.
Design Considerations
The playground's size influences its design and layout. Smaller spaces require compact, multi-functional equipment, while larger areas can accommodate more diverse and spread-out play zones. Your design must also consider safety zones around each piece of equipment. No matter the playground size, make sure to incorporate resting areas with park benches and tables for adults to hang out while the children are playing. It can also be important to consider shading as part of your playground design - this can be done as part of the playground structure or by using existing trees, this will ensure children can play even during peak sun hours.
Play Value/Play Capacity
The play value refers to the variety and quality of play experiences offered. A good-sized playground can provide different types of play, from physical challenges to imaginative play. Ensuring enough space per child (typically it requires 4-7 square meters per child) helps prevent overcrowding and enhances the play experience. Play capacity depends on the size of your playground, but smaller playgrounds can be packed with play value, depending on the equipment you choose.
Community Satisfaction
A playground that meets the needs and expectations of the community will see higher usage and satisfaction rates. Engaging with the community during the planning stages can help determine the optimal playground size and features. It is important to know the age group of your potential users so you can ensure you are choosing equipment that best suits their needs. If you have a large park with no playground nearby, a larger playground will benefit the entire community. If you plan to build a playground in an area with many other playgrounds nearby, a small or medium sized playground may be sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average size of a playground?
The average size of a playground varies based on the space and budget available. Small playgrounds range from 50 to 150 square meters, medium playgrounds from 150 to 300 square meters, and large playgrounds can be 300 to 900 square meters or more.
How big should a playground be per user/child?
A good rule of thumb is to allocate 4-7 square meters per child. This ensures enough space for safe play and helps prevent overcrowding.
How big should a public/community/school playground be?
School Playgrounds: Typically 250 to 500 square meters.
Community Playgrounds: Usually 400 to 900 square meters or more.
Public Parks: These can vary widely, but large parks may have playgrounds of 900 square meters or more to serve a broad community.
These are guides and can vary depending on budgets and equipment required.
Why is the size of a playground important?
The size of a playground is crucial for several reasons:
Cost/Budget Allocation: Larger playgrounds require a higher budget.
Design Considerations: Space influences equipment selection and layout.
Play Value/Play Capacity: Adequate space enhances the play experience.
Community Satisfaction: Meeting community needs ensures higher usage and satisfaction.