DESIGN PROCESS FOR CHILDCARE PLAYGROUNDS

Childcare playgrounds face unique challenges and opportunities. They are spaces that must be flexible, accommodate specific age groups, and be enjoyable in all weather for the same children, every day. They are used intensely and must be designed thoughtfully.

Earthscape’s childcare playground design team consists of landscape architects, playground designers, play theorists, skilled carpenters, fabricators, and experienced landscape construction specialists. We are passionate about designing these unique spaces and have developed an award-winning portfolio of projects. Our team produces sophisticated solutions to often complex playground requirements.

Childcare playground projects projects in south-central and Southwestern Ontario follow the process outlined below. Initial information will determine if Earthscape is the right fit for your project vision. We are happy to provide you with a complimentary proposal needed for the purpose of a grant application.

We’re committed to safety, innovation, and sustainability which drives our meticulous approach to every project, ensuring the creation of safe and unique childcare playgrounds that cater to the individual needs of every child.

Our childcare playground process includes the following stages:

1. Information Gathering

A preliminary kick-off meeting will review and advise on your project goals and objectives. Issues, concerns, opportunities, and constraints will be identified and explored. The next steps include:

Reviewing design precedents and wish list items.
Determining playground elements, overall aesthetic, circulation, materials, and budget.
Developing a proposal for the purpose of grant applications (if applicable).
Discuss maintenance expectations and plans.

2. Concept Design Development

Clients are engaged as the playground design develops and details are layered on as minor revisions are made. Once the design is finalized, the detailed design is completed and final approval is made. This stage includes:

CAD drawings and 3D models that include the final material selection, colour choices, and finishes.
Earthscape ensures full safety compliance with CSA-Z614-20 via third-party safety inspectors.
Playground design revisions and final details.

3. Pre-Construction & Fabrication

Earthscape prefabricates as many elements as possible at our state-of-the-art workshop in Wallenstein, Ontario. This means:

A reduced amount of time on your site because pieces arrive ready for installation.
An average installation time of 4-6 weeks.
Platforms, huts, climbers, walls, etc. are all pre-fabricated in a controlled environment ensuring high-quality construction.
Only select, long-lasting species of wood are used in playground structures landscape features; logs and timbers are carefully processed to ensure longevity.

4. Site installation

Earthscape’s roots in the landscape construction industry have given us deep knowledge of landscape architecture and installation techniques to ensure we install the highest quality playspace on time and on budget. We pride ourselves on meticulous attention to detail, high-quality materials and the ability to quickly problem solve.

Earthscape field crews and skilled landscape contractors will mobilize on your site to perform the full installation.
Our crews enjoy engaging with children and staff to show them what we are building and how we build.
Children and staff can document and see real-time construction, making the installation process a part of their learning experience.
Our crews are tidy, respectful, and conscientious.

5. Time to Play

After a final inspection by a certified playground safety inspector to ensure full compliance with CSA safety standards, your playground will be ready to open!

Playgrounds need care and maintenance to ensure a long-lifespan. Earthscape will provide you with a maintenance manual and is happy to help and advise on best practices for maintenance.
Earthscape’s cyclical design approach means that after a period of time, we want your feedback! We will also return to do a post-occupancy playground evaluation to see what parts of your playground are most successful. We use this information to inform our future designs!