Schools Want to Deliver Measurable Results
Your playground should be part of the solution.
District leaders face rising expectations around academic performance, physical wellness, and student engagement. School playground equipment investments must demonstrate value.
A strategically designed playground is not an extra amenity. It is campus infrastructure that supports movement, focus, inclusion, and long-term student success.
And, they should be epic fun for students and give them an exciting and creative outlet to move, explore, and play.
What a High-Quality School Playground Actually Delivers
Research-based designs result in measurable outcomes
We Partner With Project Stakeholders
We align architects, contractors, and school leaders around shared outcomes
Architects
Evidence-based layouts, clean specifications, and research-backed design support.
Contractors
Coordinated delivery, accurate timelines, and responsive project management.
School Administrators
Funding guidance, promotional programs, and turnkey support.
School Districts
Scalable project planning, capital alignment, and measurable ROI.
School Playground Planning Center
Our Planning Center equips administrators and district leaders with research summaries, funding tools, standards-aligned guidance, and expert consultation.
Confident planning protects budgets, reduces delays, and ensures measurable impact.
Standards-Based, Research-Backed Design
Design school playgrounds that promote youth physical activity and fitness.
Make Recess an Extension of Your PE Class
Our free Play On! poster includes daily standaards-based games and activities for ANY playground.
Find Funding for Your Proejct
Browse hundreds of funding sources in our updated playground funding guide.
Request a Free Design Consultation
Work driectly with one our school playground experts to start your design today.
Real Schools. Real Districts. Proven Results.
Explore completed school playground projects across the country and see how districts similar to yours transformed their campuses into high-performance play environments.
Project Highlight
Weller Elementary: Promoting Physical Activity Through Play
Weller Elementary partnered with GameTime to create a playground designed to increase daily movement and support long-term wellness goals. Intentional equipment selection and layout strategy led to measurable increases in student activity and engagement.
Featured Play Systems
-
ModelPT26316Age5 to 12 YearsZone34'-5" x 36'-4" (10.49m x 11.07m)Fall Height6' (1.83 m) -
ModelPT26323Age5 to 12 YearsZone34'-11" x 42'-0" (10.64m x 12.8m)Fall Height5' (1.52 m) -
ModelPT26320Age5 to 12 YearsZone32'-0" x 42'-6" (9.75m x 12.95m)Fall Height4' (1.22 m) -
ModelPT26322Age5 to 12 YearsZone37'-8" x 37'-3" (11.48m x 11.35m)Fall Height8' (2.44 m) -
ModelPS26054Age5 to 12 YearsZone50'-3" x 42'-3" (15.32m x 12.88m)Fall Height6' (1.83 m) -
ModelPS26055Age5 to 12 YearsZone41'-8" x 59'-1" (12.7m x 18.01m)Fall Height8' (2.44 m) -
ModelPT26304Age5 to 12 YearsZone34'-5" x 34'-1" (10.49m x 10.39m)Fall Height6' (1.83 m) -
ModelPS26045Age5 to 12 YearsZone32'-2" x 45'-9" (9.8m x 13.94m)Fall Height5' (1.52 m) -
ModelPT26301Age5 to 12 YearsZone35'-2" x 41'-8" (10.72m x 12.7m)Fall Height8' (2.44 m) -
ModelPS26041Age2 to 5 YearsZone32'-1" x 37'-1" (9.78m x 11.3m)Fall Height5' (1.52 m) -
ModelPT26305Age5 to 12 YearsZone50'-11" x 66'-3" (15.52m x 20.19m)Fall Height6' (1.83 m) -
ModelPT26307Age5 to 12 YearsZone47'-2" x 44'-0" (14.38m x 13.41m)Fall Height8' (2.44 m) -
ModelPT26309Age5 to 12 YearsZone34'-8" x 38'-10" (10.57m x 11.84m)Fall Height8' (2.44 m) -
ModelPS26046Age5 to 12 YearsZone43'-5" x 37'-6" (13.23m x 11.43m)Fall Height6' (1.83 m) -
ModelPS26047Age5 to 12 YearsZone45'-11" x 50'-7" (13.99m x 15.42m)Fall Height8' (2.44 m) -
ModelPT26300Age5 to 12 YearsZone37'-3" x 32'-6" (11.35m x 9.91m)Fall Height5' (1.52 m) -
ModelPS26022Age5 to 12 YearsZone38'-11" x 55'-5" (11.86m x 16.89m)Fall Height12' (3.66 m) -
ModelPS26036Age5 to 12 YearsZone47'-6" x 48'-10" (14.48m x 14.88m)Fall Height6' (1.83 m)
Essential Resources for Elementary and Middle Schools
School Playground Planning FAQs
Find answers to your questions about playground projects and funding requirements.
