We collaborated with Lake Norman Charter Elementary School to design an engaging natural playground that promotes creativity and motor skill development. Featuring a variety of hop rocks, leap pads, climbing boulders, and balance beams, children are able to safely challenge their balance and strength as they navigate the playground with friends. Having been custom designed using the playground elements to follow a meandering path throughout the playground, children are able to follow their friends from one element to the next as they navigate the obstacle course.

While many children enjoy active styles of play at recess, some children prefer more laid back, social play styles. To cater to this population, we installed two large birds nest swings where children can relax, enjoy the rocking motion of the swing and even read a book!

The entire playground is surface with 100% color PIP rubber. Not only does this compliment the natural aesthetic of the playground, it provides children with a clean and safe surface to play on that is low maintenance for facilities staff.

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Approx. Budget 175k

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We worked with Meadowmont HOA to upgrade their existing community park. Not every playground requires a total redesign- and this project is a perfect example. Nestled between residences, we aimed to design a natural playground that complimented the parks existing structure and flow. The spaces meandering concrete path provided an excellent structural divide between three different play spaces.

The first section was designed for older kids featuring a basketball hoop and rock wall climber. The second section featured the focal point play unit, swings, and sensory panels. Finally, the third space incorporated a natural balance area that could be used for both gross motor development as well as outdoor seating.

By keeping this playground structure, we were able to save the existing landscaping and site amenities. This left more room in the budget to install new playground equipment that would be safer and more durable for the residents of the community.

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Approx. Budget 60k

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For Amberley HOA we wanted to design a beautiful natural playground that would fit seamlessly into the communities landscaping. Together, we designed a play space for 2-12 year olds that features multiple climbers that vary in difficulty, interactive panels, and a spiral slide! This play unit also has an integrated shade conveniently placed above the main deck to help protect children from the sun.

Off to the side of the playground we included a three bay swing with both belt seats and bucket seats, so that children of all ages can enjoy the playground space. Surfaced with wood mulch for fall protection, this playground is a great example of how to foster children’s social, emotional, and physical growth within your local community.

Click here to explore our play unit options for your new playground!

Approx. Budget 70k

The post Amberley HOA first appeared on Creative Playscapes.

We worked with Gilwood Presbyterian Church to design a play space that would accommodate children of all ages in the churches community. The playground features a variety of equipment including sensory panels for 6-24 month olds, a play unit for preschoolers, as well as more challenging climbing structures for older children. At the back of the playground, all ages are welcome to enjoy a seat on the three bay arch post swing.

The playground fits perfectly into the natural landscape with its neutral color palette. Additionally, we were able to include the installation of sun shades that add architectural style and sun protection to the playground. Finally, all play areas were surfaced with PIP rubber and artificial turf. These surface options help keep children safe on the playground while also reducing maintenance and mess.

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Approx. Budget 160k

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Our installation of a natural playground at Parkside Town Commons in Cary, North Carolina, exemplifies how playground spaces can enhance the enjoyment of the community spaces we occupy on a daily basis.

We successfully designed a play space that allows community members to enjoy the outdoor environment as they come and go from their shopping and dining. Upon entering the playground, visitors are welcomed with a seating area overlooking the natural themed playground. Children are encouraged to engage in both active and imaginative play as they navigate the crawl logs, hop rocks, balance beams, and a custom playside hill.

The entire space is surfaced with pour-in-place rubber which serves as an aesthetically pleasing, fall safe surface that requires much less maintenance compared to wood mulch.

Click here to learn more about our custom designed natural playgrounds!

Approx. Budget 85k

The post Parkside Town Commons first appeared on Creative Playscapes.

We worked with McDeeds Creek Elementary School to design a natural playground that maximizes imagination. This project features a natural themed castle structure. Themed structures such as this enhance children natural creativity and encourage imaginative social play. This specific play structure is made of high-end wood with corrosion properties providing a beautiful natural aesthetic without compromising structural integrity.

In addition to the castle, the playground features a four bay swing set as well as a natural balance and climbing area. The entire playground is surfaced with wood mulch for fall protection.

Click here to explore some of our themed playground structures!

Click here to explore our natural play units!

Approx. Budget 220k

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At The Learning Station in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, we recently completed the renovation of four playground spaces. After the daycare center added a new extension to their facility, we collaborated closely with the team to design a playground that would meet the new space’s functional needs and aesthetic vision.

Each of the four playgrounds received brand-new, age-appropriate play equipment. The neutral-colored equipment blends seamlessly with the natural landscape, and we’ve included integrated sunshades to help reduce heat on play surfaces. Additionally, we installed engineered shade structures, offering ample relief for both students and staff on hot days.

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A key priority for The Learning Station’s playground renovation was minimizing long-term maintenance. To achieve this, we chose artificial turf with shock-absorbing pads as the safety surfacing. This eliminates the need to regularly replenish mulch, providing a clean, safe, and ADA-accessible solution.

Contact us to learn more about our artificial turf products and how they can benefit your facility!

Approx. Budget $310k

The post The Learning Station first appeared on Creative Playscapes.

We recently had the pleasure of working with Gilwood Presbyterian Church to install a brand-new playground designed for children of all ages. This playground is a dynamic space that offers something for everyone, from toddlers to pre-teens.

At the heart of the playground is a focal-point play unit designed for children ages 2 to 12. This play system offers a variety of different slides and climbers for kids to play on. To complement this structure, we added a freestanding climber tailored for kids ages 5 to 12. Both of these play structures are surfaced with an 80/20 blend of beige/ green rubber. Aside from providing a safe play space, a blend of 100% color PIP rubber granules increases the surfaces durability and lifespan. Using light colors, such as beige, also helps reflect more heat keeping the rubber pad cooler during hot days.

Click here to read more about the benefits of switching to 100% color PIP rubber

For the youngest children, we created a dedicated infant play area equipped with a variety of sensory and activity panels. These interactive features encourage exploration and development while offering a safe, clean play surface made of PIP rubber. To ensure this space remains comfortable even on warmer days, we’ve incorporated an integrated shade structure to help keep the area cool as infants crawl and play.

In addition to the rubber-surfaced play areas, all remaining playground sections are covered in artificial turf. This surface not only enhances the playground’s visual appeal but also offers a low-maintenance solution that’s perfect for open play spaces. In these turfed areas, we included a brand-new swing set and a designated shaded space for freestanding imaginative playhouses.

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Approx. Budget 160k

The post Gilwood Presbyterian Church first appeared on Creative Playscapes.

We partnered with the Town of Grover to design a fitness-focused playground that promotes active play and physical well-being for the entire community. The new playground features a large, fitness-inspired play unit designed for children ages 5 to 12, complete with an integrated shade structure for sun protection. This focal play unit includes a variety of climbers and balance elements, encouraging kids to develop essential gross motor skills like strength, coordination, and balance.

Adjacent to the playground, we created an adult fitness area, providing park visitors with a dedicated space to enjoy the outdoors while getting a full-body workout. The fitness area is equipped with machines for chest press, leg press, rowing, and sit-ups. Integrating adult fitness equipment into public parks is a fantastic way to make these spaces more inclusive and promote physical activity for all ages.

Contact us today to learn more about how to design a park that is welcoming for people of all ages and abilities!

Approx. Budget 115k

The post Town of Grover first appeared on Creative Playscapes.

We worked with Cedar Lakes HOA to help them find new playground equipment to replace their old non-compliant play unit. By sticking with quick ship units, we were able to provide a new playground for their community that fit their budget and needs with a quick turnaround!

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Approx. Budget: 40k

The post Cedar Lakes HOA first appeared on Creative Playscapes.