Shopping centers wanting to thrive in today’s economy must continue to change and expand the types of shops, services, and other conveniences available to their customers. One of the more common conveniences is a playground area for toddlers and children up to 10 years old. When parents can allow their kids to run around, climb, jump, swing, and play, it becomes it much easier for them to do their shopping. A successful installation will keep the kids asking to come back, and their parents will likely do some shopping at the same time.
The Space for the Playground
It takes a lot of work to find the right modular playground to fit the needs of your space. There are several things you’ll need to consider when installing a shopping center playground: Where you put the playground is critical. Consider spaces available, the unused, hard to lease spaces in your shopping center have great potential. Regardless of one small space or a significant area, if there are no restrooms nearby, you’ll need to consider adding two or more family restrooms and at least one water fountain. Maximize fun by using wall space for horizontal climbing walls for various ages and difficulties.
Sound Around the Playground
It’s only natural that kids will be running, laughing, shouting, and making noise. It adds to the fun and gets their energy expended. Unfortunately, for nearby businesses this can be annoying for customers and staff. Ensure you put in sound absorbing materials such as the selection of flooring and wall or ‘break-wall’ materials.
Safe Surface for the Playground
Running, playing, and falling are all a natural part of playground activity. On the other hand, minor injuries don’t have to be a normal occurrence. The modern surface materials available through Northern California Playworks help soften those falls. Be sure to read our article on safe surfaces for more information on that.
Made for Your Shopping Center: It would be easy to simply throw a few pieces of playground equipment on some rubber flooring, but that won’t keep the kids insisting on going to your playground. Go to your local parks and competitors to check out their playgrounds. Watch kids at play, and the items they are drawn to. You’ll need to have something similar but better and more engaging. A great addition could be several ‘climbing’ trees purposely crafted for different ages.
Beyond the initial considerations, there is some fun in final design choices such as colors, features, potential add-ons, and the actual installation and grand opening. Considering a playground for your shopping center? Contact us today for an initial consultation!
