Audrey
A commercial playground is an essential community hub, promoting physical health, social interaction, meaningful friendships and lasting childhood memories. Choosing a supplier is a critical decision that affects a project’s safety, longevity and success. Discover the top commercial playground manufacturers and explore key considerations before purchasing play components.
1. Little Tikes Commercial
Little Tikes Commercial is one of the leading commercial playground manufacturers with custom design and installation services nationwide. It has decades of experience designing and manufacturing safe, innovative and durable play environments for parks, schools and communities. The company partnered with Unlimited Play to provide certified, inclusive play areas nationwide.
Its website is easy to navigate, allowing you to shop by age range, playground components, price and space requirements. Whether you need themed designs or certain equipment, professionals can offer custom solutions.
Key Features
- Meets or exceeds the safety requirements of the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), European Norm (EN) and more
- Commercial-grade equipment that can endure heavy use and harsh weather conditions
- Inclusive and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant equipment
Famous Products
- NU-Edge®: A collection featuring playground equipment inspired by nature and modern, abstract designs
- Inclusive play components: Key products like therapeutic rings, Talk Tubes and wide ramps with double rails allow children with mobility devices to play
- PlaySoleil®: A solar-powered light designed to fit into playground posts to illuminate the area after dark
2. Landscape Structures
Landscape Structures is one of the leading manufacturers of nature-inspired playground design. This is an employee-owned brand dedicated to inclusive, community-driven projects. It uses 3/4″ Permalene® to create themed playground designs that withstand heavy use and harsh weather. SkyWays® and CoolToppers® are used to protect children from UV rays and keep playground temperatures cooler.
The website has design planning resources for landscape architects, schools, parks and recreation, early childhood, faith-based organizations, and federal groups. Landscape Structures is a solid choice if you value a community-focused approach and robust sustainability initiatives.
Key Features
- Over 40 years of experience in the playground industry
- Environmentally preferred vendor
- Geometric and nature-inspired designs
Famous Products
- PlayBooster®: This is its post-and-clamp system, serving as a foundation for several designs such as the Tree House and PlayOdyssey Tower
- Net and cable climbers: This product features interconnected cables for climbing and a three-story tower with a winding climbing path
- Flexx™ Swing: A large, reclining swing that allows for multiple users
3. Playworld
Playworld is passionate about bringing safe, unstructured play to children. It promotes inclusive design, offering roller slides, accessible seesaws and whirls. The staff is a team of daring innovators, always looking for new ways to elevate playtime. Some inspiring innovations include the Mighty Descent™, PlayHills™ and PlayCubes® Sensory Additions.
The playground equipment meets the standards of CPSIA, EN, IPEMA and Singapore Standard. All products undergo rigorous testing to ensure superior resistance to fading and rust.
Key Features
- Premium materials used include durable paint, rust defender and UV-blocking shade fabric
- Artistic, eco-friendly and inclusive designs
- Blend of traditional and electronic play
Famous Products
- NEOS® Electronic Playgrounds: This combines the appeal of video games with physical outdoor activity
- Inclusive components: The Mighty Descent Slide allows several children to slide at once
- Nature-inspired equipment: This product line utilizes natural materials, such as plant elements, to create a more organic play experience
4. Playcore
Playcore stands out as one of the leading businesses that provide comprehensive recreational solutions. What sets it apart is its strong commitment to research-based design, as driven by its Center for Outreach, Research and Education. This focus ensures playgrounds are purposefully designed to promote holistic development.
It is the parent company of reliable brands like Aquaworx, Aragon, Colorado Time Systems and BigToys. The website offers five evidence-based design strategies to help you create an inclusive play environment.
Key Features
- Parent enterprise for several trusted brands, offering a range of recreation solutions
- Extensive product portfolio and research-driven design
- Research-backed approach to playground design and implementation
Famous Products
- GameTime’s inclusive towers: This modular system includes supportive climbers and transfer platforms, making it accessible for children using mobility devices
- UltraSite’s shade structures: These solutions provide a shield from the sun’s UV rays
- Play & Park Structures’ Outpost: A nature-inspired play structure that uses stone and wood aesthetics for a fort-like experience
5. BCI Burke
BCI Burke operates under the philosophy of “Play That Moves You.” This manufacturer is dedicated to creating activity-rich play environments for brands and community-based organizations. As a family-owned entity, it specializes in components that encourage fitness, motion and continuous activity for children.
This entity is dedicated to inclusive play, featuring products like the Evolution® 360 Climber, ensuring play environments can make children with disabilities safe and comfortable. Professionals use BCI Burke’s exclusive systems to craft safe and inviting equipment.
Key Features
- High-quality freestanding equipment
- Innovative electronic play components
- Modular approach to safety and durability
Famous Products
- Nucleus® and Intensity® Systems: Modular play structures featuring climbing and fitness challenges for older children
- Evolution® 360 Inclusive Climber: An accessible circular climber that encourages independent climbing adventures
- Play4Pups: A fun obstacle course for dog parks
Summary of the Top Playground Equipment Firms
Here’s a rundown of the manufacturers that offer safe and reliable playground components.
| Company | Best For |
| Little Tikes Commercial | Best overall for imaginative and inclusive play |
| Landscape Structures | Best for artistic and architectural design |
| Playworld | Best for sustainable and electronic play |
| Playcore | Best for one-stop recreational project solutions |
| BCI Burke | Best for fitness and motion-based play |
Methodology for Selecting the Best Playground Equipment Companies
The list of top commercial playground manufacturers was assembled based on the following criteria:
- Industry experience: Enterprises with a solid track record and a strong reputation for quality were prioritized.
- Innovative designs: These offer creative and engaging playground solutions for large-scale and service-oriented firms.
- Commitment to safety: All selected suppliers demonstrate a strong commitment to high safety standards, with products certified by the IPEMA.
- Comprehensive offerings: These suppliers provide a wide range of products and services to meet various needs, including sensory-rich experiences with universal accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Playgrounds
Sourcing playground materials is a huge undertaking. Learn more about this topic before purchasing play equipment.
What Types of Playground Equipment Do Manufacturers Offer?
Playgrounds include various elements, depending on the nature of your site, budget, and ages of children who come in and play. A standard playground usually includes slides, swings, decks, climbers, towers, play panels and overhead events. Play areas catering to older children may have freestanding components, such as climbers and spinners. In addition to play equipment, manufacturers also offer site furnishings, such as benches, picnic tables, shade structures and bike racks.
What Are the Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Playground Manufacturer?
Here are the main considerations:
- Safety: Prioritize a manufacturer with IPEMA certification and other certifications that affirm its commitment to a safe environment.
- Material quality: Inquire about the materials used and the manufacturing techniques, including the quality of coatings and welds.
- Inclusive design: The right supplier must be ADA-compliant and offer play components that support physical, sensory and developmental needs.
How Can I Create a Playground That Meets the Needs of Children of All Ages and Abilities?
Creating an inclusive play environment requires a multi-faceted approach that considers the physical, sensory, social and cognitive needs of all kids. Instead of adding accessible components, universal design must champion equitable use, where children of all ages and abilities can play together in the same place.
An accessible play area must have unobstructed paths leading to the playground and equipment. Little Tikes Commercial specializes in designing and implementing inclusive playgrounds. The experts are trained in ADA and ASTM guidelines and the principles of universal design.
Partner With the Right Company for Your Playground Project
Choosing a reliable business is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable playtime experience for children in your community. Use this guide to review your options and determine which partner best aligns with your project requirements, budget and community needs.
