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Site preparation is the foundation of every successful playground.
The goal of this guide is simple: To give you a clear, practical understanding of the concepts that shape a well-prepared site so you can move into the design and installation phase with confidence.
Every site is different. Each one presents its own set of unique challenges.
This guide covers the general concepts we see most often in the field.
One quick note: If your site conditions are unclear or complex, reach out to a professional in your area or give us a call.
There are two major considerations during this phase: getting both drainage and accessibility correct.
Playground surfacing systems are notably thick, often ranging between 6 and 12 inches to provide the fall protection required under and around equipment. Because these systems have so much depth, they require borders to contain the material and create a clean transition into the play area.
Without proper site preparation, these borders can trap water and prevent the playground from draining. When water sits inside the play area, it can quickly degrade the surfacing system.
Accessibility requires the same level of foresight. If the site isn't graded correctly at the start, it can prevent wheelchair access and make it difficult for people of all ages and abilities to use the space comfortably.
Because site preparation dictates both drainage and accessibility, it is essential to plan for these factors at the very beginning of your project.
The ADA standard requires the accessible areas of a playground surface to stay under a 2 percent slope. This specific requirement ensures the space can be used safely and comfortably by everyone.
While you must meet accessibility standards, a playground also needs a slope for drainage.
As a general rule of thumb, we aim for a slope between 1 and 1.5 percent. This range typically creates enough movement for water to exit the site while providing a necessary buffer below the ADA limit.
Finding this balance is a major component of a successful grading plan.
Above-grade: A playground built on top of the surrounding grade. Borders sit fully above the natural ground.
Below-grade: A playground set into the ground so the top of the borders sit flush or close to flush with the surrounding grade.
Partially recessed: A playground where part of the border is above grade and part is below. This creates mixed conditions.
Subgrade: The prepared ground surface below the surfacing system.
Playground border: The material that contains the surfacing and creates the perimeter of the play area.
Loose-fill surfacing: Materials such as engineered wood fiber or rubber mulch.
Static surfacing: Systems such as synthetic turf or poured-in-place rubber.
Surfacing system: The complete impact-attenuating system installed inside the play area.
The way you manage water depends largely on how your playground sits relative to the surrounding ground.
Above-grade playgrounds are most commonly paired with loose-fill surfacing. In this configuration, the borders hold the surfacing in place while sitting entirely above the natural ground level.
Above-grade playground cross-section
Here are the drainage approaches we commonly see on above-grade sites:
Planning for above-grade playgrounds is generally more straightforward. The surrounding grade manages the drainage once water flows beyond the borders, provided the landscape effectively handles the runoff.
Below-grade playgrounds are usually surfaced with static systems like synthetic turf or poured-in-place rubber, though loose-fill can also be used. Because the borders sit lower than the surrounding ground, water cannot simply drain through the perimeter.
Below-grade playground cross-section
The most common solution for below-grade sites is to install drain tile under the surfacing system. This pipe collects water and routes it out of the playground into existing site drainage or a pop-up emitter.
These sites are more complex to plan. The underground drainage system must be designed with the correct slope to ensure water moves in the right direction and reaches the discharge point.
Accessibility is a core requirement for any public play space. The method you use to achieve it depends on whether your playground is above or below the surrounding grade.
Because these playgrounds sit higher than the natural ground, they require a ramp to create an accessible entry point.
Above-grade playground ramp access cross-section
Common solutions include:
If you are using loose-fill surfacing, you often need a ramp on the inside of the border as well. This design preserves the "lip" needed to reduce surfacing kick-out while providing a smooth, safe transition into the play area.
Below-grade playgrounds are naturally easier to make accessible. They can often be designed as "zero-entry" spaces. In this scenario, the surrounding sidewalk meets the playground surface at the same elevation, removing the need for specialized ramp structures.
Below-grade playground access cross-section
Partially recessed playgrounds share characteristics with both above-grade and below-grade systems. Because they feature mixed conditions, they require a hybrid approach to planning.
Partially recessed playground cross-section
For drainage purposes, you should treat these sites like a below-grade playground.
Water in the recessed portion cannot escape through the border, so you may need to create an intentional path for it to exit the space. If the recess is shallow, water often percolates into the ground fast enough to avoid problems. However, if you are dealing with difficult soils or deeper recesses, additional planning is required to ensure water can leave the area effectively.
When it comes to accessibility, treat these sites like an above-grade playground.
Since part of the border sits above the natural grade, you need to account for the same ramp or transition planning used in above-grade installations. This ensures that the elevated portion of the perimeter does not become a barrier to entry.
Here are some common scenarios we run into in the field along with a cross section to generally show how we would approach grading them.
What is cut and fill? Cut and fill is the process of cutting down the high areas and using that material to fill the low areas. Even with cut and fill, you may need additional soil or may end up with excess soil depending on the site.
High spots are cut down and low spots are filled. The goal is to create a smooth subgrade for the surfacing system.
The high side is cut so the top of the playground sits flush with the surrounding finish grade. The low side is then backfilled using material cut from the high side.
What do you mean by “Excavation”? In the context of playground site prep, we mean removing material from the site. This is usually to set the playground below-grade.
The low side is set flush with the surrounding finish grade. The high side is raised slightly to achieve the correct slope. The edge is then backfilled.
Anticipating common pitfalls during the site preparation phase can save you from costly corrections during installation.
Plastic playground borders are not an ideal choice when they are fully recessed. Soil pressing against the outside of the border can create back pressure that these products were not designed to handle. If you need a below-grade perimeter, consider alternative materials.
Slopes can become difficult to manage when the play area connects to existing concrete on multiple sides.
For example, if two sides of your playground tie into existing sidewalks, those sidewalks will dictate the slope of the play area. If the existing concrete falls within a 1% to 2% range, the design works well. However, if the sidewalks sit outside that range, your grading options are limited.
Addressing these "locked" elevations during the design phase ensures your installation crew isn't met with an impossible grading task on-site.
When working with loose-fill surfacing, choosing the least aggressive slope is usually the best approach. A gentler slope slows the movement of water across the site. This helps keep your surfacing material in place rather than allowing it to wash out during heavy rain.
Playground equipment must be installed level. This means that on a sloped site, equipment on the high side will sit lower relative to the ground, while equipment on the low side will sit higher. Without proper planning, this can affect safety clearances and the aesthetic of the structure.
Here are common ways to manage this:
Preparing a site for a playground requires a careful balance of drainage and accessibility. By understanding these concepts early in the process, you can design a space that functions well and avoids preventable long-term issues.
If your site presents unique challenges or if you simply want help planning your layout, our team is here to walk through the process with you.
We can help you design, plan, and build your entire playground project. Whether you need support evaluating your site or just want to discuss your ideas, we’re ready to help.
