More often than not, we design our playgrounds alongside established community spaces. When doing so, it is important for the new playground to be integrated into the pre-existing architecture and landscape. This was the case for our playground project with Lake Norman Baptist Church.

With the help of the church community, we explored a variety of potential playground locations on the church property before beginning our design process. Once we found the space that fit both the communities needs and aesthetic desires, we were able to create a custom color palette that matched the churches color scheme.

An array of blue, teal, and green meanders throughout the space creating a cohesive church theme that beautifully blends into the natural landscape. Perched at the top of the space is the focal point of the playground: a custom play unit with integrated shades; perfect for kids to climb, slide, and play imaginatively. Embedded into the pre-existing natural slope, we designed a play side hill equipped with embankment slides and hop rocks.

What makes the space truly one of a kind is the community engagement that allowed for elements from the previous playground to be repurposed in the new space. Church members shared that the play car on site was their kids favorite part of the playground. With help from volunteers, we were able to have this play element relocated and repainted so that it could continue to be safely enjoyed by the congregation.

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Approx. Budget 250K

Before & After

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We worked with Southlake Christian Academy to design and install a new natural themed playground. The playgrounds has two hemispheres designed for younger and older elementary children respectively. Both of these hemispheres are joined together at shaded central gathering area. This design provides age appropriate play for all children at the school while also allowing socialization in the community areas.

This playground is a great example of the collaboration that can be necessary on complex projects. Being situated adjacent to Lake Norman, our design and construction teams had to work directly with Mecklenburg County to ensure all stormwater ordinances were appropriately met. With patience and creativity, our expert design team was able to propose a plan that met all county requirements while providing a finished project free of surface level drain inlets that can pose as a safety hazard and eyesore.

Southlake Christian Academy’s new playground exemplifies the best work of our design and construction team. With state of the art playground equipment and surfacing, this space offers a safe and clean space for children to engage in age appropriate play challenges that encourage gross and fine motor skill development. Creative and sensory play needs are also met with a colorful music park and ample swings. Finally, every play space needs room for kids to socialize, whether that be on a rock cluster, under the central shade, or on the artificial turf field. No matter your kids style of play, they will be sure to have a great time on this new playground!

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Approx. Budget 550k

Before & After

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We collaborated with Lake Norman Charter Elementary School to design an engaging natural playground in Lake Norman 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.

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Approx. Budget 70k

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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.

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Approx. Budget 85k

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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.

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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

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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

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