The Boundless Difference
Overview
How is a Boundless playground different from a traditional or an accessible playground?
Most people wouldn't be able to tell a Boundless playground from any other playground at first glance, but the difference would be apparent to someone with a disability. They would see how the Boundless Playgrounds layout was designed to include them in the fun - how it is possible to get to the highest play deck to feel like king or queen of the hill and enjoy gathering with friends in cozy spots. They might also see that a Boundless playground goes beyond accessibility for people with physical disabilities to consider the needs of children with different developmental, cognitive and sensory disabilities as well. Boundless Playgrounds is committed to full compliance with the minimum requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the playground industry. We then go beyond minimum requirements, incorporating universal design practices and child development theories into our standards, plus recommending additional best practices and enhancements. Playground equipment is carefully selected and laid out in configurations that are fun, rigorous and challenging for children of different abilities. Strategic placement of rubber surfacing allows for ease of travel within the environment. While special equipment is selected for certain activities (like swings and spring toys with back supports), many differences are subtle. The ultimate goal is to provide what we call "the Essence of Play" - fun things to do, fun places to be and everyone in the center of play.
How to get a Boundless playground
Obtaining a Boundless playground has never been easier. Just follow a simple two-. Membership benefits include materials, tools and services to support the development of the playground. Certified models are available to fit almost any budget and can be tailored to suit a community's particular needs. In addition, when properly installed to meet Boundless Playgrounds standards within the environment, they create a barrier-free setting that supports child development. Be sure to also enroll your project in the Sponsor Database for consideration for funding when available.
Community materials, tools and services
The Get Ready...Get Set...Go Play! Program includes a guide on how to get started, as well as downloadable tools and materials to help raise community awareness and funding. By signing up for the program, you can learn how to develop communications and fundraising plans and receive a package with sample best practices from other projects.
Boundless Playgrounds Certified Models
A Boundless Playgrounds Certified Model is a layout of playground equipment and safety surfacing that meets Boundless Playgrounds standards, which incorporate universal design practices and child development theories.
Customized designs
While a selection of pre-authorized models is available, each Industry Partner is able to create a customized equipment layout and submit it to Boundless Playgrounds for certification. It will be important to know the square footage of the playground site, the number, ages and any special needs of the children who will be using the playground, the estimated budget for playground equipment, surfacing and their installation, and the estimated overall budget that includes additional expenses such as site preparation, hard pathways to and through the playground, landscaping, shade, benches and tables. Shop for a Boundless Playground offers more details.
More than just the model
A Boundless Playgrounds Certified Model is a layout of specifically selected playground equipment connected and arranged in a manner that is barrier-free and supports child development. While a Boundless playground starts with a Boundless Playgrounds Certified Model, it must also meet additional criteria covering the overall play environment to be certified as a Boundless playground. Such certification is contingent on a satisfactory final project assessment conducted by Boundless Playgrounds staff and the execution of a formal written agreement between Boundless Playgrounds and the playground owner/operator.
Playground funding opportunities
Boundless Playgrounds is a nonprofit organization and does not have established funding to support individual projects. However, the organization has been very fortunate in receiving grants sponsored by states, foundations and corporations who believe in the Boundless Playgrounds mission and vision.
Each grant program has had very specific criteria for awarding funds - geographic areas, socioeconomic requirements or consumer market areas - and the sponsors have selected which communities building Boundless playgrounds should receive the funds. Boundless Playgrounds is continually seeking more of these programs. A community or organization interested in building a Boundless playground should enroll its project in the sponsor database through the Tell Sponsors About Your Project form in order to be eligible for of these opportunities when they arise.
Available fundraising assistance
Boundless Playgrounds Get Ready...Get Set...Go Play! Program includes downloadable materials that can provide guidance to communities in their fundraising efforts.
Cost of a Boundless playground
It may or may not be somewhat more expensive than a traditional playground; much depends on the size and scope of the project. In general the cost of a Boundless Playgrounds Certified Model will be similar to the equipment costs of a typical playground. In order to meet Boundless Playgrounds' barrier-free criteria, specific types of safety surfacing must be installed according to a pre-determined layout. A small playground may cost more due to this requirement, but for larger projects, costs will be comparable. When viewed over the life span of the playground (15 – 20 years), the incremental costs are usually reasonable. The play value for the children will always be greater on a Boundless playground, providing a better return on the community's investment.
Determine your budget
A play environment generally consists of one or more composite play structures and other independent play elements, such as spring toys or swings. A playground budget will include more than just cost of the play equipment, safety surfacing, and their installation. Other factors to consider in establishing a budget include pathways, site preparation, benches, landscaping and other amenities. In general, a Boundless playground for younger children or those in the earliest developmental phases (typically labeled ages 2 – 5), can range from $30,000-80,000 for equipment, surfacing, and installation. A Boundless playground for older children, or those in the later, more sophisticated developmental phases (typically labeled ages 5 – 12), can range from $100,000-200,000 for equipment, surfacing, and installation. The inclusion of a sensory play area varies greatly in cost from $1,000 to well over $10,000. These are only ranges, since costs specific to each community and playground site must be taken into account. Please refer to the Get Ready...Get Set...Go Play! Program for more budget information.
Timeline for building a Boundless playground
Building any playground is dependent on how long it takes to organize the committee, acquire a site and, most importantly, raise the necessary funds. Concept to completion could range anywhere from 6 months to 36 months with fundraising a key factor in determining how quickly the committee can move through the process.
Space needed for a Boundless playground
Boundless playgrounds can be built on sites as small as 1,000 square feet or as large as 25,000 or more. The size required depends on a number of factors, in particular the number, ages and needs of the children the playground is planned to serve. Other considerations include space for swings and other free-standing play equipment, site amenities (bathrooms, picnic areas, etc.), supervision, safety and the budget. A Boundless playground for children of all abilities during childhood (ages 2 – 12) can range from 7,500 to 15,000 square feet.
