• Playground systems come in many sizes.playground image by Lori Pagel from Fotolia.com
  
  Design an outdoor playground for your school that will be useful and safe for many years. The size of your playground space is not the only consideration. Take into account the amount and age of children that are expected to be playing on the playground at one time. Provide a variety of activities for children. Consider climbing, swinging and sliding toys, as well as options for handicapped children and independent play.
  
  

Slides

• Playgrounds can include several different varieties of slides that are attached to the main play structure. After using ladders, ropes, nets or climbing walls, children can slide down a straight or curved slide. There are also slides that use a roller system to propel the child down to the bottom. Generally, slides range from short 4-foot versions to 12- foot lengths.
  
  

Balance

• Balance beams are independent play additions to a school playground. Log rolls and stepping stones are two possibilities. Movable platforms and swinging bridges also help build dexterity.
  
  

Handicapped Accessible

• Molded swings can be added that allow handicapped children to swing safely. There are even swing platforms available that children in wheelchairs can use independently. Having a variety of safe ramps and platforms included in the design of your playground creates an inclusive environment so that all the children can play together.
  
  

Music

• Adding music makers to playground toys brings another element of play into the school yard. Sturdy xylophones, bells and chimes can be included in the structure of the equipment or be free-standing. Tom-tom drums, rollers and rain sticks that can be spun to make different sounds are also manufactured for school playground use.