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Playground Equipment

Playground Equipment for Ages 2–5 and 5–12 in San Diego

Play structures for younger and older children, planned together with the poured-in-place rubber, artificial grass and shade that go around them. We help you compare layout options and price the equipment and surfacing as one project.

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  • Ages 2–5 & 5–12
  • Planned with the surfacing
  • Shade options
  • Free estimates

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Gray poured-in-place rubber under a shade sail with a red slide play structure

Example: play structure on poured-in-place rubber under a shade sail

Quick Answer

What should you plan when choosing playground equipment?

Start with who will use the playground. Equipment is designed for an age range, usually 2–5 or 5–12 years. Then fit the structure to the space, including the clear use zone around it, and plan the safety surfacing beneath it to suit the equipment’s fall heights.

Accessible routes, shade, supervision sight lines and budget all shape the final layout. The equipment manufacturer’s layout drawings and the surfacing manufacturer’s ASTM F1292 test data set the surfacing requirements for each piece.

Playground equipment at a glance

Age groups
Ages 2–5 and ages 5–12, separate or side by side
Structure sizes
Small, medium and large example options
Surfacing
Poured-in-place rubber or artificial grass with a cushion pad
Shade
Shade structures over play and seating areas
Estimates
Free; call (888) 902-3777

Equipment by Age Group

Choose equipment for the children who will use it.

Structures are designed for an age range. Many sites have separate areas for younger and older children.

Ages 2–5

Playgrounds for ages 2–5

Lower decks, shorter slides, easy steps and ground-level play panels for preschool and early-childhood play.

See ages 2–5 options

Ages 5–12

Playgrounds for ages 5–12

Taller decks, climbers, overhead events and longer slides for older elementary-age children.

See ages 5–12 options
Gray poured-in-place rubber surrounding a red, blue and yellow play structure

Surfacing

Safety surfacing under the equipment

Poured-in-place rubber with its cushion depth set to the fall heights of the equipment above it.

PIP playgrounds

Play-System Planning

Plan the play area, not just the structure.

A play structure needs room around it. Each piece of equipment has a use zone that is kept clear and surfaced, and the layout also has to work for circulation, supervision and access.

Use zones

Clear, surfaced space around each piece of equipment.

Circulation

Room to move between play events without crossing swing paths.

Supervision

Open sight lines from seating and entry points.

Accessible routes

Firm, even routes from the path to the play area.

Age separation

Separate areas for younger and older children where space allows.

Shade & seating

Shade over play and seating areas in full sun.

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Aerial view of shade sails over a blue poured-in-place rubber play area

Surfacing Coordination

Which surface goes under the equipment?

A starting point; the equipment’s fall heights and the surfacing manufacturer’s test data decide.

Surfacing options under playground equipment
ConsiderationPoured-in-place rubberArtificial grass with cushion pad
Fall heightsCushion depth set to each structure’s fall heightPad system selected for the fall height
AccessFirm, seamless surface for wheelchairs and strollersFirm surface; edges and transitions need planning
LookCustom colors, graphics and gamesGreen lawn look
Routine careSweep, rinse, inspect; patch worn spotsBrush, remove debris, check infill
Heat in full sunGets warm; shade helpsGets warm; shade helps

Accessibility

Accessibility considerations.

Accessible play starts with how children reach and move around the equipment.

Accessible routes

A firm, stable route from the path to the play area.

Ground-level play

Play panels and activities reachable from the ground.

Transfer points

Platforms where children can move from a wheelchair onto the structure.

Smooth transitions

Even edges where surfacing meets paths and curbs.

Seamless surfacing

Poured rubber has no loose material to push through.

Shade

Shaded areas for rest and for hot days.

Clear sight lines

Caregivers can see the whole play area.

Requirements vary

Your designer or inspector confirms what applies to your site.

Accessibility requirements depend on the project and the agency that governs it. We plan surfacing and routes to the project’s specifications.

Project Planning

How a playground equipment project runs.

Typical steps; every site is different.

01

Site visit

We look at the space, access, existing surfaces and drainage.

02

Equipment options

We compare structure sizes and layouts for the ages you serve.

03

Surfacing plan

Surfacing type and depth are matched to the equipment’s fall heights.

04

Proposal

Equipment, surfacing, shade and site work are priced together.

05

Installation

Equipment goes in first, then the surfacing around it.

06

Walkthrough

We walk the finished play area with you and explain care.

Timing depends on equipment lead times, site work and weather. See our process

Related Surfacing Solutions

Related surfaces & services.

Surfaces and options often planned with new play equipment.

Poured-In-Place Rubber

Seamless safety surfacing under play equipment.

Commercial Playgrounds

Poured rubber for public and commercial play areas.

Playground Turf

Artificial grass for play areas.

Shade Structures

Shade over play and seating areas.

Preschools, Daycare & Churches

Play areas for younger children.

Areas Served

Counties and cities we cover.

FAQ

Playground equipment questions.

Common questions about planning play structures and the surfacing around them.

Talk to a surfacing specialist

Get help choosing, designing and scoping the right surface.

(888) 902-3777

What is the difference between 2–5 and 5–12 playground equipment?

Equipment for ages 2–5 is scaled for younger children, with lower decks, shorter slides and more ground-level play. Equipment for ages 5–12 has taller decks, climbers and overhead events. Many sites have a separate area for each age group.

More than the structure itself. Each piece has a use zone around it that is kept clear and surfaced. The manufacturer’s layout drawing shows the footprint and use zone for each structure.

Poured-in-place rubber is a common choice, with its cushion depth set to the fall height of the equipment. Artificial grass with a cushion pad is another option. See PIP playgrounds.

Yes. Planning them together means the surfacing depth, layout and edges match the equipment, and the work can be scheduled in the right order.

Yes. Shade structures can be planned over play and seating areas. See shade structures.

Call (888) 902-3777 or use the form below. Tell us about the site, the ages you serve and roughly how much space you have.

Free Estimates

Planning a new playground?

Tell us about the site and the children who will use it. We’ll help you compare equipment options and price the surfacing with them.

Get a Free Estimate
Call (888) 902-3777

Request an Estimate

Let’s talk about your surfacing project.

Our playground surfacing specialists are here to assist you at every stage of the process, from choosing the right product to design and installation.

  1. 1Share your projectSite type, location and what you have in mind.
  2. 2We follow upA specialist reviews your needs and next steps.
  3. 3Get your estimateA recommended surface system and scope for your site.

Call us

(888) 902-3777

Email

info@playgroundsafetysurfacing.pro

Service area

San Diego, Orange, Riverside & LA Counties

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