Your congregation has finally agreed that you need to purchase playground equipment. Are you in the dreaming stage? Or, have you already begun the researching or fundraising process?

Those who have gone before know that a buyer must take into consideration a myriad of details to plan and purchase equipment, and many buyers find themselves getting stuck at one stage or another. Yet, no one knows the complexity better than play equipment companies themselves.

Seeking and choosing a playground sales organization that offers turnkey services simplifies the process for the buyer. A quality sales company will capably walk you through each step instead of hanging you out to dry. Ask each sales company whether or not they offer these basic services.

1. On-site CPSI certified inspection of existing equipment
Companies should offer CPSI (Certified Playground Safety Inspector)-certified sales representatives or installers to inspect your site for safety code violations of existing equipment, if you plan to upgrade existing equipment. The National Playground Safety Institute, NPSI, provides extensive training and testing for CPSI certification. Visit www.nrpa.org.

2. Site evaluation and planning recommendations
Just as people have unique traits and quirks, so does land. A quality sales organization should be available to visit your site and offer recommendations for play equipment placement, taking into account your site's distinctive characteristics. Age ranges and the number of children to use the equipment, as well as accessibility needs, play an additional role in layout and design.

The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) suggests dividing age groups into separate areas to decrease play time injuries – 2 to 5 year olds separate from 5-12 year olds. This is not a requirement, especially for locations where fewer children will be playing together at one time.

Accessibility restrictions have heightened for the playground industry in the past several years, and churches – more than other organizations - should be sensitive to the needs of all people. Sidewalks, surfacing materials and layout are all affected by accessibility concerns.

Furthermore, you and your sales representative should take into account your climate. Why? The amount of sunshine affects which play equipment materials and colors you should choose (e.g., dark colors and metallic materials retain and conduct heat more than others) and whether you need additional sun protection such as shade shelters. Also, is your area prone to vandalism? No equipment is completely vandal-proof, but some are easier to repair than others.

3. Full design services
Wise consumers making large purchases, including playground equipment, expect the final product to meet their specific wishes. Many playground companies offer design services to make modifications to standard models listed in their catalogs. Some manufacturers allow customers to modify play components or colors. Ask for pricing on re-design work or design modifications. 

4. Full installation services
Once you have purchased your equipment, you are only halfway done – installing the equipment comes next. Churches on tight budgets might be tempted to cut corners by choosing to install the equipment themselves, but more often than not, they wind up having to find an installer to fix the problems incurred from struggling to make sense of complicated prefabricated parts. Many playground sales organizations will provide either in-house installation services or refer you to installation organizations certified to install their equipment. Letting the professionals do it saves you time, energy and headache-numbing medication.

The manufacturer and the installer should provide proof of liability insurance to build and install playground equipment, protecting your church from responsibility for negligent construction. Additionally, the installer should be a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) to certify a final safety inspection upon completion of the project. Professional crews will provide unload to final clean-up service, leaving your site clean and safe before driving away.