There’s no doubt about it, getting outdoors these days is increasingly vital for communities, schools, and public spaces. Since the global pandemic, there has been a shift to a lot more remote opportunities, and that means many people are spending way more time in the house. That’s not healthy, and aside from lacking the vitamin D you get from being outside, outdoor activities also provide a break from life’s daily stresses. Whether it’s playing sports in the local park, taking the kids to a children’s playground, meeting friends for a picnic or just getting some one-on-one time with nature, inviting and safe outdoor recreation spaces can lift spirits, boost energy, and even help you make new friends.
In fact, outdoor time is so important to us as a society, for both mental and physical health, that two programs exist to promote it. First up, there’s the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP). This U.S. program provides grants to help develop and improve outdoor recreational facilities, particularly in economically underserved communities and urban areas. The ORLP’s mission is to fund and support the creation and improvement of outdoor recreation spaces, especially in areas where access to such spaces is limited. Managed by the National Park Service, it typically funds projects like new parks, playgrounds, trails, and other recreational areas.
Then there are Open Space Programs. Usually implemented at the local, state, or national levels, this involves public/private partnerships, grants, or funding from government agencies. These programs focus on protecting land from development (urban sprawl is eating up outdoor spaces) to provide communities with access to green spaces, recreational areas, and even habitats for wildlife.
The four main goals of Open Space Programs typically include:
- Conservation: Preserving natural landscapes, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
- Recreation: Providing areas for public recreation such as parks, trails, and outdoor activities.
- Community Enhancement: Improving the quality of life by offering accessible green spaces, which can contribute to the health and well-being of residents.
- Environmental Protection: Protecting water resources, air quality, and natural habitats from the impacts of urbanization.
You should definitely look into both of these initiatives, you may find out you’re eligible for grants or funding to improve or create an outdoor recreation space. So, now that you the importance of getting outside, let’s take a look at all the ways you can outfit your own space to be a fun, safe and inviting area.
Essentials for an Outdoor Recreation Area
1. Playground Equipment
The cornerstone of many outdoor recreation spaces, playground equipment (swings, slides, climbing frames, forts and so on) provides children with the chance to play imaginatively with friends and family. When selecting playground equipment, consider durability, safety features, and age-appropriateness. Look for commercial-grade options that can withstand heavy use and various weather conditions.
And of course, look at floor treatments that allow children to fall without hurting themselves. This can be anything from solid rubber and mulch, to play sand, pea gravel, grass, and engineered wood fiber (EWF). By far the most popular option for this is interlocking rubber playground tiles. They’re durable, weather-resistant, and provide impact absorption to reduce injuries. Easy to install and low maintenance, their interlocking design adapts to surfaces like concrete, asphalt, and even gravel. This makes them ideal for schools, parks, and residential areas, creating a safe and long-lasting play surface to protect children from falls.
2. Picnic Tables
Picnic tables create inviting outdoor spaces where friends and family can gather, relax, and enjoy meals together (summer BBQs are always a hit). Whether you set them up in parks, schoolyards, or residential areas, outdoor tables are a convenient and comfy seating option that encourages social gatherings, outdoor learning, and more time in the open air. Of course, durability is key here as they have to handle the elements year-round, so opt for materials that are weather-resistant and low-maintenance, such as powder-coated steel or recycled plastic.
3. Outdoor Benches
Strategically placed benches offer resting spots and viewing areas throughout the recreation space. They can be particularly beneficial for older adults or those with limited mobility, ensuring that the area is accessible and enjoyable for all community members.
4. Water Bottle Filling Stations and Drinking Fountains
It seems that summers get hotter every year, and staying hydrated is crucial during outdoor activities in the baking heat. Today’s water bottle filling stations and drinking fountains provide quick and easy access to clean water, and they also promote sustainability by reducing single-use plastic bottle waste (an important issue for so many people right now). Again, durability is important, and you should also consider models with built-in filters and outdoor-rated components for year-round use. If pets are a consideration, you can even find models with pet stations and bowl fillers.
