Our History

It was 1984 when four innovators in a garage started Soft Play, a company that later would become known as the Architects of Play. Company founders developed a safe alternative to traditional style playground equipment, quickly outgrowing the garage and earning the trust of some of America’s biggest brands.

Contained play, as it now is known, is a specialized system of play that goes vertical for efficient use of space, while keeping children safely inside the play structure. Where traditional playgrounds had components spread over acres of ground, contained play uses much less space, has specific entries and exits and features enclosed components such as slides and tubes. Children climb “in” and not “on” contained play components, which helps reduce fall-related injuries.

In the late 90s studies reported huge increases in the rate of childhood obesity, largely due to watching TV and playing video games instead of participating in more active play. So, Soft Play changed the industry again with the introduction of its Get Active, Have Fun philosophy. The company developed new components, incorporating them into complete play systems, designed to get kids moving.

Customers demand safe, visible, durable, low maintenance, easy to clean attractions and children desire an attraction that is fun. For more than 25 years, we have maintained this delicate balance between the safe, fun play needs of children and the needs of those who purchase our systems.

Soft Play – the global leader of contained playground equipment - continues to pursue its mission to provide safe forms of play. As part of PlayPower Inc., the world’s largest playground and recreation manufacturing group of companies, Soft Play leverages this strong backing and manufacturing expertise to develop the most innovative products and safe designs.  There can be no better choice than one with the extensive experience, service history and product design as Soft Play.