What funding opportunities are available for my project?
GameTime has compiled a list of local, regional, national, and global funding sources to help you find the funds you need. With over 100 pages of sources, including contact details, websites, and grant and deadline information, our Playground Funding Guide is a valuable part of any fundraising toolkit.
How long is a typical school playground project?
Most school playground projects take 4 to 6 months from initial design to completion. Our local representatives guide you through each phase, ensuring your project stays on schedule and minimizes disruption to school activities. Check out our Construction Guide and Checklist for more information. Need something quick? Check out our quick ship program or outlet store for reduced leads times.
How do you ensure playground compliance?
Industry standards set a minimum level that playground manufacturers must meet. We meet or exceed those standards, because we understand that the ultimate playground offers peace of mind as well as thrills. After all, we’re parents too. Learn more
What makes GameTime different?
GameTime brings play and recreation to people of all ages and abilities. Our local, experienced, and trusted team deploys research-based programs and education to deliver the most tailored playground and recreation environments in the world.
- Local Play Experts: GameTime representatives and certified playground installers live, work, and play in your neighborhood. We provide turnkey, personal service throughout all phases of your project.
- Play Researchers: As a PlayCore company, GameTime leverages the deep knowledge of the PlayCore Research Institute. This research drives our product development and playspace design.
- Green by Design: Our approach to sustainability encompasses every aspect of our company – from the way we manufacture our products, to how we do business.
- The Industry’s Best Warranty: Our products are constructed of durable, recyclable materials that are designed to last decades, not years.
- Certifications: Industry standards set a minimum level that playground manufacturers must meet. We meet or exceed those standards to create compliant playful spaces.
How can I create an inclusive play experience?
To ensure inclusivity, we apply The 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design® to create play environments where everyone can participate. Our focus is on both the physical and social aspects of inclusion, supporting the development of the whole child.
What kind of warranty is provided?
A new playground is an investment in the health, wellness, and quality of life for your community—and one that should last for years to come. GameTime manufactures our products using high-quality materials and backs them with one of the industry’s leading warranties, giving you peace of mind and helping you protect that investment.
What ongoing support is provided after installation?
Your local GameTime representative remains your dedicated point of contact long after installation. They provide:
- Regular check-ins and site visits
- Maintenance recommendations
- Replacement part assistance
- Support for future expansions or updates
How do you handle site preparation and installation?
Building a new playground for your community is an exciting event! Our network of certified installers help make the process fast and easy, but we know customers often have questions about building a playground. Our Construction Guide and Checklist will help ensure everything is ready for the big day!
Great Playgrounds Only Happen by Design
Play On! helps organizations design outdoor play environments that align with the national standards for youth physical activity, while still being packed with tons of fun!
Six Key Elements of Play
Spinning, sliding, swinging, climbing, brachiating, and balancing—by incorporating the Six Key Elements of Play into your playground design, you’ll create a dynamic and engaging space that keeps children active and engaged.
Research-based Curriculum
The Play On! guidebook features 125 standards-based activities designed for children from Pre-K through 5th grade. This curriculum can integrate within existing physical education programs, promoting overall health and wellness.
Our Process
Your Decision Will Impact Your Students, Teachers, and Community
Investing in high-quality playground equipment creates lasting benefits for children—promoting physical health, fostering social growth, and enhancing overall well-being.
With our process, bringing more playful opportunities to your school has never been easier.
Connect
Connect with a local GameTime expert who understands your state’s requirements and can assess your unique needs. We’re here to make the play process easy and enjoyable!
Design
Create solutions tailored to your school’s space and budget, with designs backed by evidence-based research to inspire play, learning, and growth.
Build
Our team of designers, project managers, and installers will handle every detail, ensuring the best experience from start to finish.
Enjoy
Watch your students thrive on their new playground—staying active, building friendships, and embracing play for all! Your local GameTime representative will continue to support your playful space for years to come.
Testimonials
Discover the power of play.
"The new playground has become the heart of our school, fostering community and play among our students."
Jamie Bacon
Principal, Three Rivers Elementary School
"I feel like I'm like all the other people. It makes me feel I'm not going to be left out."
Mayli
Student, Ikard Elementary School