5. Grounds Maintenance Equipment
It’s no good having a beautiful rec area if you don’t keep it well-maintained. The right tools for the job vary, including lawnmowers, leaf blowers, pruning shears, and wheelbarrows. Prepare to spend as much as you can on these items, the higher the quality the longer they will last. And you may also need a secure and lockable tool shed.
6. Bike Racks
Bikes are big business. Programs like Bike To Work Day, plus a focus on healthier ways to get around (and help the environment) mean there’s more need for bike racks now than ever before. Secure and well-designed bike racks provide a convenient solution for cyclists and can help reduce vehicle congestion in parking areas.
7. Bleachers
For outdoor spaces that host sports events or performances, sturdy bleachers are a must. They provide comfortable seating for spectators and can be an excellent addition to multi-use recreation areas. Constructed from heavy-duty materials like aluminum, they’re built to endure the toughest outdoor conditions. Available in a variety of sizes and configurations, bleachers can meet different capacity requirements. Portable options offer reliable and comfortable seating for guests and fans, and can be conveniently stored when not in use.
8. Safety Equipment
Ensuring the safety of all users should be your top priority. This includes items such as traffic cones, crowd control barricades, and parking lot safety features like speed bumps and parking curbs. These elements help manage traffic flow and prevent accidents in busy areas. You should also consider protective equipment and even fire safety equipment.
9. Trash Cans and Sanitation
A messy outdoor safe is not only uninviting, it’s also unsanitary. It’s important to maintain a clean environment for the health and enjoyment of all users. Placed trash cans and recycling bins at strategic places (near seating, tables, play equipment) to encourage people to get rid of their trash responsibly. If possible, provide options for recycling as well. You should also look for models with secure lids to prevent litter from blowing out, and to deter insects and animals.
Some Additional Considerations Before You Purchase
When kitting out an outdoor recreation area, it's tempting to opt for less expensive residential-grade products. However, that’s a mistake. Investing in commercial or industrial-grade outdoor furniture and equipment offers several significant advantages:
- Longevity and Durability: Commercial-grade products are designed to withstand heavy use, harsh weather conditions, and potential vandalism. This robustness translates to a longer lifespan, meaning fewer replacements. As the old saying goes, buy cheap, buy twice.
- Minimal Maintenance: High-quality outdoor furniture and equipment typically require less maintenance, saving time and money in the long run. Look into features like rust-resistant coatings, UV-stabilized materials, and tamper-resistant hardware for easier upkeep.
- More Safety: Commercial-grade products are built to meet stringent safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. This is particularly true for playground equipment and other high-use areas.
Creating a Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Space
Finally, some advice on actually planning your outdoor recreation area. Don’t go shopping until you consider the following:
- Assess Your Needs: Think carefully about the specific requirements of your community or institution. Consider factors such as age groups served, typical usage patterns, and any special needs or accessibility concerns. Do you need ramps for wheelchairs for example?
- Plan for Multi-Use Areas: Design spaces that can accommodate various activities and user groups. For example, an open field can serve as a sports area, event space, or casual recreation zone.
- Incorporate Nature: You’re outdoors, make it outdoorsy! Integrate natural elements such as trees, gardens, or water features to create a more inviting and calming environment.
- Plan for Growth: Choose modular or expandable equipment that can be easily updated or added to as needs change over time. A new outdoor rec area could become a popular hotspot and need additional searing, trashcans, and amenities.
- Ask Your Community: What do people want? What don’t they want? Don’t play guessing games, find ways to ask including emails, calls, in-person meetings, and so on. When you involve stakeholders in the planning process, you’ll ensure the space meets the diverse needs of the community it serves.
To sum up, revamping your outdoor recreation space is an investment in the health and well-being of your community. By carefully selecting high-quality, commercial-grade products and thoughtfully designing the area, you can create a vibrant, safe, and inviting environment that serves diverse needs and stands the test of time. And if you need help with the planning, the equipment, or anything else related to your outdoor recreation purchases, one of our experts will be happy to help.
The information contained in this article is for informational, educational, and promotional purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. It is the reader’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations. If there is any question or doubt in regard to any element contained in this article, please consult a licensed professional. Under no circumstances will Global Industrial® be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on this article.