Galvanized steel pipe medium size arched shape swing for kids KP-G001

Evolution of commercial playground equipment

Since the launch of the first playground in Manchester, England in 1859, the design of the playground has continued to evolve. In 1887, the first public playground was introduced in Golden Gate Park (San Francisco, California), but today few parents are willing to allow their children to expand the equipment provided on the day.

As our understanding of safety and the needs of children's physical and cognitive development has expanded over the past few decades, the design of commercial playground equipment has improved - albeit slowly. These advances have improved the durability of the playground and the health of the children who use them.

Pipeline playground
From the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century, public playground equipment consisted mainly of steel pipes. The hollow tube structure is formed as a seesaw, slide and "monkey stick" climbing device, which are durable frames that can withstand outdoor use.

Later, the playground designer created a simulated fire truck, rocket ship or even jungle animal theme structure by adding metal plates to develop the tube frame into a more imaginative design. The pipeline is untreated, rusting, corrosive, and may cause metal burrs, posing a safety hazard to children. Cutting and scuffing are commonplace because they do not take into account the risk of falls, as well as fractures and other serious injuries.

Wooden wonderland
In the 1960s and 1970s, the popular choice for commercial playground architecture was wood. It is both cheap and easy to obtain, it provides a natural aspect. The use of this material echoes the spirit of the times, the spirit of this era encompasses nature and the outdoors, and facilitates the use of organic materials.

Although pressure treated wood is more elastic than untreated wood and does help to overcome the problem of decay, the long-term durability and safety of 100% wood structures is questionable. Concerns about the toxicity of the chemicals involved in the treatment process have stopped its widespread acceptance. Wooden playgrounds are also susceptible to termites, and mold and moisture damage has never been completely overcome. Splitting, warping and other structural problems limit the overall life of the wooden game structure.

Thin-walled metal tube
In the 1970s, a process for making prefabricated thin-walled steel tubes and progress in playground design was developed by a large steel manufacturer. The thin-walled metal tube design allows manufacturers to create new dimensions and sizes that mimic the appearance, thickness and durable appearance of natural wood structures.

To date, thin-walled steel and aluminum tubes are still used to make some commercial rides with powder coating options to reduce corrosion and enhance outdoor durability.

Powder coating process
Metal powder coating is a leap in the structure of commercial playgrounds. Metal tubes and struts are treated with several layers of galvanizing and sealant to provide corrosion protection. In this method, a powder coating (powder coating) is applied to the metal using an electrostatic method and then baked to cure the coating onto the metal surface.

The commercial playground structure has powder-coated metal parts almost unilaterally, which not only enhances the durability of the structure, but also provides a lead-free and non-toxic alternative to conventional coatings. This is more beneficial for children's health and a better environment. Through the powder coating process, concerns about the temperature of the metal surface are alleviated.

Rotary molding plastic
Contemporary commercial playground structures have rotationally molded plastic parts. To make a plastic part, the molten plastic mold is inserted into a high temperature oven and rotated to completely fill the mold with a uniform thickness of the thermoplastic.

Advantages of rotationally molded plastic structures include durability, stress-free weight distribution, seamless construction, UV stabilization, vandalism and moisture resistance, and other factors that make it a commercial playground equipment. Plastic playground components, such as slides, are now a popular alternative to sheet metal slides in the past, as they remain cool even under prolonged direct sunlight.

Vinyl coated metal deck
When metal playground components became the standard for wood systems, surface temperature safety issues became less practical due to innovations in vinyl coatings. Dip the deck into a large tank of liquid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. But not long after, people realized that the plasticizer (phthalate) needed to make PVC flexibility for playground applications poses a health risk.

Nowadays, vinyl coating formulations no longer contain phthalates, and other PVC-free methods are also popular. Made of textured polyethylene, durable, flexible, long-lasting, and available in a variety of textures for superior comfort or improved friction.

Metal core rope
The cargo climber is a historic playground, but the natural rope fiber structure is unstable and is susceptible to moisture and mold in the outdoor environment. Therefore, if it is not galvanized or consists of stainless steel (which may be too costly), the metal changes of the chain or climber are susceptible to corrosion. In contrast, metal core ropes are used to create bridges, climbing nets, trapezoidal components and other flexible rope designs in contemporary playground structures.


As science and manufacturing processes continue to evolve, the durability and safety of commercial playground structures will continue to increase while providing an interesting and imaginative space for children to learn and grow.