From neighborhood parks to schools and community spaces, GameTime is the trusted leader in playgrounds and outdoor fitness spaces across the United States and around the world. From concept to grand opening—and beyond—we partner with community champions, corporate funders, and other organizations who want to create a better world through play and recreation.
Start with the two guides every playground project needs: one to help you plan the process, and one to help you find the funding to bring it to life.
Learn the key steps for planning, designing, budgeting, and preparing for a successful playground project.
Explore funding sources, grant opportunities, fundraising ideas, and other strategies to make your playground possible.
Every year, GameTime installs over 5,000 playgrounds in North America and around the world. On average, that’s a new playground every 90 minutes. Our unmatched scale, manufacturing strength, and local expertise make us the go-to partner for communities that want the best play and recreation experiences.
See why parks leaders, school administrators, and landscape architects trust GameTime to deliver standout playground and recreation projects with expert support, creative design, and results that last.
Through research-based design and National Demonstration Site (NDS) outcomes reporting, GameTime helps communities understand how their playground investment supports physical activity, wellness, and meaningful community impact.
Access expert tools, design guides, CAD files, educational content, funding support, and best-practice resources that make it easier to plan exceptional playgrounds, outdoor fitness areas, and community recreation spaces.
Read the latest news and updates from GameTime and learn more about the benefits of play and recreation.
One of the biggest misconceptions about playgrounds is that every project has to cost six figures. The reality? Communities, schools, churches, HOAs, and childcare centers build amazing play spaces every year on much smaller budgets.
With smart planning, phased installation, and the right equipment choices, a high-quality playground can fit almost any budget.
A common starting point in playground budgeting is estimating around $1,000 per child capacity for a play system.
For example:
This rule is not exact, but it helps schools and parks departments quickly estimate realistic project costs early in planning.
The biggest cost driver is the size and complexity of the main structure.
Planning a playground for a park or school is more involved than most people expect. From compliance standards to budgets, the decisions can feel overwhelming — especially if you're doing it for the first time. Whether you're a parks director, PTA member, school administrator, or municipality planner, getting the answers right before breaking ground can save thousands of dollars and prevent costly redesigns later.
This guide answers the 10 most common playground planning questions asked by parks departments and schools across the country. You'll find clear, practical answers covering site selection, equipment standards, ADA compliance, surfacing options, maintenance expectations, and more — everything you need to move from idea to installation with confidence.
Playground design has taken dramatic turns in the past decades. Playground equipment you might remember from your childhood has been redesigned with compliance and inclusion
Play is a universal right. Through our partnership with Inclusive Play UK, we’re bringing inclusive play experiences to families around the world. This week, we proudly celebrate Inclusive Play’s 20 years of innovation, impact, and commitment to creating spaces where everyone can play.
Partnering With Communities Since 1929
From the first concept to the grand opening, we partner with community champions like you to bring your vision to life.
Connect with your dedicated GameTime representative who understands your local requirements, funding opportunities, and equipment needs.
Work with your design team to create a custom solution that fits your space, budget, and community goals.
From site preparation to final inspection, we will manage every detail of your project's implementation.
Transform opening day into a community celebration that showcases your leadership and kicks off a lifetime of play and connection.
