IPEMA’s latest report highlights emerging trends in playground-equipment manufacturing
By Michelle Keyser
From advancements in surfacing and material technology to a growing emphasis on inclusive and sustainable design, the playground equipment industry continues to evolve. Staying up to date on industry trends is paramount for equipment manufacturers, designers, and experts alike. As a resource for the playground-equipment industry, International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA), a non-profit trade group, published its IPEMA Insights Report, which explores emerging trends shaping the industry.
“IPEMA is the voice for the public playground industry, and the IPEMA Insights Report represents the collective views of experts in our field on trends in playground design, surfacing innovations, and play space dynamics,” says IPEMA Board President Mike Sutton. “From prioritizing safety to increasing inclusive options to incorporating natural elements, the report features insights to help manufacturers stay current on what the market is demanding.”
Natural Innovation
Communities recognize the benefits of playgrounds and are placing greater emphasis on innovations that enhance the playground experience. The report provides an overview of what’s in play and what’s on the horizon.
The report contains information on trends in surfacing, natural elements, inclusive equipment, and equipment that offers children a playground environment for safer risk-taking. For instance, between minimizing hazards and maximizing accessibility, there is a lot to do when installing, upgrading, and maintaining playground surfacing. Many playgrounds that previously had hard surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt, or grass, have replaced these surfaces with more cushioning, engineered wood fiber, artificial turf, or rubber mulch.
“Improving surfacing materials and their installation addresses the evolving trend of incorporating renovated features and innovative play systems that unlock education exploration, problem-solving, and balancing safety with risky play,” says Brad Pittam, IPEMA’s immediate past president.
Infusing natural elements into play spaces is also becoming more common. Communities are beginning to integrate logs, trees, flower beds, boulders, and similar materials, and they’re incorporating the natural space around or within the playground into the planning process. Utilizing both durable manufactured equipment, which allows for activities like swinging, gliding, and spinning, and natural elements, provides a well-rounded outdoor play experience. Natural elements improve sensory and emotional growth, while traditional equipment builds physical and social skills. By thoughtfully integrating both, playgrounds become engaging, balanced spaces that inspire creativity and growth.
"Connecting kids with nature is essential for their well-being, helping them feel better, focus more, and grow into happier, healthier individuals,” says Dr. Suzanne Quinn of KOMPAN Play Institute Manager, Americas. “Despite challenges like space, cost, and maintenance in urban areas, it’s crucial to prioritize nature in play spaces to nurture our humanity. Some design tips I recommend for nature play and natural playgrounds is to create a playful and welcoming atmosphere for all people; activate the senses with nature that is touchable, smellable, seeable; activate the body with play events to choose from: climbing, swinging, spinning, balancing, rocking and sliding; and overall, respect nature and our common worlds.”
The Right Kind Of Risk-Taking
IPEMA’s report also touches on inclusive equipment that offers children an environment suitable for safer risk-taking. Inclusive equipment extends far beyond addressing physical disabilities and encompasses a broad spectrum of neurodiverse children. Implementing inclusive play equipment is about recognizing and accommodating the unique strengths and challenges of every individual, fostering an environment where everyone can participate and thrive.
“A top priority for any inclusive space is fostering equitability through design,” says Jill Moore, Inclusive Play Specialist, Landscape Structures, and Paralympian. “People with disabilities want to be able to engage in play like everyone else and, to do so we need both equipment and spaces that have been designed for us to connect with our peers. When we design intentionally, we allow everyone of every ability to do what they’re meant to do at the playground, and that’s play together.”
She continues, “It is important to remember that in playground design, there is value in being face-to-face, making sure that anyone, of any ability, feels included in the play environment. This includes proximity. Inclusive equipment should be integrated into the play space rather than in a separate area to foster equitable play.”
Additionally, today’s playground designs are often made with safer risk-taking in mind. Not only are play spaces offering children a space to run, jump, and test boundaries more safely, but they are creating a safe environment where children can take calculated risks. This promotes improved confidence, positive self-esteem, self-control, and the ability to follow rules.
“For kids who may not be quite as excited to jump from play element to play element, parents can take a more hands-on approach by trying new things together at the playground,” Pittam says.
Sustainable Play, Sustainable Communities
The report also highlights emerging trends like manufacturing sustainable and environmentally conscious equipment, and integrating technology into a playground’s landscape. Manufacturing shifts in equipment are giving communities greater peace of mind through sustainability, enabling them to make environmentally conscious decisions based on source materials and to consider the future environmental impact of the equipment. Examples of environmentally conscious source materials include timber sustainably sourced through accredited, renewable forests and stainless steel.
Technology also impacts play spaces through augmented reality, interactive games, and physical technology such as interactive panels and electronic games.
“Pokémon Go is an example of an augmented reality game that enables players to utilize their cell phones and encourages them to go outside, visit their local park or recreation area, interacting with both the game and each other,” says Denise Calabrese, CAE, Executive Director, IPEMA.
Lastly, the report examines how playgrounds bring generations together and how the current playground renaissance benefits communities. Through intentional space design, playgrounds are encouraging greater connection among people of all ages. Play spaces are increasingly incorporating multigenerational features that offer opportunities for physical activity and for people to interact and develop relationships that create healthy communities. This can be done by providing a variety of play activities with a mixture of challenge levels tailored to all ages and abilities, from infants to young adults to older adults. Incorporating fitness stations or low-impact play structures, such as balance equipment and outdoor gym equipment, can encourage adults to participate in physical activity. This intergenerational play encourages socialization between children and adults, fostering a sense of community while promoting physical health for all. Play spaces that incorporate shaded areas, natural elements, and areas to rest and gather are also considered multigenerational since they encourage individuals to stay longer.
Playgrounds have also proven to bring value to a community and its properties. The presence of a playground around residential homes is believed to increase property values and build a sense of community among residents. Additionally, offering an outdoor recreational area in a community is known to bring people together to connect, play, and socialize, creating a positive impact on the overall community.
Moore says, “As manufacturers, the biggest thing we can do is foster equitability through design. We have the opportunity through the equipment we design to create spaces that ignite moments of joy for any individual regardless of ability or age.”
To explore more about the trends and customer demands regarding what’s in play and what’s on the horizon for the playground industry, the full IPEMA Insights Report can be viewed at IPEMA.org.
About IPEMA
The International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) is a non-profit trade association. IPEMA’s members include manufacturers of public play equipment and surfacing materials, as well as consultants and suppliers related to the industry. IPEMA also provides a product-certification program for public play equipment and surfacing materials. To learn more or become a member, visit IPEMA.org.
Michelle Keyser is IPEMA's Director of Communications, bringing more than 30 years of expertise in marketing, branding, and strategic communications across nonprofit and corporate sectors. She leads a team of professionals in developing and executing impactful communication strategies, media relations, and brand management.