Nature playgrounds offer a unique play experience that can promote physical activity, sensory stimulation, environmental awareness, sustainability, and visual appeal. However, they do represent a significant financial investment. So let’s break down the factors involved in the cost of a nature playground.
Nature Playground Cost Factors
While you might be tempted to choose a playground designer based on price alone, the reality is you get what you pay for. Hiring a professional designer like Down2Earth is always the safest option in order to make sure you get the best design for your budget. We are experts in selecting materials, determining site layout, designing age-appropriate play spaces, planning drainage and installing any additional required equipment. Hiring the most professional playground designer will ultimately save you money in the long run due to cost-savings due to quality material selection and careful planning ahead of any construction work. Many playground designers are landscapers by trade. At Down2Earth Playgrounds however, the playground design and construction is overseen by expert carpenters who have the necessary training to plan and build safe structures.
Here are some factors that will affect the final cost of your dream nature playground:
Size and scope
The size and complexity of the playground will impact the final cost. A larger playground will require more materials, equipment, and labour, which can increase the overall cost. A more complex playground design with multiple play areas and custom equipment can also raise the cost.
Materials
Natural materials, like the native hardwoods I use, are typically more expensive to source than the plastic or metal equipment you’ll find in an average playground. While high-quality natural materials may cost more upfront, they are far more visually appealing, adding to the appeal of your school or building. More importantly, natural materials are proven to increase kid’s engagement and enjoyment during play time.
Site preparation
The condition of the site where the playground will be built can also affect the cost. If the site requires significant grading or levelling, it can increase the cost of the project. Also, if the site has poor drainage or requires additional features such as retaining walls or erosion control measures, this can also add to the final cost.
Additional features
Additional features like landscaping, shade structures or benches can also impact the final cost of the playground.
Ongoing Maintenance
The ongoing maintenance costs of a nature playground depend on your playground design – its size, complexity and location all affect maintenance requirements. Here are some of the maintenance costs you can expect. Some costs can be borne by your school or facility, such as simple cleaning and gardening; some will need to be handled by my team, such as repairs.
Cleaning and upkeep
The natural elements of a nature playground will require cleaning and upkeep to keep looking great. This includes removing debris such as fallen leaves and sticks, pruning plants and so on. This is something that can be cared for by staff or a gardener.
Seasonal maintenance
The natural elements of a playground will require seasonal maintenance, such as pruning back plants in autumn or adding new plants in the spring. The cost of this maintenance will depend on what has been planted, as well as the climate. This maintenance can be cared for by staff or a gardener.
Repairs and replacements
Over time, natural elements like logs and rocks may become worn or damaged and require repair or replacement. The cost of repairs and replacements can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the materials used. That’s where Down2Earth come in – we are experts at keeping the playgrounds we design looking fresh.
Customised Nature Playgrounds Vs. Prefabricated ‘Plastic’ Playgrounds
Natural playgrounds are typically more costly than pre-fab playgrounds. However, there are many benefits of a nature playground over a regular plastic and metal playground. Here are a few:
Nature playgrounds encourage active and imaginative play
Nature playgrounds offer a more immersive and dynamic play experience that can encourage children to be more active and engage in imaginative play. Natural elements like rocks, logs, and plants can provide unique challenges that encourage children to climb, balance, and explore. We design safe play spaces, but nature playgrounds just feel more challenging to kids.
Provides sensory stimulation
A nature playground offers sensory experiences that a plastic and metal playground cannot replicate. The feel of natural textures such as wood provides sensory stimulation that is beneficial for a child’s development. Children spend enough time around plastic and metal as it is; they need to connect with nature to be properly stimulated.
Promotes environmental awareness
A nature playground can help children learn about the environment and the natural world. It can create a sense of appreciation and respect for nature and encourage children to become environmentally conscious as they grow older.
Sustainable and eco-friendly
A nature playground is more sustainable and eco-friendly than a plastic and metal playground. The use of natural materials, like the reclaimed wood I use in my designs, reduces the environmental impact of the playground. Having natural elements like plants can help to reduce the ‘heat island’ effect in urban areas.
Natural playgrounds look great
Nature playgrounds are far more visually appealing than traditional ‘plastic fantastic’ playgrounds. The natural elements can blend in with the surrounding environment, creating a more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing space. Not only do children want to play in a natural playground, a beautiful natural playground is actually a selling point for your school or business. It will draw customers to you!
So how much does a nature playground cost?
It depends on a lot of factors, as I outlined above. While the initial cost of a natural playground may be higher than that of a traditional playground, the long-term benefits make it a worthy investment.
Generally speaking, my playgrounds start at $20,000 plus GST. When you consider all that a natural playground offers over a traditional playground, it’s well worth it. Nature playgrounds are unique.
Let Down2Earth to build your dream nature playground
Nature playgrounds are an excellent way to make playtime more enjoyable for children. They allow for physical activity and exploration, promote environmental awareness, provide visual appeal, and foster sustainable practices. With the right design, these playgrounds can create a truly unique play experience for all involved.
Working with a professional playground designer like Down2Earth can ensure that you get the best design for your budget and can help to keep ongoing maintenance costs manageable. Ultimately, a nature playground can encourage active and imaginative play, provide sensory stimulation, promote environmental awareness, and look great, making it a valuable addition to any school or facility. The potential of nature playgrounds is only limited by your creativity!
No matter where you are in Australia, we can design and build your nature based playground. Whether it’s small or large, a school playground, an early learning centre playground, or a playground for a private or public facility, call me on 0427 011 538 or fill in the form below to get in touch with me.
References
Dowdell, Kellie & Gray, Tonia & Malone, Karen. (2011). Nature and its Influence on Children’s Outdoor Play. Australian Journal of Outdoor Education. 15. 24-35.
