Getting Started
Since you have this catalog in hand, you've already taken the first step towards planning your play area. Congratulations. You've identified the leader in soft contained play! If you are new to contained play and are looking to get started, here are some easy steps to begin with. By asking yourself a few simple questions, you will be able to help identify a playground that's right for you.
For example, if you are considering developing a family entertainment center, you will want to consider a large contained playground that will serve as a major attraction and a hit for the kids. Your design should incorporate "open" components, enabling visibility and parent interaction (such as web crawls, Mega Mazes, and big tubes like the 44" Elevator Climb). You may consider adding theming, lights and sounds for an additional "wow" factor. Expect to create a large playground that may cost anywhere from $50,000 - $200,000 depending on your budget, playground size and objectives.
If, on the other hand, you are looking to add a playground to serve as an attraction to your restaurant, health & fitness club or shopping center, your playground will most likely not be designed as the "main attraction." Rather, its purpose will serve to attract families and increase sales, enabling children to play while parents are purchasing your products or services. The playground will serve to entertain children for smaller amounts of time, and will offer more durable, low-maintenance products.
Identify your playground objectives.
- Will the unit serve as a main attraction or to supplement my business and increase sales?
- Do I want to theme the playground or play area?
- Will the area be supervised or unsupervised?
- Will the unit be indoors or outdoors?
- What type of play activities do I want to offer?
- Will I offer additional games and activities?
- Do I want to offer a separate toddler area?
- Will adults be encouraged to play in the playground?
Identify your budget and site.
- What percentage will be devoted to the unit? To theming?
- Will I be using financing?
- What is my expected ROI?
- Where will the unit be located? Indoors? Outdoors? Near entrances?
- Is floor space an issue? Do I want to maximize play in the air and minimize floor space?
Obtain a site plan to plan your unit. You will need:
- Correct site dimensions
- Ensure entrances and exits are marked
- Identify HVAC equipment, AC & heating ventilation piping, soffits, etc.
- Identify any additional activities in the play area.
Contact Soft Play!
Once you contact Soft Play, a representative will work with you to design a playground based on your budget and site objectives. He or she will work with you to identify the components that you would like to incorporate and review a variety of units that may fit your site. From there, Soft Play designers will obtain your site plan and design a unit for your review. The rest is easy!