Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the questions every first-time playground buyer asks.
New to buying commercial playground equipment? You’re not alone. Here are the questions we answer
on almost every sales call.
FAQ Categories
Getting Started
This is our first playground equipment purchase. Where do we begin?
Start with a free site consultation. We’ll visit your location, understand your vision and budget, then guide you through the entire process. Most of our customers are first-time buyers, so we’re experts at explaining everything in plain English.
What budget do we need for quality commercial playground equipment?
You might be surprised – we regularly create beautiful, safe playgrounds for $30,000-50,000 when customers expect to spend
$200,000+. Our project range is $5,000 to $500,000, and we’ll help you get maximum impact from
whatever budget you have.
How long does the playground equipment purchasing process take?
- Planning Phase: 1-3 weeks for site evaluation and equipment selection
- Delivery: Typically 3 months from order to arrival
- Installation: 3-5 days depending on project size
Start early: If you want equipment installed next spring, start planning this fall.
What age group can commercial playground equipment serve?
- Preschool (2-5 years): Lower heights, simpler activities, smaller spaces
- School age (5-12 years): More challenging equipment, greater heights
- Multi-age options: Equipment that works for broader age ranges
We’ll help you choose based on your primary users.
Budget & Costs
What are the “hidden” costs of a playground equipment project?
This is the most important question to answer. If you have a $25,000 budget, you can probably only spend $15,000 on equipment. Here’s why:
- Equipment
- The actual playground structures and components
- Freight/Delivery (varies by distance and size)
- Professional shipping of heavy equipment crates to your site
- Installation & Surfacing
- Professional setup plus required safety surfacing under equipment
We help you plan for ALL costs upfront – no surprises, ever.
Do you offer financing for playground equipment purchases?
Most customers don’t look for playground equipment until they’ve raised the money or have a clear plan to get it. This isn’t like buying a refrigerator – it’s usually a community project with funding already secured.
We have occasionally worked with customers on payment terms, so it is possible.
How do your playground equipment prices compare to competitors?
Very competitive. We don’t play games with inflated “50% off” pricing like some major manufacturers. We quote honest prices and focus on total project value, not just equipment cost.
No surprises: We’ve never had a price issue with a customer after they’ve placed an order.
Is there any down payments to be made?
Yes, a 50% down payment is required to place the order following design approval.
Our Service
Where are you located and what’s your playground equipment service area?
We’re located in Christian County, Illinois, and serve downstate Illinois. Our service area includes all communities throughout the region.
Why location matters: We can be at your site within 24 hours when you need us, not next month when it fits our route.
Will you really come to our committee meetings?
Absolutely. We’ll attend your school board, city council, or committee meetings and explain everything directly to your decision makers. No PowerPoint presentations – just honest answers to real questions.
How quickly can you visit our site?
Typically within 24 hours, often the same day if urgent. We don’t lead a tight schedule, so when you need us, we can usually be there quickly.
What makes you different from online playground equipment companies?
Online playground equipment companies: Never see your site, different person every call, “send us a picture” problem-solving
Molanda: On-site evaluation, same contact throughout, local presence when you need support
The difference: When you have questions or problems, you get Dale or Andy – not a 1-800 number.
Installation & Delivery
Do you install playground equipment?
We coordinate professional installation with our trusted installation team – a reliable, family-based crew with 7+ years of playground experience.
For smaller projects: In order to make their visions a reality, our customers have opted for self-installation. If that is the option that fits for your community and budget, we can help guide you through that process.
Our policy: We don’t make money on installation – you pay the installer directly.
What’s involved in playground equipment delivery?
The reality: Delivery is often the most stressful part of the project. You’ll need a forklift or similar equipment to unload big crates that weigh 1-2 tons.
How we help: We coordinate delivery timing, ensure you have proper equipment, and provide detailed unloading guidance.
What about safety surfacing for playground equipment?
Required under all equipment to minimize injury from falls. Two main categories:
Value options: Pea gravel, engineered wood fiber, shredded rubber (lower cost, may not be fully accessible)
Premium options: Artificial turf and Poured-In-Place (higher cost, accessible compliant)
Why it matters: Your surfacing choice dramatically affects how much budget you have left for equipment.
How long does playground equipment installation take?
Small projects: 1 day
Medium projects: 2-3 days
Large projects: 1 week
Best timing: April through October (weather permitting)
Winter installations: Possible during warm spells, but limited
Common Playground Equipment Questions for Illinois Communities
Many customers ask about specific equipment types:
- Swing sets and swings: What’s the difference between residential and commercial-grade swing sets?
- Playground slides: Which slide heights work best for different age groups?
- Climbing equipment: How do climbing walls and boulder climbers compare for safety and engagement?
- Playground structures: What’s included in a complete playground system vs. individual components?
We help you understand all your equipment options during your free consultation
Still Have Questions?
Common Concerns We Also Address:
- Accessibility requirements and ADA compliance
- Site preparation and drainage considerations
- Equipment maintenance and expected lifespan
- Warranty coverage and ongoing support
Can’t Find Your Answer? Every playground equipment project is unique. Get personalized answers for your specific situation.