Play is serious business, from tiny tots to active adults, and if your task is finding the right commercial playground swings for sale, playground structures or other playground equipment, there's much to know about doing it right.

Sure you need something built for fun. That's the point, after all. But you also need playground equipment that fits your space, your play "customers," your budget and other factors. You need safety, of course, and durability, too. Materials matter too. What do you want your playground swings, structures and equipment made from? Here are a few things to consider:

— Bare metal gets really hot; or really cold. Consider coatings such as polyester powdercoat paints or soft-grip surfaces.
— Clamps that secure corners and joints are critical to safety and durability.
— Fade-resistant colors and easy-to-clean surfaces will keep the equipment looking good longer.
— And don't forget about assembly. Logical packaging and easy diagrams will make the job a lot easier.

Here are some solutions to help you find and select the best playground swings, equipment and structures for your needs:

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Create your playground planning checklist

Don't rush. A little time spent on assessing your needs, analyzing your site and selecting your equipment will pay big dividends later.

I recommend: Landscape Structures Inc., a large playground equipment provider, has a terrifically helpful Planning Checklist that's a great way to get started. You'll find great tips on defining your playground objectives, accessing your needs, reviewing your available space and selecting the right equipment and materials. Some questions to answer include your overall budget, the number and age distribution of playground users, target dates, special uses or needs and any approvals required.

Choose your equipment types

The choices are wide, and include everything from simple swings to complex 'play systems.'

I recommend: Playground swings and spring riders are considered "independent play equipment." Composite play systems are connected play structures that can accommodate many children playing at once.

Compare different playground swing equipment suppliers

You'll find plenty of swing set options, including wooden swing sets, rubber playground swings, commercial playground swings, residential playground swings and advice on how to buy a swing set.

I recommend: Landscape Structures offers a wide range of commercial playground equipment and custom-designed structures. The helpful advice on their website extends well beyond just purchasing equipment, and includes a well-done and free Community Build guide that shows how to save money and build a better a playground with community involvement. Swingset.com is more of a swingset specialist, offering a wide range of swings, gliders and tire swings, along with slides, surfaces, hardware and site amenities. Swingsetsource.com has commercial as well as residential swingsets, including ADA-compliant equipment, slides, merry go rounds, spring riders, bucket swings and swing accessories. Other options include Progressive Design Playgrounds, Swingworks and Outdoor Fun Store.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  'Pride in your playground is one of the best deterrents to vandalism; involving the whole community in the planning process minimizes vandalism.' -- Landscape Structures
• •  Be sure to consider temperatures, seasonal sun angles, winds and rain/snow when buying and placing your equipment. And watch out for power or phone lines, including buried cables.
• •  The Federal government recommends separate play areas for children ages 2-5, and those between 5 and 12.
• •  Make sure your play area complies with provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that may apply.
• •  Site attributes of where you plan to put your playground swings or equipment play a major role in what you should select. For example, any slopes or drainage issues should be considered. Surface or soil conditions also matter, as does surrounding vegetation.